[announcer] 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.
-[Undertaker] Rest in peace. -[JR] My god what a--
-[The Rock] If you smell… -[Vince] You're fired.
-[Austin] Give me a "Hell, yeah!" -[crowd] Hell, yeah!
-[commentator] It's not over. -[JR] The world is watching.
-[eerie music playing] -[Vickie] Ladies and gentlemen,
the new World Heavyweight Champion,
Edge.
[Edge] I'd like to thank all of you, my fans, the Edgeheads.
I'd like to thank two very specific Edgeheads.
[Cole] Undertaker and Batista oblivious to the multiple Edges that are out here.
[Edge] They saw the greatness in me, and they attached themselves to it,
and who can blame them?
[Cole] Edge stole it. Edge is the world champion.
[Edge] With all due respect to you guys,
there's one person that I really need to thank.
She brought me back to being the champion that I am today.
She is the love… [distorting] …the love
of my life… of my life.
And tonight I promise all of you that the last image you will see is this.
[echoing] The last image you will see is this.
[Cole] The look on Batista's face, the body mannerisms say it all.
He wants his World Title back tonight,
which is why he invoked that rematch clause.
[Vickie] Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
This is a championship match.
However, it is a three-on-one handicap match.
[intense music playing]
[Cole] So it's Edge, Curt Hawkins, and Zack Ryder against Batista
with the World Title on the line.
[commentator] Batista was prepping himself to face one man, Edge.
Now, he faces not two but three men.
Whoa. Batista!
[Cole] And that burst of energy may be what the Number One Contender needs.
Uh-oh. The Animal spearing Edge off the barricade.
Zack Ryder caught in midair.
Batista planting Ryder.
[Cole] He's got him.
Here's the cover, hook of the leg, he did it.
Oh, Batista has won the World Title.
[triumphant music playing]
[ring announcer] The winner of this match and new World Heavyweight Champion--
[Vickie] Whoa, stop, stop, stop--
[ring announcer] …Batista.
-[Vickie] No, no, no, no, no. -[music slows]
Stop everything. Stop.
Batista?
The only way that you can win that title is to beat Edge.
I demand that this match starts over, so ring the bell.
[bell ringing]
[Cole] Edge-- No.
Batista closing in.
Batista Bomb time.
Oh, come-come on.
[bell ringing]
[Cole] Steel chair to the back of the knee.
Edge's championship saved.
Double-team by Hawkins and Ryder on the steel chair.
No, no, no, no.
[indistinct]
[Cole] Batista came here to win the title tonight, and he did.
Batista has been screwed
by the power couple of Edge and Vickie Guerrero.
[Edge] Tonight, I promise all of you
that the last image you will see is this.
["Rise Up" by Drowning Pool playing]
♪ And I won't be denied ♪
♪ 'Cause all I've got left is my pride ♪
♪ And I will rise up ♪
♪ Breaking out, break you down Breaking rules, breaking ground ♪
♪ Had your chance, now it's gone ♪
♪ A new day, a new dawn ♪
[fireworks exploding]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Happy New Year, everybody, and welcome to network television's
red-hot show, Friday Night SmackDown.
We are in Richmond, Virginia as we kick off 2008 with a bang.
[song ends]
[crowd booing]
[Cole] There is General Manager Vickie Guerrero
and her assistant, Theodore Long.
Okay, Teddy, this is far enough.
Stop.
[crowd booing]
Good evening and happy new year.
[crowd booing]
Thank you.
Welcome to the first Friday Night SmackDown of 2008.
[crowd cheers]
I just wanna set the record straight…
that if Batista or Undertaker
so much lays a finger on your World Heavyweight Champion…
[crowd booing]
…their chances of regaining a championship will go up in smoke.
[crowd booing]
Now, I've been consulting with the love of my life,
and in the spirit of competition,
I decided to make a Beat the Clock Challenge.
[crowd cheering]
Now, tonight's winner of the Beat the Clock Challenge
will go one-on-one with your world champion
at the Royal Rumble.
[crowd cheering]
Now, among the participants tonight
will be the man who loves to fight, Finlay…
[crowd cheering]
…Rey Mysterio…
[crowd cheering]
…Batista…
[crowd cheering]
…and The Undertaker.
[crowd cheering]
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my sincere pleasure
to introduce to you a man of extraordinary credentials,
a keen sense of fairness,
and oratory skills that are par excellence.
Please help me welcome SmackDown's new color commentator,
Jonathan Coachman.
["Hard Hittin'" by Homebwoi playing]
[Cole] Well, Jonathan Coachman,
formerly of Monday Night Raw, apparently joining me here
in the announce booth on Friday Night SmackDown.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] My former broadcast colleague,
John "Bradshaw" Layfield, returning to the ring.
Made his first in-ring appearance on…
in-arena appearance on Raw this past Monday night,
embroiled in a rivalry with Chris Jericho.
So Bradshaw's gone,
and I'm now joined here by Jonathan Coachman.
♪ All this is mine You boys just blew it ♪
♪ Shucks, ain't it a shame how I mack? ♪
♪ Women, they comin' in crowds… ♪
Welcome aboard.
Welcome.
♪ V.I.P. at the Grammy Awards Now top that ♪
♪ Mr. Collipark Keep the money comin' in… ♪
[crowd cheering]
♪ Cadillac boy, mack down to the end ♪
♪ Peace, stones or conflicts Shorty, we all in ♪
[bell ringing]
[Roberts] The following contest
is a Beat the Clock Challenge Match scheduled for one fall.
[Finlay] My name is Finlay, and I love to fight!
[Cole] Well, welcome aboard Jonathan Coachman.
[Roberts] Introducing first, from Belfast, Northern Ireland,
weighing 233 pounds, Finlay.
[Cole] And what a great night to start. Beat the Clock Challenge.
[Coachman] I got to tell you, when I was presented with this opportunity,
I had to take it.
Happy new year to you and everybody watching around the world.
Friday Night SmackDown and a Beat the Clock Challenge…
-[Cole] You see-- -…here tonight.
[Cole] You see Finlay with Hornswoggle here tonight on SmackDown.
On Raw Monday night, Finlay wasn't around,
but Mr. McMahon did make another tough love situation for his son,
Hornswoggle.
He put Raw General Manager William Regal into a matchup with Hornswoggle,
and then Mr. McMahon asked William Regal to, well, show his true colors,
to use the brass knuckles against Mr. McMahon's own illegitimate son,
Hornswoggle.
[Vince] Now, bust him up. Bust him up. Hit him, hit him, bust him up.
Hit him, hit him, come on.
Hit him, hit him.
[Cole] Mr. Regal could not bring himself to strike Hornswoggle
with those brass knuckles,
and Mr. McMahon, to say the least, was not pleased.
That was a test.
[indistinct]
No, no, no. I was testing you. You failed me.
I never really wanted you to hit him.
I just wanted to see if you would.
What happened?
What happened to you inside?
What happen to you, huh?
[Coachman] You know, Michael, what that shows me
is what everybody already knows.
Mr. McMahon believes in tough love,
but at the end of the day, he loves his family more than anything.
[Cole] Well, who's Finlay's opponent gonna be
here in the Beat the Clock Challenge on SmackDown?
["I'm Coming" by Silkk the Shocker playing]
[Cole] And Finlay draws in--
[Roberts] And his opponent, from Miami, Florida,
weighing 248 pounds,
he is the WWE United States Champion,
Montel Vontavious Porter, MVP.
[Coachman] And you know what, Cole? This is gonna be interesting.
Let's say, different styles.
You got a brawler, a man who loves to fight in Finlay.
And then we have MVP, a guy that we were looking at on Raw who, who…
is just so arrogant and is exceptional,
but at the same time,
he knows what he can do as the United States Champion.
This is gonna be a real fight between these two mega Superstars.
[Cole] Let's set the stage once again.
This is a Beat the Clock Challenge matchup,
and what that means is
you will win this match by traditional means,
pinfall, submission, disqualification, or count-out,
but it's how quickly you win this match
that will set the pace for the rest of the evening.
[Coachman] And this first match really sets the time…
-[bell ringing] -…sets the tone,
and I think these two men have the advantage,
because any match after this,
they will always be looking at the clock, knowing what time they have to beat,
and to me, that's added pressure.
[Cole] Clock is ticking away.
Finlay, a former United States Champion,
against the current United States Champion, MVP.
Again, the winner, whoever beats the clock tonight
sets the pace, will face the World Champion
in less than a month at the Royal Rumble.
[Coachman] You know, when you look at… When you look at…
At Finlay, I don't think his style is conducive
to a Beat the Clock Challenge.
[Cole] Here's the first pinfall of the matchup and a kickout by MVP.
You make a good point, Coach, and the reason being
is because Finlay likes to methodically take down his opponents,
knocks them down, work on a body part.
[Coachman] Yeah, it's one of those things where he's gonna have to change his style,
or if he doesn't,
increase the, uh… the motivation, so to speak.
-Because they both know-- -[Cole] Oh, wow.
And that's what Finlay's all about, and MVP retaliated.
[Coachman] Well, they both know that you got to win quickly
because it's gonna take a quick one, two, three
to get to the Royal Rumble.
[Cole] MVP trying to get a pin cover here on Finlay to no avail.
And you saw MVP pulled Finlay out of the ropes moments ago.
MVP cannot attack Finlay on the ropes, cannot risk disqualification.
And there's a boot right to the face of the fighting Irishman.
[Coachman] MVP had such a great 2007. There's no reason to believe
that 2008 won't be that much better.
[Cole] Remember, you can win this matchup via count-out.
You see the clock ticking away. We're a minute and a half in.
Time is of the essence in this battle.
And Hornswoggle providing some distraction.
[Coachman indistinct] …in the wrong place at the wrong time.
[Cole] MVP in control of Finlay. Who's gonna set the pace?
Who's gonna set the time to beat?
We hope to find out when we return.
[Cole] We are back on Friday Night SmackDown.
The first matchup in the Beat the Clock Challenge
is underway. Finlay versus MVP.
Remember, being the first match of the night,
the winner of this match will set the pace.
You see the clock. Five minutes and counting already gone by
in this matchup, and time is of the essence.
[Coachman] Yeah, it certainly is, because all the matches
that come after this, they have to beat this time.
You've got guys like Rey Mysterio, The Undertaker,
Batista, all having a shot tonight in the Beat the Clock Challenge.
[Cole] And remember, if you do win the Beat the Clock Challenge,
you will get an opportunity at the World Title at the Royal Rumble.
Here's the cover by Finlay, and a kickout by MVP.
[Coachman] Yeah, and who's to stay that Vickie Guerrero is not being fair?
Just because The Undertaker and Batista…
[Cole] Cover again. Again, the shoulder rolled up.
[Coachman] …can't lay their hands on Edge.
[Cole] Another cover.
[Coachman] They can win the opportunity to lay their hands on Edge
-at the Royal Rumble. -[Cole] You're, of course, referring
to what Vickie Guerrero said at the beginning of the show.
As MVP tries to go for another pinfall,
and Finlay rolls the shoulder up, realizing he's in trouble.
And what that was,
that if Undertaker or Batista lays a finger on Edge,
their chances of regaining the title will go up in smoke.
-[Coachman] As I watch this match… -[Cole] Shoulders down.
[Coachman] …Finlay is a master of countering maneuvers,
and I think that's why MVP's having such a hard time
in getting a victory over Finlay.
[Cole] But keep in mind what happens. Every time Finlay counters a maneuver,
-the clock ticks away, more time goes by. -[Coachman] Great point.
[Cole] We're six and a half minutes and counting.
Shoulders down, and Finlay again rolls the shoulder up.
And MVP perhaps getting more frustrated,
needs to try to take Finlay out as quick as possible.
[Coachman] And once that frustration goes in,
and you see MVP looking at the clock,
he realizes that this match has gone on way too long for his liking.
[Cole] Again, a huge opportunity for perhaps one of these gentlemen
to become the Number One Contender for the World Championship.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Clock continues to move toward the seven-minute mark of this match.
Finlay's in trouble.
MVP trying to wear down the former United States Champion.
[Coachman] I find it very difficult to believe that the other Superstars
later in the show can't beat seven minutes.
This match has got to end for one of these two men
very, very quickly.
[Cole] Well, that's because it's an incredibly competitive matchup.
These two Superstars so evenly matched.
MVP, the United States Champion.
Finlay, the former United States Champ.
And remember, you can win this matchup via submission,
pinfall, count-out, or disqualification, as MVP tries to take Finlay out.
[Coachman] And such a huge opportunity, in my opinion, to go to the Royal Rumble,
to get a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship,
and both of these men know that.
[Cole] They may never get another opportunity to battle for the World Title.
[Coachman] They don't come around very often.
[Cole] Clock ticking away toward the eight-minute mark.
Oh, MVP. Kick to the head.
MVP needs to go for a cover, and he does.
Hooks the leg, two-count, and a kickout.
[Coachman] You need to go for a cover every single time
you have the opportunity to cover.
[Cole] And Finlay just trying to battle back into this thing.
MVP has controlled this matchup throughout much of it.
Past the eight-minute mark.
[Coachman] This is all about speed. It's all about timing.
The faster you get a pin, the more of a chance you have
to get that opportunity.
[Cole] Here's another-- Oh, another cover and another kickout by Finlay.
And Finlay realizing every time his shoulder goes to the mat,
his chances at a World Title slip away.
And Finlay driving that elbow into the temple.
[MVP exclaiming]
[Cole] Working on the right arm of MVP.
[Coachman] And Michael, you made a great point that these two men
are so evenly matched, that it's very difficult
for one to defeat the other in a quick time.
[Cole] That's what we talked about earlier. Finlay's style
perhaps not conducive to this type of a matchup where time is of the essence.
Finlay hoping for a submission here, trying to wear the left arm of MVP down.
Will the United States Champion tap out?
That's what Finlay's looking for.
Referee Jimmy Korderas in perfect position.
[Coachman] Well, look at the agony and the pain on MVP's face,
but he has so much heart. He is such a tough individual
that he's not gonna submit that easily.
[Cole] 9:10 and counting.
Matchup will set the pace for the rest of the night
in the Beat the Clock Challenge.
Nobody home.
Finlay goes shoulder-first into the steel post.
Could be the opening MVP needs.
[Coachman] But can MVP capitalize on it?
Can he capitalize on moving?
And yes, he did, but he's got to have a cover right here.
[Cole] Here's the cover off the kick. Hooks the leg. Will MVP set the pace?
And Finlay with the wherewithal to get his leg on the bottom rope.
[Coachman] What an unfortunate situation…
-[Cole] Hey, hey! -…for MVP.
[Cole] Hey, Hornswoggle just… Hornswoggle tossed the shillelagh.
Referee distracted. Another shillelagh used.
Here's the cover. Hook of the leg.
Finlay has set the pace at nine minutes, forty-six seconds.
That's the time to beat.
[Roberts] The winner of this match, Finlay.
[Cole] And Hornswoggle paying dividends.
[Coachman] And say what you want, I've always said
how ever you can get a victory, you get one.
And with the opportunity that they have--
[Cole] Whoa, whoa, whoa!
The chairman, Mr. McMahon.
[Coachman] Wait a second.
["No Chance In Hell" playing]
[Cole] A rare SmackDown appearance.
♪ Greedy politicians buying souls From us are puppets ♪
♪ We'll find their place in line ♪
♪ Go tie a string around your finger Now boy, 'cause it's ♪
♪ It's just a matter of time 'Cause you've got ♪
♪ No chance, no chance in hell ♪
♪ You've got no chance No chance in hell ♪
♪ You've got no chance… ♪
[Coachman] That is the tough love I was talking about.
He really does love his children.
Sometimes Mr. McMahon doesn't always show it, but he did right there.
[Cole] Well, Mr. McMahon ecstatic…
and here's the reason why.
Finlay and MVP embroiled in a great battle.
It looked like Finlay was gonna lose this matchup
following the kick to the head.
But the veteran had the wherewithal
to get his foot on the bottom rope to break the three-count.
And meanwhile, unbeknownst to the referee,
a shillelagh came in from out of nowhere,
a shillelagh that MVP would have liked to have used.
♪ No chance in hell… ♪
[Cole] Watch Hornswoggle. After one shillelagh went to the ring
causing the distraction, the second used by Finlay,
and Finlay sets the pace…
-[bell ringing] -…picking up the win over MVP.
Nine minutes, forty-six seconds?
Is anybody gonna be able to beat the clock tonight?
[Coachman] Well, we'll find out in this coming-up Beat the Clock Challenge.
Those gentlemen in the screen right there,
Rey Mysterio, The Undertaker, Batista, all have an opportunity
to go to the Royal Rumble, but can they beat the clock?
[harmonica music playing]
[narrator] And now, the WWE Smack of the Night is brought to you
by the auto parts experts at AutoZone.
Get in the zone, AutoZone.
Wow, Jamie, this is… This is a really nice restaurant.
I told you, only the best. There you go.
Go ahead and belly up there, girl.
-Hello. Welcome. -Hi.
-I am Gregoire, your waiter. -Thank you.
May I start you with something to drink, perhaps from the wine list?
Oh, yes, please.
Why don't you go ahead and get me a complete bottle
of this Merlot here, please?
Yes, sir.
Thank you.
You see, Michelle, I think that's what you don't understand.
There's a lot of special stuff about me.
One of my favorite things to do in my pastime, Michelle, is
I love magic.
-Magic? -Yeah.
Actually, I've been practicing all week, Michelle.
I got a few tricks I wanna show you.
Check this out, Michelle, huh?
-Are you ready? It's going to be like-- -Oh, yes.
Abracadabra. Woo!
[clattering]
Can I get the check, please?
[horn honks]
[Cole] I don't think things went quite as Jamie Noble had planned.
[Coachman] Yeah, sometimes when you're nervous, those things happen.
[Cole] And here comes Chuck Palumbo with his friend, Michelle McCool.
[bell ringing]
[Roberts] This is a mixed Tag Team Match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first the team of Michelle McCool and Chuck Palumbo.
[Cole] Oh, Chuck Palumbo has been a bit frustrated as of late.
He's lost three straight matches to Jamie Noble, and the reason
for the date between Noble and Michelle McCool you just saw
is because Jamie Noble told Michelle, "Hey, if I beat Chuck Palumbo
for a third time, you go out on a date with me."
Michelle reluctantly agreed.
Noble won the third matchup, hence the reason for the date.
[Coachman] And I can only imagine how difficult it was for Chuck Palumbo
to have to sit at home and watch his friend,
as you like to say, be out with another guy,
especially a guy like Jamie Noble.
[Cole] How good does Michelle McCool look? Can you imagine if you had to watch…
If she was your friend, you had to watch her go out with Noble,
the little pit bull?
[Coachman] True, and also the fact that it was Chuck Palumbo's fault
that Michelle McCool had to go out with Jamie Noble.
I mean, if he would've won, then none of that would've happened.
[Cole] Great point.
[Roberts] Introducing next, the team of Victoria and Kenny Dykstra.
[Cole] You wanna talk about couples.
This is your first opportunity, really, to sit here at ringside
and get to experience Kenny Dykstra and Victoria.
[Coachman] Well, I mean, from what you told me,
she wears the pants in the family.
-[Cole] Oh, she certainly does. She does. -[Coachman] I mean, let's be honest.
[Cole] So mixed Tag Team action.
Kenny Dykstra and Victoria against Chuck Palumbo and Michelle McCool.
And it's gonna be interesting to see if Chuck Palumbo can channel
that frustration he's been feeling in recent weeks in this matchup,
and really use it to his advantage here tonight.
[Coachman] Well, you may have a good point,
'cause, Cole, jealousy is a tough emotion
-to let go when you're having to compete. -[bell rings]
[Coachman] And this is their job.
You've got to put on the wayside and compete.
[Cole] So it's Kenny Dykstra and Chuck Palumbo starting things off.
These two have had a fierce rivalry over the past few months as well.
First cover of the matchup and a kickout by Dykstra.
Dykstra, the young 21-year-old.
A ton of potential.
Looking to make a name for himself and an impact here
in World Wrestling Entertainment.
That'll wake Palumbo up, big right hands by Dykstra.
[Coachman] Potential is a great word for Kenny Dykstra.
I've always thought that he's gonna be one
of the bigger Superstars in the very near future.
[Cole] Palumbo-- And that is what Palumbo's about right there,
full throttle, straight ahead, all power.
[Coachman] Maybe he's trying to impress his friend a little bit in this match.
[Cole] Well, perhaps.
And this is a mixed Tag Team matchup, meaning that…
Well, Michelle is supposed to come in now to take on Victoria.
And Victoria not too wise to jump on Chuck Palumbo.
And look at the double-team between Chuck and Michelle.
Here's the cover. Shoulders down and a kickout.
[Kenny] Come on.
[Cole] Michelle and Victoria have had a lot of problems in recent months.
Never forget when Michelle made fun of Victoria's boyfriend, Kenny Dykstra.
They had a little brawl in the locker room area.
[Coachman] And I do remember watching that at home, and I enjoyed it.
-Who wouldn't enjoy… -[Cole] Wow.
-…seeing these two together? -[Cole] Tremendous athleticism.
Did you see that backflip of Michelle McCool? Tremendous athlete.
And Victoria, great athlete, you know, right?
Former two-time Women's Champion.
Oh.
[Coachman] The Divas of both brands are tremendously athletic,
especially these two in the ring right now.
[Cole] Victoria dragging Michelle to the center of the ring.
Here's the cover.
[referee] Shoulder's not down. One…
[Cole] You heard the referee. Now, shoulders are down,
-and a kickout at two. -Shoulder wasn't down. [indistinct]
[Coachman] Do you think Victoria tells everybody what to do?
[Cole] Yeah. She bosses everybody around.
Tried to boss the referee around. Charles Robinson asserting his authority.
There's a leg drop right across the left arm.
And Victoria…
-I got her, baby! I got her. -[Kenny] Nobody like you, Michelle.
[Cole] People call Victoria nuts, and she may very well be.
But is it a psychological ploy? That's my question.
Or is she really out there?
[Coachman] I certainly wonder if it is, because I don't think
she's as crazy as people think that Victoria is.
[Cole] What a belly-to-belly by Michelle,
who would love to make a tag to her partner Chuck Palumbo.
[Coachman] And Chuck is on the outside, desperate to get in
and desperate to impress his friend.
[Cole] Tag made. We saw, when Victoria made the tag,
automatically, Palumbo was allowed into the ring.
Man-on-man, woman-on-woman in this mixed Tag Team matchup.
Kick to the face.
Palumbo reeling but not for long.
Tremendous throw by Palumbo.
[Coachman] Sometimes when you're young, and you're inexperienced
like Kenny Dykstra, those things happen.
[Cole] Oh, caught in midair. Power.
Hooks both legs, oh, and a kickout by Dykstra.
The size and power of Chuck Palumbo dominating Dykstra at this juncture.
[Coachman] And now sizing Kenny up.
[Cole] There's the quickness of Dykstra, rolling out of the way.
Could be the opening that Dykstra needs.
I think the psyche of Chuck Palumbo could ill-afford another loss here tonight.
[Coachman] Without a doubt, Chuck Palumbo is desperate to get a victory…
[Cole] Neckbreaker. Hook of the leg. May have him. Two-count, kick-out.
[Coachman] …to stop that losing streak that he's been on.
[Cole] Major losing streak for Palumbo.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Dykstra in the driver's seat.
[Coachman] From the sound of things,
Kenny Dykstra, a huge crowd favorite here on SmackDown.
[Cole] Really?
Right hand by Palumbo, drilling Dykstra.
Palumbo looking for the opening.
Top rope.
Superplex rattles the ring.
[Coachman] If he can get in cover, this thing could be over.
[Cole] Or if you can get a tag, you can perhaps get your team back in it.
And Dykstra needs to make it to his corner
to try to get Victoria into this matchup.
-Chuck tries perhaps to get Michelle in. -Five…
-[crowd cheering] -[referee] Six…
[Coachman] Well, both Divas want in.
Here comes Victoria, and here comes Michelle.
[Cole] And Michelle to the top rope, but look at this.
Oh, look at Michelle McCool.
Crossbody roll-through followed up with a clothesline.
[Coachman] You're right. Great teamwork between Michelle and Chuck Palumbo.
[Cole] Never seen so much aerial action from Michelle McCool
like we are tonight. There's another example.
-She is impressive. -[Coachman] Absolutely.
I think she's gotten so much better over the last couple of years.
-What a shot. -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Dykstra running his mouth. But look out.
Victoria, looking to take advantage of the distraction.
[Coachman] Oh, the Widow's Peak.
[Cole] Into the cover.
-Hooks the leg. -[referee] One, two, three!
-[Cole] It's over. -[bell ringing]
[Cole] The distraction by Dykstra helped he and Victoria win.
[Roberts] The winners of this match, the team of Victoria and Kenny Dykstra.
[Coachman] Give Michelle credit. She kicked Kenny Dykstra,
but in the end, it cost them the match,
and that is what Chuck Palumbo is upset about.
[Cole] Kenny Dykstra providing the distraction that allowed Victoria
to pick up the victory.
[crowd booing]
[Michelle] I'm sorry.
I am so sick of you.
You can't do nothing right.
This ain't about friends.
You cost us the match.
I'm sorry. I'm--
I tell you what, you can stay here.
I'm riding home alone.
[Cole] A frustrated Chuck Palumbo.
Damn!
[Coachman] You can understand the frustration.
[motorcycle engine starts]
[Coachman] And now leaving without Michelle McCool and--
This may be something Chuck Palumbo regrets in the very near future.
[engine revving]
[Coachman] I know I wouldn't leave her in the ring.
-[crowd booing] -Teddy…
I like more cream in my coffee.
Send it back and get it straight.
[crowd booing]
[thud]
[breathing heavily]
[crowd booing]
D-do you understand what you're doing?
Do you understand what you… you are doing to the Guerrero family?
This… this…
This relationship that you're having, it's… [sighs]
it's tearing the Guerrero family apart.
That's what's going on, Vickie.
What do you want?
I put you in the Beat the Clock Challenge.
Y-you know what I want, Vickie?
I wanna-- I wanna roll back the hands of time, Vickie.
That's… That's what I want. That's what I really want, Vickie.
I want something…
I want something that I guess I just can't have.
That's… That's what I want.
[Cole] We are back on Friday Night SmackDown.
The time to beat, nine minutes, forty-six seconds set by Finlay
in the Beat the Clock Challenge.
Can any Superstar beat the clock?
What's riding is a Number One Contender opportunity
to face the World Champion at the Royal Rumble.
[bell ringing]
This bout is a Beat the Clock Challenge match
scheduled for one fall.
♪ Ooh, Chavo! ♪
["Chavito Ardiente" playing]
[Roberts] Approaching the ring first, from El Paso, Texas,
weighing 215 pounds, Chavo Guerrero.
[Cole] A fired-up Chavo Guerrero tonight with a huge opportunity, Coach,
to beat the clock and have a chance at the World Title
at the Royal Rumble.
[Coachman] And let's keep in mind, right now, Chavo has no idea
who he's gonna be facing in the next few moments.
[Cole] Chavo Guerrero's opponent a mystery, but the one thing
that's not a mystery is the way to win the Beat the Clock Challenge.
Pinfall, submission, count-out, disqualification.
If Chavo Guerrero or his opponent can do that
in under nine minutes and forty-six seconds,
they will set the pace,
become the pace-setter here tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.
[Coachman] And I thought that first match between MVP and Finlay went too long.
I don't think that that time is going to stand up.
[Cole] Who is Chavo's opponent? Who is it gonna be?
["Dojo" playing]
[Roberts] And his opponent from Japan,
weighing 190 pounds, Funaki.
[Cole] Well, Chavo happy with his opponent, Funaki.
But let's not forget,
Funaki is a former Cruiserweight Champion, Coach.
And in the Beat the Clock Challenge, it only takes three,
one, two, three, to win the match and set the pace.
And because of the way that this matchup will go,
fast-paced action from both of these individuals.
You could see either Chavo or Funaki really beat the clock
here in this matchup.
-[bell ringing] -[Cole] And Chavo Guerrero and Funaki
set to kick things off in this Beat the Clock Challenge.
The clock has begun.
We are under nine minutes and forty-six seconds
the time to beat,
and you saw Chavo glance up at the clock.
Gonna be a lot of clock-watching in this matchup.
Remember, pinfall, submission, count-out, disqualification,
all ways to beat the clock.
Oh! What an uppercut!
Quick cover, hook of the leg, and a kickout.
Great strategy so far by Chavo.
Certainly. He is very quick getting his moves in.
[Cole] Hook of the leg again.
[Coachman] Because Chavo understands that the quicker he gets it done,
the better he has at getting to the Royal Rumble
and facing the World Heavyweight Champion.
[Cole] You see the clock counting down. Almost nine minutes remaining.
Chavo's gotta beat the time set by Finlay.
Chavo, who's been embroiled in a rivalry with ECW Champion CM Punk, turns his,
oh, his attention tonight to the Beat the Clock Challenge
and a possibility at the World Title.
[Coachman] And keep in mind Rey Mysterio, The Undertaker, Batista,
all watching backstage,
knowing they have an opportunity still to come here on SmackDown.
[Cole] Quick roll-up, hooks the leg, shoulders down.
Does Chavo have him? No. A kickout by Funaki.
It's been Chavo, all offense.
And it's hard for these Superstars to miss the clock,
that huge clock in the background that Chavo just glanced at.
The time ticking away, precious minutes ticking away.
Chavo looks at the clock again. Again, a kickout by Funaki.
[Coachman] Which would you rather have, an early match like Chavo's and Finlay's,
or a later match to know what time you have to beat?
[Cole] I'm not sure. I think you can look at it both ways.
Funaki, great counter. That's what I'm talking about.
Just like that, as quick as that, you can beat the clock.
Funaki, headscissors, puts Chavo halfway across the ring.
Funaki now the aggressor.
Hooks the leg. Chavo, his leg grabbing the second rope.
[Coachman] And you mentioned Chavo happy with the selection.
But I think he's seeing now that Funaki is no rollover.
[Cole] Chavo Guerrero, the third-generation Superstar.
The famous Guerrero wrestling family.
Off that Tilt-a-Whirl Slam, hooks the leg, and a kickout.
[Coachman] Can you imagine if Chavo wins the Beat the Clock Challenge,
-goes to the Royal Rumble? -[Cole] Again, a cover.
[Coachman] I mean, what a huge opportunity for this former Cruiserweight Champion.
[Cole] And Chavo screaming at referee Mickie Henson,
wants a quicker count to three.
Referee Mickie Henson calling it straight down the middle.
Same pace for each of these gentlemen.
[crowd groans]
[Cole] And a big uppercut by the former six-time
Cruiserweight Champion, and again, a cover.
And again, a kickout by Funaki.
Time ticking away. 7:19 left for one of these men to beat the clock.
-The pace set by Finlay earlier on. -[Coachman] Oh!
[Cole] Funaki may have him.
A quick roll-up, hook of the leg, and a kickout again by Chavo.
[Coachman] Michael, you know, it's always the distraction of…
[Cole] Cover again.
[Coachman] …of having to look at the clock, having to know
what you have to beat. To me, that's an added distraction.
[Cole] The problem is, it is a distraction, Coach.
But you have to have enough, you know, enough in yourself
to not worry about the clock
and to try to put your opponent away as quickly as possible.
Hook of the leg, hooks the head, and Funaki kicked out.
[Coachman] You made a great point.
You have to be able to focus and know what your game plan is
when you go in.
[Cole] Both of these Superstars are veterans.
They've been around the ring wars. Chavo and Funaki knew what they…
know what they have to do to win this matchup.
It's just a matter of doing it in enough time.
Forearm to the face. Funaki kicks out.
For Funaki right now, it's all about survival.
[Coachman] And I think they need to understand it's not about beating 9:46.
It's about setting a new time that the other Superstars have to beat.
[Cole] Again, the winner will face Edge for the World Title at the Rumble.
Jackknife. Look at this cover! And a kickout by Funaki at two.
And you see perhaps frustration beginning to build in Chavo Guerrero.
[Coachman] Certainly, Chavo getting very, very frustrated.
With frustration, can come added pressure on yourself.
[Cole] And not only that.
When you become frustrated, you may open yourself up to a mistake.
And a quick mistake may allow Funaki to pick up the win.
[Coachman] You know, you need a quick one, two, three.
And right now, they got plenty of time to beat that 9:46.
[Cole] Oh, look at… Roll-through. He's got him. Shoulders down.
And a kickout.
And not only a one, two, three, Coach. You can win submission,
count-out, disqualification. That's what it's all about.
Funaki, that's what I'm talking about.
You saw-- And Chavo had to grab the rope.
You saw Chavo turn his attention for a moment to the referee,
and Funaki capitalized and almost picked up the win.
[Coachman] And that's the mistake you were just talking about.
It only takes one for you to get pinned.
[Cole] Chavo continues to look at the clock which is ticking away.
The time to beat, 9:46.
One of these men have to win in 5:18 or less
as the clock ticks down towards zero.
Chavo continually glancing at it.
Funaki, backslide. May have him.
Funaki may set the time to beat, and a kickout.
[Coachman] And that would've been a very difficult time to beat.
[Cole] Enzuigiri to the back of the head.
Funaki looks at the clock, grabs the leg, the cover,
and a kickout by Chavo.
[Coachman] And what do you think, Rey Mysterio, The Undertaker, Batista
are all thinking backstage right now as the clock continues to run?
[Cole] I'll tell you what they're thinking. Let the match keep going.
-[Coachman] Absolutely. -[Cole] Let 9:46 stay the time to beat.
Oh!
Funaki blocked the right hand.
And Funaki with a big blow.
Funaki giving Chavo one hell of a match.
Crossbody, lateral press, hooks the leg, and a kickout at two
with four and a half left and counting.
[Coachman] No offense to Funaki, but I would consider this an upset
-if he defeats Chavo Guerrero. -[Cole] I think it'd be a huge upset.
But an upset nonetheless. It doesn't matter.
Set the pace, have a chance to go to the Rumble for the World Title.
Funaki… Chavo hanging on.
Chavo's hanging on to the top rope.
Great counter by Chavo Guerrero.
-[indistinct] -[Cole] Oh!
[Coachman] Well, pulling the hair and doing what he needs to do,
Chavo, to get the job done.
And Chavo now, another quick peek to that clock, Michael.
[Cole] Well, the time is under four minutes.
Funaki in deep trouble. Look at Chavo Guerrero setting Funaki up.
Oh, and a Gory Bomb.
-Face-first goes Funaki. -[Coachman] Could this be it?
[Cole] Hooks the leg, shoulders down.
-Chavo has set the new time to beat. -[bell rings]
["Chavito Ardiente" playing]
[Roberts] The winner of this match, Chavo Guerrero.
[Cole] Six minutes and two seconds, the new time to beat from Chavo Guerrero,
and I'll tell you, it's gonna be a tough one to beat.
[Coachman] It's gonna be very difficult to beat that time.
Chavo did an excellent job of keeping his offense intact
and taking out Funaki.
[Cole] Chavo Guerrero, very impressive in this matchup.
He is in the driver's seat.
Chavo Guerrero is the pace-setter.
[Coachman] And think about this, Chavo could beat Edge
at the Royal Rumble.
Huge opportunity for Chavo Guerrero.
[Cole] And a huge opportunity for a number of other Superstars tonight
if they can beat the clock,
including that man, Batista, who cannot wait to get his hands on Edge.
He has to beat six minutes and two seconds,
if he has an opportunity at the World Title at the Rumble.
[Cole] Happy new year, everybody.
And SmackDown comes from Richmond, Virginia tonight.
The Beat the Clock Challenge is underway.
The winner will face the World Champion at the Royal Rumble.
Chavo Guerrero has set the time to beat at six minutes and two seconds.
[bell ringing]
[Roberts] This contest is a Beat the Clock Challenge match
scheduled for one fall.
["I Walk Alone" by Salvia playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Simply put, this is Batista's way back to the World Title.
[crowd cheering]
[fireworks exploding]
[Roberts] Coming down the aisle,
from Washington, D.C., weighing 290 pounds,
Batista.
[Coachman] And Michael, you know, this man thrives
on being the World Heavyweight Champion.
It is killing him not to be the champion, and he wants another shot at it.
[Cole] And not only that. Batista wants revenge on Edge.
Batista had the World Title stolen from him at Armageddon
in that Triple Threat Match.
He had the title stolen from him two weeks ago by Edge and Vickie
here on SmackDown.
[Cole] And tonight,Friday Night SmackDown is sponsored by KFC's sauceless hot wings.
Spicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside.
[Coachman] And by Verizon Wireless.
[Cole] And sponsored by BowFlex.
And Batista is intense.
He's in a zone.
Vickie Guerrero said tonight that he can't lay a finger on Edge,
or his chances of regaining the title will go up in smoke.
The question is, who will his opponent be…
-[Coachman] And that's the big question. -[Cole] …in Beat the Clock?
[Coachman] It makes all the difference in the world who the opponent is.
-[theme music playing] -[Coachman] Uh-oh.
[Roberts] And his opponent, from Long Island, New York,
weighing 221 pounds, Curt Hawkins.
[Cole] Well, Curt Hawkins, one of Edge's buddies,
one of Edge's cronies, one of the men that allowed Edge
to steal the World Championship from Batista at Armageddon.
[Coachman] And you saw the smile on Batista's face.
He's loving this, and you know in his head
that Batista thinks this can be a very, very quick match.
[Cole] Well, he's gotta beat six minutes, two seconds,
does Batista or Curt Hawkins, in this one-on-one matchup
for an opportunity to meet Edge for the World Title at the Royal Rumble.
[inaudible]
[Cole] See that huge smile on the face of Batista.
-[Coachman] Well, wait a second, Michael. -Excuse me. Batista, hi.
Uh, pardon me.
Um, Teddy long has an announcement regarding your match.
By pre-order of General Manager Vickie Guerrero,
Batista, you will not only be facing Curt Hawkins,
you will also be facing Zack Ryder…
-[crowd booing] -…in a handicap match.
-[Cole] A handicap match? -[Coachman] Well, that changes everything.
[Cole] You think?
It changes the entire complexion of this matchup.
So Vickie Guerrero, who earlier tonight said that Undertaker and Batista
cannot lay a finger on Edge,
or their chances of regaining the title will go up in smoke.
Now, she's throwing even more of a curveball at Batista.
[Coachman] And Vickie may not always be fair, but Michael,
she is the General Manager. You have to do what she says, period.
[Cole] Listen, Batista is not gonna be one to complain.
He is gonna try to beat the clock, beat six minutes and two seconds,
whether it's a handicap match, whether it's ten-on-one,
whether it's twenty-on-one,
but the odds have been stacked against The Animal here tonight.
[Coachman] When you think about it though, Batista would love to get his hands
on both of these two because what they have done in past weeks,
costing him the World Heavyweight Championship
and then of course, the Con-Chair-To that the three of them did to Batista
-a couple of weeks ago. -[bell ringing]
[Cole] Twice in the past month that cost Batista the World Title.
The clock is underway, the match is underway.
And here goes Batista,
looking to beat the time of six minutes two seconds.
This is Batista's only opportunity to get back at the World Title and Edge.
And Batista driving those shoulders into the gut…
of Zack Ryder.
[Coachman] The clock is counting down. And you know Batista is not gonna shy away
-from this handicap match at all. -[Cole] Look at this.
Batista is going for the Batista Bomb early.
There's the big back body drop,
and The Animal focused at least for the moment.
[Coachman] Batista showing a lot of smarts trying to end this thing quickly.
But when it's two-on-one, it's very difficult to do that.
[Cole] And here's the double team. And you notice how Vickie
set up this match up not only as handicap, but allowing both men
to be in the ring at the same time, not having to tag one another in and out.
And Batista whipped across the ring.
Ryder and Hawkins… Batista, that time, caught Zack Ryder.
But Hawkins was left standing. Hawkins measuring his man.
Batista catches him in midair.
"The Animal" Batista, with five minutes left and counting,
-he looks at the clock. -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Oh, he launches Hawkins into the turnbuckle.
Batista determined to beat the clock.
[Coachman] And you mentioned how many opportunities… Oh, from behind!
…are you gonna have
to get a shot at that World Heavyweight Championship?
[Cole] Ryder and Hawkins effective. Here's the cover.
Oh, a double team, and Batista kicks out.
Again, the cover. Again, the hook to the leg. And again, a kickout.
Here's a question.
What if Hawkins and Ryder put out Batista
and beat the clock, then who's the No. 1 Contender?
[Coachman] I have no idea. I'm sure Vickie Guerrero
has an answer for that as well.
[Cole] Four and a half left and counting.
And Ryder and Hawkins just picking apart Batista.
That was Curt Hawkins and now, Zack Ryder with a foot to the throat.
The clock continues to count.
[Coachman] And you got to believe that the Superstars coming up after this match
love the fact that this turned into a handicap match.
[Cole] And again, the only way Batista gets his hands on Edge
is to win this match. Plain and simple.
Four minutes left for The Animal.
Batista whipped across the ring off the double team.
[Coachman] Yeah. If everybody missed it earlier,
The Undertaker and Batista cannot lay their hands on Edge, whatsoever.
[Cole] Batista started out like a house on fire,
but it's been all Ryder and Hawkins. Here's the cover.
Kickout at two by The Animal.
But it's two-on-one. The odds are stacked against Batista,
thanks to General Manager Vickie Guerrero,
the World Champion Edge's lover.
They've been involved in a relationship for a couple of months now.
-[crowd chanting] Batista! -[Cole] And look at--
Kicking Batista out of the ring.
Now, remember, you can win this via count-out.
You can beat the clock via count-out, disqualification,
pinfall, or submission.
[Coachman] And now, we're under three and a half minutes,
and Batista is nowhere close to winning this matchup.
[Cole] And referee Charles Robinson has begun the count
as Batista battles back with the right hands
to both Ryder and Hawkins.
The Animal trying to build momentum as the clock ticks away.
And every second that ticks away, Batista's World Title chances tick away.
[Coachman] And, Michael, certainly, the thought of revenge
has left the mind of Batista.
Now, it's all about just winning to get the opportunity.
[Cole] Look at the double team.
Batista can't get in, and there's the leg drop across the back of the head.
[Coachman] I'll say this much, Hawkins and Ryder--
[Cole] Here's the cover by Ryder, hook of the leg.
He's got him, and a kickout by Batista.
[Coachman] These two work so well together.
-[Cole] Again, a cover. -Foot's under the rope.
[Cole] And referee Charles Robinson doing a great job.
Foot was under the rope. Here's the cover again,
and a kickout by Batista.
[Coachman] Michael, we're at two and half minutes,
and Ryder and Hawkins are nowhere near stopping pounding on Batista.
[Cole] And it seems like Hawkins and Ryder have had their marching orders
given to them tonight directly from Edge,
-directly from the General Manager. -[crowd chanting] Batista!
[Cole] "Do not allow Batista to beat the clock."
The formula seems simple for Ryder and Hawkins.
[Coachman] And if they got those marching orders,
would those marching orders also include not beating that 6:02 time here?
[Cole] Oh! And look at that. Nice Snapmare.
Here's the cover, hook of the leg, and Batista kicks out.
Great point you just made, Coach.
And look at this. Batista rolling the shoulder out.
We're under two minutes.
Batista's time, his opportunity at the title is quickly slipping away.
[Coachman] I can't remember the last time I saw Batista so dominated…
-in a situation-- -[Cole] It's two-on-one.
-What do you expect? -I understand that.
[Cole] These two gentlemen, Hawkins and Ryder, don't even have
-to tag in and out of the ring. -[Coachman] I get that too.
[Cole] It's a two-on-one matchup, and look at this.
The cover. Batista in trouble.
Hook of the leg, and Batista kicks out at two.
[Coachman] If you had let me finish, dominated in such a big situation.
-[Cole] A minute and a half left. -[Coachman] This is huge.
[Cole] A minute nineteen and counting.
Batista must win this match in the next one minute fourteen seconds,
or his World Title chances go up in smoke, to use Vickie Guerrero's phrase.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Ryder and Hawkins set for the double team.
And Batista driven skull-first into the mat.
[Coachman] And we're under a minute, Michael.
[Cole] And Edge has got to be loving this.
He has got to be watching this somewhere in this arena tonight,
smiling his rear end off.
And Batista with a flurry.
[Coachman] Chavo's loving it. Rey Mysterio's loving it.
The Undertaker is loving it.
[Cole] Can Batista build momentum?
Double spear! With 40 seconds left, can Batista do it?
Can The Animal do it?
[Coachman] He's only got 35 seconds to get it done.
[Cole] And Batista is cognizant of it. He looked at the clock.
Batista follows it up with a clothesline. We're under a half minute.
Under a half minute for Batista.
[Coachman] Does Batista know what the time…
Has he looked at the clock?
[Cole] Batista only having to pin one man. Who is it gonna be?
Batista-- Running powerslam. Fifteen seconds left.
Batista, spinebuster.
The Animal's got ten seconds. Ten seconds and counting.
We're at eight. We're at seven. Going for the Batista Bomb.
Ryder and Hawkins trying to hang on.
[Coachman] I don't think he's gonna do it, and he's not.
-[buzzer sounds] -[Cole] Ryder and Hawkins hung on
after a last-minute flurry by Batista,
who doesn't beat the clock.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] And Batista's face tells the story.
[Coachman] Batista is devastated and has every reason to be.
[Cole] The clock has run out on Batista and his opportunity to get back at Edge
in the World Title.
[Coachman] You mentioned those marching orders.
I just think you saw the marching orders carried out to perfection.
[Cole] In my mind, Batista was robbed again here tonight
by General Manager Vickie Guerrero.
And the time still to beat, six minutes and two seconds
of Chavo Guerrero.
[Coachman] And look at the face of Batista.
He knows what was just lost.
[narrator] WWE Magazine presents the Raw Rebound.
[gentle music playing]
[Ric] Mr. McMahon has put an ultimatum on me.
The next time you lose a match, your career is over.
Imagine the history that is being made here tonight,
Flair versus Triple H.
It's over, Ric.
[commentator] The best of all time about to meet the best in the business today.
[Vince] Flair's career is on the line.
[Triple H] What happens, Mr. Regal, if Triple H loses his match?
If you lose your match in any way whatsoever tonight,
you will not be participating in the upcoming Royal Rumble match.
[Vince] Happy new year.
[dramatic music playing]
[JR] Folks, it's all about this.
Ric Flair must win, or his career is over.
Triple H must win, or his WWE title dreams
at the Royal Rumble are history.
[Ric] You may be the best in the business today,
but you ain't the man yet until you put me away.
[JR] Neither man holding anything back.
[Triple H] I have strived every day to be the man that you were and still are.
[Ric] I will rise to the occasion. I have to.
-[JR] Yes. -[King] He's got him.
Ric Flair's got the Figure-Four hooked.
[JR] The Nature Boy with his career on the line.
Triple H with the Royal Rumble on the line.
It's all at stake.
[JR] Has the damage been done?
[King] Both of these men in an absolute must-win situation.
-Pedigree. -[JR] Oh my God.
-[King] Pedigree. -[JR] The Pedigree.
My god, the Pedigree.
[King] But wait a minute, damage to Triple H's legs as well.
[JR] Triple H's knee is damaged indeed.
The Game trying to crawl. This one can be absolutely over.
Hey, William Regal just nailed Ric Flair.
[King] With those brass knuckles. For what?
Technically, Ric Flair lives to fight another day.
[JR] The ramifications of William Regal's actions are earth-shattering.
Triple H's dreams of becoming WWE Champion,
to be in the Royal Rumble match have just been destroyed.
Are you watching this, man?
[crowd booing]
Yeah. Did you see the end of my match?
That's right. I had Finlay beat until he cheated and hit me with a shillelagh.
I'm better than Finlay, and I'm better than everyone
in this Beat the Clock Challenge.
I don't need you to tell--
[groans]
I don't need you to tell me that I'm great.
What I need is for everyone else to respect my greatness.
That's right.
No, no, don't worry about that. That's not what I pay you for.
I got an idea. I'm gonna do what no--
No, I'm gonna shatter the glass ceiling they got around here.
That's right. That's what I said.
Uh-huh.
No. I'm gonna make my impact on this business.
I'm gonna make my mark.
I am gonna make history.
I'm gonna do what Triple H couldn't do, 'cause I'm better than he is.
I'm gonna retire Ric Flair.
[crowd booing]
[ice bag thuds to floor]
Well, I got to tell you, Michael. I love the confidence of MVP.
Doing what Triple H couldn't do on Raw this past week,
if he can retire Ric Flair, that's big. That is history in the making.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, here is a gentleman who knows
what MVP is capable of, Rey Mysterio.
And, Rey, a lot on the line tonight.
You have to beat the time of six minutes and two seconds
to get a title shot at the Rumble.
But how do you prepare when you don't know who your opponent is?
Basically, Michael, there is no preparation.
Beating the clock isn't like any other challenge here.
You know, I don't know if you noticed, but I'm not the biggest man around here.
And usually, I like to study my opponent before I step into the ring.
In this case, I can't do that.
I don't even know who my opponent is gonna be.
But I will tell you something,
in order to win this match, I got to beat the clock.
I got to be fast.
I got to be furious, and hey, that's my style.
I have worn the World Title once around my waist.
And I'll do anything in my power to do it again.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Well, Rey, that is your style. You have to be fast and furious,
and you're gonna have to be fast and furious tonight.
Because the time to beat is six minutes and two seconds,
the pace set by Chavo Guerrero
for an opportunity at the World Title at the Royal Rumble.
[Coachman] You're exactly right. The Beat the Clock Challenge continues.
Not only Rey Mysterio
but The Undertaker will have an opportunity later tonight
to beat the clock.
[Cole] Happy new year's everybody
and welcome back to Friday Night SmackDown.
Michael Cole and my new partner, Jonathan Coachman, here at ringside.
JBL has gone off to wrestle on Raw.
[Coachman] And I got to tell you, what a night for me to start
with the Beat the Clock Challenge.
["I'm All About Cool" playing]
[bell ringing]
[Roberts] This is a Tag Team Match set for one fall.
Introducing first, being accompanied to the ring by Cherry,
from the other side of the tracks, at a combined weight of 465 pounds,
Deuce 'n Domino.
[Cole] Well, you never experienced anything like Deuce, Domino, and Cherry
-over on Raw. -[Coachman] I agree with you there.
And I love the '50s. I'm a big fan of the '50s.
And so, I think I can get along with these three.
["Gonna Punch Someone Tonight" playing]
[Roberts] Introducing next, at a combined weight of 410 pounds,
the team of Shannon Moore and Jimmy Wang Yang.
[Cole] I love these guys.
SmackDown's resident redneck in Jimmy Wang Yang,
and I don't know how the hell to describe Shannon Moore.
But the bottom line is they are on a major roll.
And three weeks ago in ECW, Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore,
meeting the WWE Tag Team Champions, Miz and Morrison in a non-title matchup.
You know, a little miscue between the champions
along with Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore to pick up the victory.
-And then this past Tuesday night on ECW… -[bell ringing]
…at a big Mixed Tag Team matchup,
Moore and Yang got the better of the Tag Team Champions again.
So, next week, what an opportunity.
[Coachman] Yeah. Certainly a 15 Minutes of Fame.
And let's clear it up for everybody.
The most pinfalls in those 15 minutes will be the WWE Tag Team Champions.
What a huge opportunity for Shannon Moore and Jimmy Wang Yang.
[Cole] Now, they do have the opportunity at the Tag Titles Tuesday night.
But this is a big matchup as well because they take on
the former Tag Team Champions in Deuce 'n Domino.
So, it's Jimmy Wang Yang against Deuce to start this matchup.
Deuce is really the hothead of the duo.
His girlfriend, Cherry, at ringside, Domino's sister.
[Coachman] You know, I haven't been around a lot,
but I would imagine that Deuce 'n Domino would love to be…
[Cole] Here's the cover, kickout.
[Coachman] …considered in that Number One Contendership
for the WWE Tag Team Titles as well.
[Cole] They may be in the running if they win this matchup.
Deuce 'n Domino, the former Tag Team Champions and there's--
That was a unique reversal.
Jimmy Wang Yang off the dropkick, hootin' and hollerin' in Richmond.
-[Coachman] Incredibly quick. -[Cole] Oh!
Deuce is not too shabby himself.
[indistinct]
[Coachman] You're talking… You're talking about manners.
[Cole] Jimmy Wang Yang was being a gentleman,
and Domino… Domino took… Jimmy Wang Yang accidentally running into Cherry.
Went to help her up, and Domino, oh, her brother, took offense.
[Coachman] Well, and I can't agree with… When you show manners,
you should step back and allow a man to show manners.
[Cole] Deuce cover, hooks the leg, kickout at two.
And Deuce with that front facelock, trying to wear down Jimmy Wang Yang.
Deuce 'n Domino, they know Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore well.
The way to beat these guys is to ground them.
Deuce 'n Domino, a much different style, straight ahead, physical,
in-your-face brawling style.
[Coachman] Yeah, certainly, Jimmy and Shannon very quick, high-flying.
And say what you want about their mental makeup,
when they get inside the ring, they're very, very effective.
[Cole] Hit to the back of the head by Domino.
And a vicious assault by Domino.
Important matchup for Deuce 'n Domino, once the Tag Team Champions.
Hook to the leg and a kickout.
[Coachman] Michael, I've been very impressed with the talent
that I've seen tonight in my first night.
I'm not normally here, and my first night,
and how effective and really how successful these teams have been
and the Beat the Clock Challenge as well.
[Cole] And look at Domino.
-Jimmy Wang Yang in a predicament. -[shouting]
[Cole] Domino, perhaps his submission maneuver.
If Jimmy Wang Yang taps out here, it would not be good losing momentum
going into Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore's
-Tag Title Match Tuesday. -[Coachman] Well, you just mentioned,
you have to ground Jimmy Yang Wang and Shannon Moore.
Deuce 'n Domino are doing that.
-[Cole] Coach, it's Jimmy Wang Yang. -[Coachman] That's what I just said.
[Cole] No, you didn't.
Anyway, here's Domino blasting Shannon Moore off the apron.
And this is what Deuce 'n Domino do so well, isolate their opponent
trying to drag them back into the… into the corner.
And Jimmy Wang Yang trying to make a tag.
Shannon Moore this time ducked underneath, allowed Jimmy Wang Yang some time.
Found an opening, capitalized, and here comes Moore.
[Coachman] You can't allow yourself to get distracted, or that's what happens.
[Cole] The Redneck and The Reject.
And this is The Reject. Shannon Moore into the cover, and a kickout.
[Coachman] How did he come up with that name, The Reject?
[Cole] Well, they call themselves The Redneck and The Reject,
Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore.
Nice elbow by Shannon Moore, crossbody, lateral press,
hooks the leg, could have him. And Deuce breaking out at three-count.
[Coachman] Michael, that does not answer my question.
[Cole] What was your question?
[Coachman] Why does he call himself The Reject?
-[Cole] Just look at him. -You gotta teach me.
-I need to know these things. -[Cole] Look at him.
[Coachman] Good point.
[Cole] And Deuce…
going up to the top rope.
Double team by the former Tag Team champions.
Shannon Moore in trouble, but what a counter.
-Domino… -[Coachman] Rollup.
-[Cole] …shoulders down, got him. -[bell ringing]
[Cole] Shannon Moore and Jimmy Wang Yang win again.
["Gonna Punch Someone Tonight" playing]
[Roberts] The winners of this match,
the team of Shannon Moore and Jimmy Wang Yang.
[Coachman] Well, I got to say, The Redneck and The Reject,
I'm new fans.
They like to have a good time. They smile. They're very quick.
And a big win over Deuce 'n Domino.
[Cole] Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore may be
the Tag Team Champs when they meet Miz and Morrison
Tuesday on ECW.
But still to come tonight, the question is,
will anybody beat Chavo Guerrero's time?
Earlier tonight, Chavo set the pace at six minutes, two seconds.
He's in the driver's seat for a World Title Match at the Rumble.
[Coachman] Yeah. Can the greatest high-flyer in the world today,
Rey Mysterio, beat the clock? He comes up later tonight.
[Cole] But up next, it's The Phenom's turn.
Will The Undertaker be in the driver's seat
for a title opportunity?
Who stands in his way? We'll find out next.
[bell ringing]
[Roberts] The following is a Beat the Clock Challenge Match
set for one fall.
-["Rest In Peace" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Roberts] Introducing first,
from Death Valley, weighing 299 pounds,
The Undertaker.
[Cole] As the legendary Undertaker makes his way to the ring,
there is one thing on his mind.
Six minutes and two seconds.
The time The Phenom must beat in order to have an opportunity
at revenge against Edge,
in order to have an opportunity at the World Championship.
It has been a dreadful month and a half for The Undertaker
at the hands of Edge.
At Survivor Series, Undertaker was closing in on the World Title
before Edge cost him that championship.
And then again last month, at Armageddon,
The Undertaker closing in on a World Title again
before Edge cost him the title.
The Undertaker wants revenge.
[Coachman] Michael, earlier tonight, Batista couldn't get it done.
The question now is, can The Undertaker get it done?
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Batista just did not get it done, Coach.
He didn't get it done because Vickie Guerrero,
the General Manager, stacked the deck against him.
[Coachman] I agree with that a hundred percent.
[Cole] She made it a handicap match. A two-on-one matchup.
Not allowing Batista to beat the clock.
The Animal was almost victorious.
Batista came within just seconds of setting the pace
and having an opportunity to beat Edge for the World Title at the Rumble.
[thunder rumbling]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] The question now is who will The Undertaker's opponent be?
Who will The Undertaker try to beat the clock against tonight?
[crowd cheering]
[Roberts] And his opponent…
["Teacher" playing]
[Roberts] …from Bayside, New York
-weighing 212 pounds, Matt Striker. -[Cole] Well, The Undertaker--
-[Coachman] What? -The Undertaker's gotta be loving this.
♪ Hello, my students… ♪
[Cole] The Phenom to beat Matt Striker from ECW
with an opportunity to beat six minutes and two seconds.
Wait. H-hang on. I have a small correction.
You see, I am not The Undertaker's opponent.
[crowd booing]
SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero has named me
special guest referee for this match.
-[Cole] Ugh. -[crowd booing]
So, allow me to introduce The Undertaker's opponent,
"The World's Strongest Man,"
Mark Henry.
[Coachman] Well, that certainly changes everything.
[Cole] The World's Strongest Man,
the man who cost The Undertaker the World Title back in May,
looking to cost The Undertaker his opportunity
at a World Title opportunity tonight.
And really, the man who manages him, Matt Striker,
is the special guest referee.
Let's take you back to three weeks ago here on Friday Night SmackDown,
when The Undertaker had to beat not only Mark Henry,
but Big Daddy V in a handicap match,
and from out of nowhere, the chokeslam.
The Undertaker picking up the victory.
But look at the destruction from Big Daddy V and Mark Henry
to The Phenom after the matchup.
[Coachman] Well, say what you want about Big Daddy V and Mark Henry.
They were just doing what Matt Striker told them to do.
He calls the shots.
[Cole] Utter destruction.
Utter destruction of The Undertaker by Big Daddy V and Mark Henry.
[Coachman] And say what you want about Matt Striker.
At least, you have a man in the ring who's gonna call it right down the middle
and will be a referee
-that you can count on. -[bell rings]
[Cole] And you know, Undertaker still with visions
of that double torture rack in his head
as he looks to beat the clock of six minutes and two seconds
against "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry.
Again, the very unorthodox management skills.
The General Manager Vickie Guerrero here tonight,
an obvious vendetta against not only Batista,
but now "The Phenom" The Undertaker,
as Vickie Guerrero has named Striker the special guest referee
in this matchup.
[Coachman] I'm not so sure that's as much a vendetta as it is trying to keep
Batista and The Undertaker away from Edge.
[Cole] Listen, let's call a spade a spade.
Vickie Guerrero is in love with Edge, the World Champion.
She's gonna do whatever she has to do to protect Edge.
And that's what she's done tonight.
And Mark Henry looking to unload on The Undertaker.
[Coachman] I agree with you a hundred percent.
[Cole] Well, the story of this matchup is this,
Undertaker must beat six minutes and two seconds.
And not only Undertaker,
Mark Henry, with the time ticking away, could earn himself
a World Title Opportunity if he can beat the clock.
[Coachman] And let's not forget Rey Mysterio still is to come tonight.
[Cole] Undertaker, "The Phenom," the 300-pounder
and there's the strength of Mark Henry.
Here's the cover. Clock ticking away.
Undertaker scoops out of a possible pinfall.
A headbutt by The World's Strongest Man.
The assault beginning for the 400-pounder as the time ticks away
on The Undertaker.
Mark Henry unloading with that big fist to the skull of The Phenom.
You can beat the clock
via pinfall, submission, count-out, disqualification.
-Referee Matt Striker at a count of five. -…four!
[Cole] Counting both men out.
And look at Mark Henry battling back against The Undertaker.
There's a reversal.
Oh! Into the steps!
These men have gotta get back in the ring.
Remember the rules. A count-out will cost you a chance to beat the clock.
[Coachman] And The Undertaker now has slid back in,
and Matt Striker needs to repeat that count--
[Cole] And there's the impact.
Three minutes, forty-five seconds and counting for The Undertaker
and Mark Henry to beat the clock and earn a world title opportunity
at the Royal Rumble.
And you saw the veteran, The Phenom, as he measures his man,
looking at the clock time after time.
And this is why The Undertaker is such the crafty veteran.
He's using the time, realizing he's got time
to wear his man down and pick up a victory.
[Coachman] And if The Undertaker does pick up a victory,
he will have earned his shot at the Royal Rumble.
[Cole] Vintage leg drop by the near 300-pounder.
Undertaker crawls back in the ring.
You see the clock in the left-hand corner of your screen.
Three minutes counting.
[Coachman] I'm not so sure it's taking his time, Michael,
as it's needing to wear Mark Henry down in order to get the one, two, three.
[Cole] Oh, Undertaker with a headbutt.
[Striker] Let's go, come on. Come on.
[Cole] The best pure striker in the game targeting the shoulder of Mark Henry
as we go under three minutes in the Beat the Clock Challenge.
Chavo Guerrero has set the pace.
Undertaker and Mark Henry looking to beat it.
[Striker] One, two, three, four. Come on.
[Cole] Undertaker's only opportunity to get to Edge is to beat the clock.
Remember what General Manager Vickie Guerrero said earlier tonight.
"If either one of these men lay a finger on Edge,
their chances of regaining the title will go up in smoke."
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Undertaker going old-school, and Mark Henry cut him off at the pass.
And every time Mark Henry goes on the offense,
time ticks away for The Undertaker.
[Coachman] And I think all of the-- I think--
The Undertaker… Oh! Need to change their tactics,
change their style because of the clock.
[Cole] Here's the cover by Mark Henry. Will he beat the clock?
No. Undertaker rolls the shoulder out at 2:04.
And as Undertaker sat up, his eyes went to the clock instinctively.
Under two minutes. The two-minute warning so to speak
for The Undertaker to have one last crack at Edge and the World Title.
[Coachman] Michael, where's the desperation?
Where's the need to get it done quickly?
That's what I want to see.
[Cole] And Mark Henry, don't forget, has an opportunity to beat the clock.
If he wins this, he'll meet Edge for the World Title.
Well, Mark Henry, Matt Striker, the referee,
Mark Henry's manager for lack of a better term,
put in this matchup by the General Manager.
Undertaker with a DDT,
and perhaps a less flurry left for The Phenom.
[Coachman] But he's got to get the cover. Undertaker needs to cover.
[Cole] A minute twenty-two and counting for one of these men to beat the clock,
to beat the pace set by Chavo Guerrero.
Both men to their feet. Undertaker measuring his man.
Undertaker glancing… glancing at the clock.
[Coachman] I don't know how smart this is right now with a minute to go.
[Cole] Undertaker looking to get an opportunity at the World Title
at the Royal Rumble,
and Mark Henry catching Undertaker with a Bear Hug.
And you can beat the clock by submission.
Can Undertaker hold on, or will he tap out?
Will he pass out to the Bear Hug of Mark Henry?
Forty-five seconds left.
[Coachman] Not only can The Undertaker hold on,
can he somehow turn it around and beat Mark Henry?
[Cole] He did there. 36 seconds left.
Undertaker with the right hand, battling back.
Every second that tips… that ticks away
means Undertaker's chances
at a World Title opportunity slip away as well.
Twenty-three seconds.
Undertaker ducks under the clothesline.
-Going for the chokeslam. -[crowd cheering]
[Cole and Coachman] He got it.
[Cole] Undertaker's gonna beat the clock.
Here's the cover. One, two… He got it.
[crowd cheering]
-[Cole] He got-- -[Coachman] What?
-[Cole] Wait a minute. -[crowd booing]
[Cole] Only a count of two. And the clock has run out.
-[buzzer sounds] -[Cole] Undertaker didn't beat the clock.
Matt Striker never counted three.
[Coachman] Matt Striker said that it was only two.
Uh, The Undertaker can't believe it.
[Cole] Beat the Clock?
Should be renamed Beat the Quack.
Undertaker was robbed.
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck!
[Cole] And Undertaker's gonna take out his frustrations on Mark Henry.
[Coachman] God.
[Cole] The Phenom had his title chances stolen tonight.
Undertaker's only chance at getting his hands on Edge
went up in smoke, in Vickie Guerrero's words, here tonight.
Undertaker off the chokeslam.
He was gonna beat the clock with plenty of time to spare.
[Coachman] Maybe the shoulder's up. Let's look at it.
-[Cole] The shoulder's not up. -[Coachman] It's close.
-[Cole] Matt Striker-- -It's close.
[Cole] Matt Striker stopped his count before a count of three
-as the time expired. -[buzzer sounds]
[Cole] General Manager Vickie Guerrero and Edge seemed to get
what they wanted tonight.
Batista and Undertaker now out of the title hunt at the Rumble.
[Cole] Moments ago here on Friday Night SmackDown,
The Undertaker was robbed of his title opportunity,
his opportunity to get to Edge at the Royal Rumble.
He was robbed by Matt Striker here in this Beat the Clock Challenge.
Undertaker had Mark Henry beat with plenty of time to go.
Matt Striker never counted to the three-count.
[Coachman] And I agree with you. Matt Striker had the three-count.
The Undertaker had the clock beat,
but then you see the frustration on The Undertaker's face.
And that frustration shows me that The Undertaker now realizes
that the opportunity is gone.
Let's not forget who appointed Matt Striker
the special guest referee, General Manager Vickie Guerrero.
Ladies and gentlemen, Jonathan Coachman,
not the only newcomer to the broadcast booth.
Our new backstage correspondent, former Diva Search finalist,
Lena Yada, is backstage with Matt Striker.
-Thanks guys. Now, Matt. -[crowd booing]
After what just happened with The Undertaker--
What just happened with The Undertaker is that he failed to beat the clock.
What just happened with The Undertaker is that he failed to defeat Mark Henry
in the time allotted.
What happened is that The Undertaker threatened to put his hands on me.
Undertaker, if you ever do that again,
I'll single-handedly beat you into oblivion.
You know who'll do the same?
Big Daddy V.
[crowd booing]
[Coachman] Well, I think Matt Striker is writing a check that he can't cash.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, we're a month away from the Royal Rumble.
And the Royal Rumble Match,
30 Superstars in the fastest 60 minutes in television today.
[Coachman] For one Superstar, the opportunity, the chance
to main event at WrestleMania.
[Cole] Also at the Royal Rumble,
Jeff Hardy with the opportunity of a lifetime
as he meets Randy Orton for the WWE Title.
[Coachman] And it has become personal after Randy Orton kicked Matt Hardy
in the head this past week on Raw.
[Cole] Matt, of course, Jeff's brother. And also at the Royal Rumble,
Chris Jericho meets JBL.
[Coachman] I mean, that's the reason I'm here.
JBL decides to go back into the ring. Can Chris Jericho shut JBL up?
[Cole] And the winner of tonight's Beat the Clock Challenge
with a golden opportunity to meet Edge for the World Title.
[Coachman] It's gonna be either Chavo Guerrero or Rey Mysterio.
A chance of a lifetime.
[Cole] And right now, it's Chavo Guerrero who's in the driver's seat
to beat the clock and head to the Rumble.
This was earlier tonight.
Chavo Guerrero setting the pace to beat off the Gory Bomb to Funaki.
Chavo Guerrero with a time of six minutes and two seconds.
Chavo Guerrero is in the driver's seat for the opportunity to meet Edge
for the World Title at the Royal Rumble.
But there's one more man who's got a chance to beat the clock.
[Coachman] And that one man is Rey Mysterio.
He's gotta beat 6:02. The Beat the Clock Challenge.
Can Rey Mysterio do it? Can he do it? Next.
[bell ringing]
[Roberts] This is the Final Beat the Clock Challenge Match
set for one fall.
-["Booyaka 619" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, it has come down to this.
Either Chavo Guerrero or Rey Mysterio will be heading
to the Royal Rumble to meet Edge.
[Roberts] Making his way to the ring, from San Diego, California,
weighing 165 pounds,
Rey Mysterio!
[Cole] Six minutes two seconds the time to beat.
The pace set by an old Rey Mysterio rival, Chavo Guerrero, earlier tonight.
For, Mysterio, a wonderful opportunity to get back into the World Title picture.
[Coachman] And can the ultimate underdog once again come up big
on Friday Night SmackDown,
win the opportunity to go to the Royal Rumble,
and face the World Champion?
[Cole] For Rey Mysterio, he knows he's gotta beat the clock,
but what he doesn't know is who his opponent is gonna be
in this matchup.
Who will be the Superstar
that Rey Mysterio's got to beat the clock against?
[Coachman] We heard from Rey earlier tonight.
And he said that quickness is his style.
This is the way that Rey Mysterio likes to compete.
We'll see if it works here in just a moment.
[Cole] Rey Mysterio psyching himself up.
Feeding off our fans here in Richmond, Virginia.
The first SmackDown of the new year has been an unbelievable one.
And we'll know by the end of the night who will meet Edge
for the World Title at the Royal Rumble.
[Coachman] The numbers to remember, there's three of them, Michael, 602.
[Cole] An interesting play on words.
Rey Mysterio still using the 619. And guess what?
-[Coachman] Yup. -[Cole] 619 doesn't help Rey tonight.
Because if he goes six minutes, nineteen seconds,
-he's not going to the Rumble. -[Coachman] Great point.
Rey Mysterio knows it,
but I wanna know who his opponent is going to be.
[Cole] And so does Rey, who is ready to go,
and no matter who it is,
Mysterio will be focused on getting to the Royal Rumble.
["Metalingus" playing]
-[Cole] What? -[Coachman] What?
-[Cole] You gotta be kidding me. -[Roberts] And his opponent,
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada weighing 250 pounds,
he is the World Heavyweight Champion,
"The Rated-R Superstar" Edge.
[Coachman] Wait a minute.
[fireworks exploding]
♪ Leave it all behind ♪
♪ On this day… ♪
[Cole] I'm a little upset that…
I mean, General Manager Vickie Guerrero,
she made the Beat the Clock Challenge tonight.
The winner will face Edge at the Royal Rumble.
And Edge is… Has entered the competition.
[Coachman] Michael, don't you get it?
It just hit me.
Edge is gonna get his own hands dirty
in order to not have Rey Mysterio at the Royal Rumble.
[Coachman] It's a brilliant move.
[Cole] Well, that was very profound, Coach.
I'm glad you laid it all out of the line for us.
[Coachman] The Undertaker, Batista already haven't beaten the clock.
[Cole] Rey Mysterio obviously the biggest threat left for Edge.
Batista's been taken out of the picture.
Undertaker has been taken out of the picture.
Finlay, MVP have been taken out of the picture.
So, with this buddies Ryder and Hawkins at ringside,
Edge hoping that Mysterio doesn't beat the clock.
[bell ringing]
[Coachman] Did you just see Rey Mysterio's face?
I think Rey… It finally just hit him.
[Cole] And look at Edge, stalling for time, in the ropes.
I hate to say it, but a wise move by the champion.
Rey's got to beat 6:02,
and every time Edge ducks under those ropes, the clock ticks away.
Chavo Guerrero has set the pace, the time to beat.
And Edge toying almost with Mysterio.
And Mysterio needs to use his quickness, and Edge…
Edge running from Rey.
Keeping the clock moving. In fact, that old, uh…
The old four-corners drill in basketball. Keep the clock going.
Edge is just stalling for time.
-[Coachman] Edge is-- -[Cole] Allowing the clock to tick away.
[Coachman] Exactly. On the outside, smiling and laughing.
Showing Hawkins and Ryder exactly what a World Champion is made of.
[Cole] Remember, Edge cannot afford to be counted out,
because if Edge is counted out here, Mysterio will beat the clock.
But Edge, much like that old two-minute drill in football,
taking Mickie Henson almost to the brink… to the… to the brink
before he gets in the ring and breaks the count.
[Coachman] Well, you can see right now that…
[Cole] And look at Mysterio. Edge into the ring.
Rey Mysterio! Hurricanrana by Mysterio.
And Mysterio's got Edge reeling. There's the dropkick.
Under five minutes to go, and Mysterio, the ultimate underdog,
the former World Champion, trying to beat the clock.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] And Edge bounced off that second turnbuckle,
and Rey Mysterio measuring his man.
Can he beat the clock? There's that seated senton. Here we go.
-That could be it. -[Cole] There's the cover.
He could get him, and a kickout at two by Edge.
Four and a half to go for Rey Mysterio.
Oh, and a boot to the face.
And every time Edge knocks Mysterio down and out like that,
precious seconds tick off the clock for Mysterio.
[Coachman] The clock continuing to count down,
and now Edge in complete control.
[Cole] And remember, Edge doesn't have to beat the clock.
If he sends Mysterio outside the ring. And what-- And--
Hawkins and Ryder taking advantage of Mysterio
as Edge distracted the referee.
Edge had to, because if the referee had caught Hawkins and Ryder,
could've risked disqualification, which meant Mysterio would have won.
[Coachman] I just mentioned how brilliant the World Champion is.
That's why Edge is the World Champion.
[Cole] He is the ultimate opportunist.
Glancing at the clock. 3:45 left. Mysterio beats the count in.
But for Edge, the assault begins.
Every time he keeps Rey off the offense, the clock ticks away.
-[crowd cheering] -[Cole] And for the World--
Batista, Batista!
"The Animal" taking out Ryder and Hawkins.
Batista getting back at Edge.
Remember, Batista can't touch Edge. But he can do damage without it.
Oh!
Batista cleaned house.
Edge's buddies.
From behind, Mysterio.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Here comes Mysterio,
and a 619 missed as Edge ducked out of the way.
Mysterio going for the win.
-[Coachman] This could be it! -There's two, and a kickout by Edge.
Three minutes and counting for Rey Mysterio.
Batista has evened the odds for his friend, Mysterio.
There's the quickness. Crossbody, lateral press, hooks the leg.
Will Mysterio beat the clock? No, not right now.
[Coachman] And, Michael, you were right. Batista couldn't touch Edge,
but he did almost enough for Edge to get beaten.
[Cole] If Batista had touched Edge, he would've never had an opportunity
to ever get his hands on Edge.
As Mysterio delivers that kick to the back of the head.
And Rey Mysterio perhaps closing in on beating the clock.
Oh, and Edge.
A great counter.
And we're under two and half minutes, and that counter by Edge…
And now, the assault by the World Champion…
[referee] One, two, three.
[Cole] …may have cost Mysterio a World Title opportunity.
-Hey. -[Coachman] Oh, wait a second.
[Cole] The Undertaker. "The Phenom."
[crowd cheering]
["Rest In Peace" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Undertaker.
-[Cole] What the heck is going on? -[Coachman] What is going on? I…
[Cole] The clock is ticking away.
[Coachman] Uh, what's happening? I…
[Cole] You can't see. I can't see in front of me.
Undertaker's gone. Edge is in trouble. Mysterio realizes it.
[crowd cheering]
Catch the clock.
-Mysterio, 619. -[Coachman] Oh, yeah.
-[Cole] Rey's gonna do it. -[crowd cheering]
-A big splash and a cover. -[Coachman] There it is.
-[bell ringing] -[Cole] He did it! He did it!
Rey Mysterio's going to the Rumble.
["Booyaka 619" playing]
[Roberts] The winner of this match, Rey Mysterio.
[Cole] The ultimate underdog beat the clock.
Rey Mysterio will face Edge for the World Title at the Royal Rumble.
[Coachman] You wonder if Rey Mysterio had enough in him to get it done
in the allotted amount of time.
But in the end, Rey Mysterio was able to beat the clock.
[Cole] Perhaps Edge's plan backfired.
Rey Mysterio is the Number One Contender for the World Championship.
Well, by decree of General Manager Vickie Guerrero,
Batista and Undertaker were not allowed to touch Edge,
but they can do damage nonetheless.
First, Batista taking out Edge's cronies, Hawkins and Ryder.
And then "The Phenom" The Undertaker would make his presence felt,
and as only The Undertaker can.
Lights out in the arena.
And when they came back on, Edge was prone in position for 619,
allowing Rey Mysterio, after he realized what was happening,
to connect with his patented maneuver,
followed it up with a major Frog Splash.
Rey Mysterio heading to the Rumble with the World Title on the line.
-[crowd] One, two, three! -[bell ringing]
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Can the WWE's biggest underdog accomplish the impossible again?
Can Rey Mysterio win the World Title versus Edge
at the Royal Rumble?
[inaudible] Rumble?