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Post by Alien lizard on Page 54 on Feb 15, 2021 18:41:48 GMT -5
It should have been the best year in company history. Coming out of 2011, WWE had the two hottest World Champions in wrestling, in Daniel Bryan and CM Punk. They had a popular, charismatic up-and-comer in Zack Ryder and young heel-on-the-rise Cody Rhodes as the United States and Intercontinental Champions, respectively. Beth Phoenix was a reliable hand as Divas Champion, and Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne had become a pleasant surprise as WWE Tag Team Champions Air Boom.
Sure, things hadn’t been perfect in 2011. The start-and-stop push of Punk was infuriating at times, especially the inane angle with Kevin Nash, the so-called “stick the winner” storyline. Triple H has basically buried the roster for walking out, which was nonsensical in and of itself. And R-Truth and Evan Bourne had done themselves no favors by getting “Wellnessed” in the middle of big pushes. Christian had gone down with a badly timed injury days before Survivor Series. Brodus Clay’s return as a dancing dinosaur wasn’t exactly lighting the world on fire. But things were looking up.
The aforementioned Champions had just taken their places at the top. Mark Henry was having the best run of his career with his Hall of Pain push. Sheamus was becoming a top babyface player. Chris Jericho was back. Dolph Ziggler was in his prime. Even NXT was providing enjoyable television with the wacky Season 5, subtitled “NXT Redemption”. And there were popular indy talents, such as Tyler Black, Claudio Castagnoli and Jon Moxley coming up the ranks of FCW, along with rumors that Chris Hero, Brodie Lee and Giant Bernard (FKA Albert/A-Train) were close to signing. Plus, the dream match of John Cena vs. The Rock was set to headline WrestleMania 28 in Miami.
WWE in 2012 had the potential to be one of the best years they had ever had.
Now, we go back in time to see what could have been. This is…
WWE 2012: Changing The World Through EWR
(So, there will be some similarities to the actual booking of 2012, as well as some differences. Also, I wrote the first part of this while the game was loading, so I hadn’t seen my full roster yet. I had to sign Jericho, since he wasn’t on the roster. I also made another rehire that was made in real life. I released anyone from Developmental I had never heard of and began making my hires. Nothing too wild yet, but I do have a few ideas going forward. I got rid of Superstars before starting the game, since NXT will basically serve that same purpose. Also, there’s a brand split, but it will probably be ignored for the most part, since it was basically non-existent in real life by that point.
Other than what I’ve already mentioned, I will basically be working with I’ve got. Hopefully, unlike my previous diary attempts, I won’t get bored and abandon this one after a short time.)
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Post by Alien lizard on Page 54 on Feb 16, 2021 22:56:25 GMT -5
Monday Night Raw – January 2nd, 2012 John Laurinaitis opens this episode of Raw by hyping up CM Punk’s title defense at the Royal Rumble against Dolph Ziggler. Tonight, Punk will compete in a warmup match, as he takes on Big Johnny’s legal counsel, David Otunga in tonight’s main event.
In our first match of the night, Air Boom defend the WWE Tag Team Championship in a rematch from TLC against Epico and Primo. Much like their last encounter, the Champions retain their titles. However, the real story unfolds after the match, as two men in track suits charge the ring after the match and attack Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne. The crowd recognizes the pair as The Kings of Wrestling and give them a nice recognition pop. A Roaring Elbow lays out Bourne, while Kofi is felled by a Ricola Bomb, leaving The Kings standing tall.
Zack Ryder is interviewed backstage about his title defense tonight against Drew McIntyre. He explains that he wants to do right by the US Title’s legacy, by being a fighting Champion. Anyone looking for a shot, step on up. Woo woo woo, you know it.
It’s six woman tag team action next, as the trio of Beth Phoenix, Natalya Neidhart and Tamina Snuka battles Kelly Kelly, Eve Torres and Alicia Fox. It’s standard back and forth fare between these six ladies, culminating with Beth finishing off Alicia with the Glam Slam.
For over a month, we have been promised that a Superstar will be debuting tonight. When Raw returns from a commercial break, the lights go out, then a countdown appears on screen, before…
BREAK THE WALLS DOWN!!!
Chris Jericho is back! He walks out on stage to a huge ovation, mic in hand. After a full two minutes, Jericho turns and leaves, without saying a word.
This Friday night, on Smackdown, tune in to see Daniel Bryan defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Big Show!
Zack Ryder defended his United States Championship next, taking on Drew McIntyre. The big Scotsman provides a serious challenge for Ryder, but in the end, a Rough Ryder puts Drew down. However, after the match, Kane runs in and starts beating down Ryder, hammering him with punches, before driving him to the mat with a big Chokeslam. Kane grabs the mic and taunts John Cena, asking him if he’s going to let his friend get beaten up. The answer to that is a big “NO!” as Cena runs down and starts trading punches with Kane on the ramp. Officials manage to separate the two, and Cena checks on Ryder, who is battered, but otherwise able to leave of his own accord.
In the main event, CM Punk takes on David Otunga in a non-title match. Punk doesn’t have too much trouble in the early going, but once Big Johnny makes his way to ringside, the tone changes, as his distractions allow Otunga to slip in and take advantage. Despite the odds against him, Punk rallies back, hitting the GTS, before locking in the Anaconda Vise. However, Laurinaitis interferes, pulling the ref out of the ring and shoving him down, resulting in Otunga being disqualified. Johnny jumps on the apron, but gets roundhouse kicked off. Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger then run down and attack Punk, beating him down. Raw ends with Punk passed out from the Sleeper Hold and Ziggler standing over him, holding up the belt.
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NXT Redemption – January 4th, 2012 The music of The American Dream opens NXT as we get the surprise appearance of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes! Dusty gets a nice ovation as he announces that he has been named the new General Manager of NXT. Going forward, he is making it his goal to make this show into something more than just a game show. To that end, effective immediately, the points system is abolished, as is the system of pros and rookies. Going forward, everyone on NXT is starting out on equal playing field with a blank slate. He looks forward to tonight to see where people stand…
After that blockbuster announcement from the new GM, we have our opening contest, as Michael McGillicutty battles Tyson Kidd. Both men currently fall against the rules, but Tyson is more adherent to the referee’s instructions than McGillicutty. But that serves to his detriment late in the match, as McGillicutty has no qualms about grabbing Kidd’s tights during a pin attempt, earning him the three count and the win.
Backstage, Matt Striker interviews Johnny Curtis, who will be the guest referee for our next match, pitting Maxine against Kaitlyn. Both women have been vying for Curtis’ attention as of late, but Curtis refuses to say who’s side he’s on. During the match, the two women quickly devolve into a catfight, which Curtis merely watches with a big smile on his face. Eventually, the two begin to contest a standard wrestling contest. For the majority of the contest, Curtis calls it down the middle, but when Maxine catches Kaitlyn in a sunset flip, Curtis makes a fast-count, giving Maxine the win. Afterwards, as Curtis raises Maxine’s hand, Kaitlyn shoves him, then slaps him. As Maxine tends to Curtis, Kaitlyn storms off, tears flowing from her eyes.
Tyler Reks and Yoshi Tatsu go one on one next. The match is very standard fare, with Reks getting the win after interference by his tag team partner, Curt Hawkins. Afterwards, as Reks and Hawkins beat down Yoshi, Trent Barretta runs out to make the save. Hawkins and Reks exit up the ramp, pleased with their victory.
Ahead of tonight’s main event, we get comments from Titus O’Neil and Percy Watson. O’Neil says that the rivalry between him and Darren Young has raged on for too long. Tonight, he and Percy plan to put Young and JTG in their place. In the ring, Young and JTG spend much of the match isolating Watson. When O’Neil finally gets the hot tag, he cleans house, then plants JTG with the Clash of the Titus to get the win.
After the match, Dusty Rhodes comes back to the ring. He announces that it is time to crown the first-ever NXT Champion. Next week, we will have a Triple Threat Match, between Darren Young, Titus O’Neil and Derrick Bateman. The winner will be crowned the very first NXT Champion!
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Friday Night Smackdown – January 6th, 2012 This edition of Smackdown opens with in-ring action, as Sheamus battles Hunico. While the former masked Luchadore takes the fight to Sheamus, it’s clear that the Celtic Warrior isn’t about to go down easily. A Brogue Kick seals the deal and gives Sheamus a victory as he builds momentum en route to the Royal Rumble.
Backstage, Daniel Bryan is preparing for his World Heavyweight Championship match against Big Show later tonight. AJ Lee is there with him, expressing her concern for the Champion. Bryan reassures her that he’ll be fine, then kisses his girlfriend before heading to the ring.
Elsewhere, Wade Barrett promises a victory in the latest chapter of his rivalry with Randy Orton tonight. We then cut back to the ring, as Big Show enters for his title shot against Daniel Bryan. Much of the match consists of Bryan trying to play keep-away, while Show looks to use his size advantage. Eventually, Show corners Bryan, but Mark Henry runs out! He attacks Big Show, causing the disqualification. Surprisingly, Bryan joins Henry in attacking Show after the match, but runs for cover when Henry seems poised to turn his wrath onto him.
The Kings of Wrestling formally introduce themselves as Antonio Cesaro (FKA Claudio Castagnoli) and Kassius Ohno (FKA Chris Hero). They are here in WWE to live up to their team name. They have an impressive first showing, picking up a win over Ezekiel Jackson and Justin Gabriel, following a Ricola Bomb to Gabriel.
A video plays, recapping Kane’s attack on Zack Ryder this past Monday, as well as John Cena answering Kane’s challenge.
Cody Rhodes talks about being the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, then takes on Trent Barreta. Barreta holds his own against the Champion, as the two have an impressive battle. In the end, a Disaster Kick leads to CrossRhodes, giving Cody the win.
Backstage, Teddy Long announces that next week, Mark Henry will battle Big Show in a Number One Contenders match, to determine who will challenge Daniel Bryan for the World Heavyweight Championship at the Royal Rumble.
In the main event, Wade Barrett battles Randy Orton. It’s yet another chapter in this long rivalry, with Barrett getting several moments where he looks to be winning, only for Orton to end up hitting an RKO for the three-count. But after the match, as Orton is celebrating, Christian slides into the ring and lays him out with the Killswitch! Captain Charisma is back and he is targeting his old foe, The Viper...
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Post by Alien lizard on Page 54 on Feb 17, 2021 18:21:49 GMT -5
(Normally, updates will be posted the same way as the first entry, with all three shows in a single post, because of the way I'm writing the shows. It's easier for me to just include the important info on matches, especially since I'm not particularly good at match writing. PPVs will get more detailed writeups, however. That said, this update will only be one show. The reason for that will become apparent soon enough...) Monday Night Raw – January 9th, 20102 Interim Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis opens the show in the ring. He recaps the end of last week’s show, when Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger beat down CM Punk, then talks about Kane targeting Zack Ryder to get at John Cena. With that in mind, Big Johnny books the main event for the evening, a two-on-three handicap match, pitting Punk and Ryder against Ziggler, Swagger and Kane.
The Miz comes to the ring and talks about how he will win the Royal Rumble this year. He plays up the surprise aspect of the Rumble and that anyone could come out next. With that in mind, he requested this time tonight to issue an open challenge, to any opponent backstage. That challenge is accepted by Rey Mysterio, who we haven’t seen in months! Mysterio and Miz have a great match, reminiscent of their WWE Championship match some months back. However, Miz takes the wind out of the crowd’s sails, as while they revel in Rey’s surprise return, Miz picks up the win after removing the turnbuckle pad and bouncing Rey’s head off the exposed steel, into a Skull Crushing Finale.
Beth Phoenix talks about the upcoming Divas Battle Royal, saying it doesn’t matter who she faces at the Royal Rumble, because she is the most dominant Diva’s Champion in WWE history. In the ring, ten WWE Divas are waiting for the bell, then tear into each other, hellbent on becoming the Number One Contender. While The Bella Twins work together to eliminate the likes of Tamina Snuka, Kelly Kelly and Alicia Fox, the two are simultaneously eliminated by Natalya Neidhart. AJ Lee eliminates Eve Torres, making AJ, Natalya, Layla and Aksana the final four. Aksana and Natalya team up to take out AJ, before Layla uses Aksana’s own momentum to send her over the top. Finally, Layla eliminates Natalya by countering a Powerbomb attempt and scissoring her over the top rope. Layla will now challenge Beth Phoenix for the Divas Championship at the Royal Rumble!
Much like last week, Chris Jericho walks out to the ring, but says nothing. After merely standing in the ring, smiling, he steps through the ropes and leaves, high fiving some fans along the way.
Backstage, The Kings of Wrestling interrupt Air Boom’s interview segment to make their intentions to take their titles known. Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne stand their ground, saying that they’re proud of what they’ve accomplished as Champions, but knocking off the guys who claim to be Kings? That’s next level.
Fresh off his shocking return at the end of Smackdown, Christian takes on Santino Marella. The former two-time Intercontinental Champion puts up a brave effort, but falls to a Killswitch. After the match, Randy Orton runs out to attack Christian, but Captain Charisma escapes and hightails it up the ramp, leaving Orton fuming in the ring.
This Friday night on Smackdown, Big Show and Mark Henry battle to become the Number One Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship!
In the main event, CM Punk and Zack Ryder team up to face the trio of Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger and Kane. Ziggler and Swagger isolate Ryder in their corner early on, as the US Champ tries to valiantly fight to his own corner. Kane eventually tag’s himself in and goozle’s Ryder, only to take a boot to the midsection, followed by a desperation Rough Ryder! Kane rolls over and tag’s Ziggler, while Ryder makes the big tag to Punk! Punk cleans house on Ziggler and Kane, but Swagger comes in and hits a belly-to-belly suplex on Punk, dropping the WWE Champion on his head. Ryder comes back in to take down Swagger, before taking a Chokeslam over the top from Kane. Punk goes to hoist Ziggler up for the Go To Sleep, but Ziggler catches him in a small package for the quick pin. After the match, Kane goes after Ryder on the outside, but John Cena, armed with a chair, runs down and chases Kane away. Raw ends with Kane, Ziggler and Swagger celebrating on the ramp, as Cena helps Ryder up, and Punk sits in the ring, the WWE Championship in one hand, his other hand holding his neck... -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WWE.COM BREAKING NEWS A huge story coming out of Monday Night Raw involved the WWE Champion, CM Punk. During the evening’s main event, which saw Punk team with United States Champion Zack Ryder to take on Dolph Ziggler, Kane and Jack Swagger, the Champion was seen to land on his head following a Swagger suplex. Although Punk finished the match, it was clear that he wasn’t in the best condition. Following X-Rays the next day, WWE Officials learned that Punk will be out of action for a minimum of eight months, following a serious neck injury. Of course, this puts the state of the WWE Championship in question. It is believed that the situation will be addressed as early as tonight’s episode of NXT. Stay tuned to WWE programming and WWE.com for further developments.
(So, um, yeah. Oh boy.)
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Post by Alien lizard on Page 54 on Feb 23, 2021 22:14:14 GMT -5
NXT Redemption – January 11th, 2012 John Laurinaitis opens the show by coming out, carrying the WWE Championship. He explains that CM Punk was injured on Raw this past week and will be out of action for several months. As a result, he is stripping Punk of the WWE Championship. The title situation will be addressed on Raw this Monday.
Following up after last week’s singles bout, Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins take on Yoshi Tatsu and Trent Barreta in tag team action. Hawkins ends up doing most of the heavy lifting for his team (more on that later). After some back and forth action, Barreta picks up the win after hitting the Dudebuster DDT on Hawkins.
Derrick Bateman is the first of the three men in tonight’s NXT Championship match to speak about the opportunity. Bateman talks about his journey over the last year, from being “the comedic America guy”, to ditching his pro, Daniel Bryan, to his rivalry with Johnny Curtis. Tonight, he carves a new path for himself… as NXT Champion.
Next, Michael McGillicutty battles Justin Gabriel in one-on-one competition. Like last week, McGillicutty resorts to underhanded tactics to pull out the win. However, after the match. Tyson Kidd runs out to get some revenge on McGillicutty for cheating last week.
Darren Young is up next with his thoughts on the NXT Championship match. Citing his moniker of “Mr. No Days Off”, Young says that he is the standard bearer of NXT. He says that tonight, when he wins the NXT Championship, he will mold the show in his own image.
Last week, Johnny Curtis chose to help Maxine defeat Kaitlyn, fast-counting the NXT Season Three winner. This week, Curtis, with Maxine in his corner, battles Percy Watson. Maxine is the difference maker in this one, as she trips up Watson in the ropes, causing him to fall prey to the Falcon Arrow, then a legdrop off the top rope. After the match, Kaitlyn runs down to get at Curtis and Maxine, but the pair escapes.
Titus O’Neil is the last of the main event competitors to speak ahead of the match. As the most clean-cut wrestler out of the three, he talks about representing the great brand that NXT is becoming. Tonight is about more than just crowning a Champion, it’s about deciding the path NXT as a brand will take...
In the main event, Derrick Bateman, Darren Young, and Titus O’Neil battle to become the first-ever NXT Champion. The themes of the match revolve around the long-running feud between Young and O’Neil, and the wildcard that is Derrick Bateman. As the match goes along, it’s clear that any of the three would be a great Champion, but in the end, it’s Young who pulls it out, pinning Bateman after a Gut Check, to become the inaugural Champion.
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Wrestling Observer Update Fans who watched NXT may have noticed that Tyler Reks’ involvement in the match pitting himself and Curt Hawkins against Yoshi Tatsu and Trent Barreta, was kept to a minimum. We learned that right before the show went live, Reks had showed up in the infamous “no condition to work”. Hawkins took the lead and carried the workload for his team, while Reks mostly participated in spots from the apron and ringside, that carried no risk of harming himself or others. We learned that following the show, Reks was sent to a WWE-sponsored rehab. While officials were not pleased, we have been informed that Reks in no danger of being released over this. Hawkins was praised for his professionalism and for stepping up to be the workhorse during the match. More on this story as it develops.
Friday Night Smackdown – January 13th, 2012 We open with tag team action, as Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger battle The Usos. The brothers put up a good effort, but Vickie Guerrero’s clients are simply too much for them to handle. The end comes after a Zig Zag to Jey for the three-count. After the match, Ziggler grabs the mic. Since CM Punk is out of the picture, he expects that John Laurinaitis will do the right thing and name HIM the new WWE Champion. He promises to be on Raw Monday to accept the mantle of Champion...
Backstage, Teddy Long announces that tonight, Christian and The Miz will team up to face Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio.
Antonio Cesaro battles Kofi Kingston. Neither Kassius Ohno or Evan Bourne are at ringside for the match, which ends up being a back and forth technical affair. Towards the end of the match, however, Ohno does make his way to ringside. While Cesaro draws the ref’s attention, Ohno grabs Kofi’s Tag Title belt and drills him with it. Cesaro then hits the Neutralizer to get the win. After the match, Cesaro and Ohno continue to beat down Kingston. Evan Bourne runs down to help, but The Kings of Wrestling overpower him, as well. A Roaring Elbow knocks out Bourne as the Kings once again stand tall over the Champions.
Kane is seen backstage, talking about John Cena. He says that toying with Zack Ryder has been fun, but he’s only just begun to play his mind games with John Cena. When he’s done with him, Cena will be more than willing to embrace the hate...
Big Show battles Mark Henry in a Number One Contenders Match. The two big men, having no love lost for one another after their wars last fall, pick up right where they left off. Henry wants to put Show back on the shelf, while Show is looking to not just earn another Championship match, but also induct Henry into his own Hall of Pain. However, World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan sticks his nose in the match, attacking both men with a chair, leaving the referee no choice but to declare the match a no-contest. With both men laid out, Bryan does laps around the ring, chanting “YES! YES! YES!” until Big Show starts to stir. Bryan beats a hasty retreat, not wanting to answer for his very questionable actions...
Christian blames Randy Orton for ruining what should have been the biggest year of his career. Orton ended his World Title reign after just five days, then made his life hell for months. Then, he put him out of action right before Survivor Series. Christian promises to put Orton through the same type of hell…
Elsewhere, AJ Lee asks Daniel Bryan what he was thinking interfering in the Number One Contenders match. Bryan says he knows what he’s doing, then kisses AJ. We then go to John Laurinaitis, making a surprise appearance on Smackdown. Big Johnny announces that at the Royal Rumble, Daniel Bryan will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against both Mark Henry AND The Big Show! We then cut back to Bryan, who is having a meltdown over this development.
Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio take on Christian and The Miz in our main event. Mysterio is isolated by the heels for a good portion of the match, but once Orton gets the tag, he cleans house. Miz takes a backbreaker, then an elevated DDT, but Christian tries to surprise Orton with the Killswitch. Unfortunately for Captain Charisma, Orton counters into an RKO for the win. After the match, however, Christian and The Miz get some payback on Orton and Mysterio, ending the night taunting their rivals from the ramp, as they try to recollect themselves... (Sorry this took so long to post. I was having trouble figuring out what to do for Smackdown, plus I'm still working out a plan for Raw and the WWE Championship. The solution is not as obvious as it would seem. But the positive is I was able to get this done, plus two stories on DA on the same day! So yay...)
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Post by Alien lizard on Page 54 on Mar 1, 2021 23:12:22 GMT -5
Monday Night Raw – January 16th, 2012 John Laurinaitis and Dolph Ziggler come to the ring, Laurinaitis carrying the WWE Championship. He starts talking about the prestige and lineage of the title, then mentions CM Punk’s unfortunate injury. But, in the name of maintaining the title’s lineage, he has made the decision that Dolph Ziggler is the winner of his Royal Rumble match with Punk via forfeit and therefore, is the new WWE Champion. But Triple H comes out, having different intentions in mind. He announces that the title will not simply be awarded to Ziggler, who will have to earn it. So tonight, there is going to be a Fatal 4-Way Match, with the winner of that facing Ziggler at The Royal Rumble to crown the new WWE Champion. And the four men taking part in that match will be Kane, John Cena, The Miz and Randy Orton.
In singles action, Evan Bourne takes on Kassius Ohno. Ohno uses his size to get the better of Bourne for much of the match, until a missed corner splash turns the tide. Bourne connects with a reverses hurricanrana, then a Shooting Star Press, before Antonio Cesaro runs in and attacks him, causing the disqualification. It’s two on one, but not for long, as Kofi Kingston runs out to make the save for his partner, chasing off their Royal Rumble challengers.
Christian cuts a promo backstage, talking about his match coming up against Rey Mysterio tonight. He says that he and Rey were opponents in the tag team match on Smackdown last week, but tonight, it will be Christian getting his hand raised. That match immediately follows, with a great back and forth exchange between the two. Once they settle into their routine, Christian dominates, but misses a splash into the ropes, setting him up for a 619. As Christian staggers back, Rey goes for a springboard senton, but Christian counters with a Powerbomb and pins Rey with his feet on the ropes for extra leverage.
Backstage, we see Eve Torres walking down the hallway, getting ready for her match. But as the camera cuts back, the view changes, showing that someone else is watching her from afar...
Eve takes on Beth Phoenix next. Although Eve puts up a respectable fight, it’s Beth’s match and she picks up a convincing win with the Glam Slam. Afterwards, as Beth is posing with the Divas Championship, Layla runs down the aisle and attacks her. As Beth bails, Layla motions that she’ll be the next Divas Champion at the Royal Rumble...
A video hypes up the rivalry and upcoming World Heavyweight Championship match between Daniel Bryan, Mark Henry and Big Show at the Royal Rumble.
It’s main event time, as The Miz, John Cena, Kane and Randy Orton battle to determine Dolph Ziggler’s opponent for the vacant WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble. Kane and Cena quickly end up fighting through the crowd to the back, where they have to be separated by officials and other members of the roster. With it down to just Orton and Miz, Orton hits an RKO to pick up the win. Afterwards, as Orton is celebrating, Dolph Ziggler runs down and lays him out with the ZigZag. Dolph stands over Orton, promising to be victorious at the Rumble...
NXT: Redemption – January 18th, 2012 NXT begins with Darren Young making his way to the ring, carrying the NXT Championship on his shoulder. He says that as Mr. No Days Off, it’s only fitting that he carry the mantle as NXT’s standard bearer. Nobody has put in more work or earned this as much as he has. He says that his reign as Champion is going to last a very long time...
Kicking off the in-ring action is Titus O’Neil taking on Young’s mentor, JTG. The more experienced JTG puts forth a strong effort, but quickly falls to a Clash of the Titus.
Johnny Curtis and Maxine boast about their recent wins in singles action over Percy Watson and Kaitlyn. They promise similar results in tag team competition tonight. That match is next, as Watson and Kaitlyn join forces to take on the villainous duo of Curtis and Maxine. Maxine finds herself out-matched against Kaitlyn, while Curtis and Watson are more evenly matched. In the end, Maxine does get the win for her team, rolling up Kaitlyn and holding the bottom rope for leverage.
Tyson Kidd battles Trent Barreta in an exhibition match next. After some good back and forth action, Kidd picks up the win with the Code Blue. Afterwards, Michael McGillicutty runs down and attacks Kidd from behind, laying him out with a Fisherman’s Buster.
In the main event, Derrick Bateman takes on Curt Hawkins. This match is an extended showcase for Bateman, who picks up the win in the end with a Fireman’s Carry Cutter. After the match, Dusty Rhodes comes out and announces that next week, Bateman will battle Titus O’Neil in a Number One Contenders Match.
Friday Night Smackdown – January 20th. 2012 Smackdown opens with Mark Henry and Sheamus in the middle of an argument backstage. Teddy Long passes by them and informs them that they will be competing against one another tonight.
Wade Barrett cuts a promo on his opponent tonight, United States Champion Zack Ryder. He promises that when all is said and done, there will be a new Champion crowned.
In singles action, AJ Lee battles Layla. Despite her best efforts, AJ is less experienced than her opponent and falls quickly to a Layout. After the match, as Layla plays to the crowd, Beth Phoenix runs down and attacks her. She hits a Glam Slam, then defiantly holds up the Divas Championship, taunting her Royal Rumble challenger.
A video highlights the feud between John Cena and Kane. At the Royal Rumble, the two will meet one-on-one...
The United States Championship match is next, as Zack Ryder defends against Wade Barrett. Both men pull out all the stops in a fantastic ten minute battle, which Ryder wins after a Rough Ryder, to retain the title.
Air Boom are backstage, promising to dethrone The Kings of Wrestling at the Royal Rumble and retain their titles.
AJ Lee looks to Daniel Bryan to comfort her after her loss, but Bryan is more hung up on the Henry/Sheamus match. He says that Henry is challenging for his title at the Royal Rumble, so he has to watch this match, to scout for weaknesses. Bryan runs off, leaving AJ standing in the hall, her head hung in sadness.
Dolph Ziggler takes on Rey Mysterio next. For twenty minutes, they go back and forth. The end comes when Ziggler ducks the 619 and hits a Zig Zag for the win. After the match, Randy Orton runs down and lays out Ziggler with the RKO.
Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes is backstage. He announces his entry into the Royal Rumble match and vows to win, then become a double-Champion at WrestleMania.
The main event of the evening is Mark Henry versus Sheamus. The two trade punches at the bell, before settling into a snug hoss fight. Eventually, Henry goes for a splash in the corner, but Sheamus moves, then Brogue Kick’s Henry, knocking him out of the ring. Henry is unable to answer the ten count and Sheamus gets the win. Afterwards, as Sheamus is celebrating, Henry rolls back in and hits a World’s Strongest Slam on Sheamus. However, as he taunts “The Celtic Warrior”, Daniel Bryan runs out with a chair and cracks Henry in the back of the head with it. After a few more chair shots, Bryan raises the World Heavyweight Championship, possibly a sign of things to come at the Royal Rumble…
Wrestling Observer Update Fans who watched Smackdown this past week may have noticed that Big Show was not on the show and that commentary repeatedly mentioned that Daniel Bryan will be defending the World Heavyweight Championship against just Mark Henry. The reason is because last week, Big Show informed WWE Officials that he was dealing with personal issues and requested time off. Despite WWE being on the Road to WrestleMania, Show has been granted the time. At first, it was believed that Show would be found laid out backstage, in an attempt to set up a future angle, but those plans were nixed at the last minute, since it’s unknown how long Show will be off TV for.
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