The Quick Talkdown 12.02.06: The Black WrestleMania - Vince Loses Everything
Posted by Phill Feltham on 12.02.2006
The darkest WrestleMania of all time... and the longest column of all time! Vince loses power of his beloved WWE. Read on and see how!
BLACK WRESTLEMANIA: VINCE LOSES EVERYTHING
By Phill Feltham
It's WrestleMania time. Actually not, we've just finished Survivor Series, but our Deadly Seven trilogy comes to an end this week. The first chapter introduced the newest and darkest faction in WWE history. The second introduced Xile (Kevin Nash, Sting, Matt Hardy and Spirit Squad Eclipse.) These two factions were introduced using well known stories from the Bible. You can pick and choose which ones you like the most. Just send those comments to metrodivisions@yahoo.com.
Again, before I venture into the abyss (no pun intended). Just a couple of comments on TNA's Genesis PPV. I thought it was a solid show. I've always been a fan of Vince Russo's 'on-the-edge' booking. Now while we don't see a Russo byline on each angle, I think it's safe to say that most of the big ones were his. The Abyss title win was a step in the right direction, Samoa Joe tapping to Angle was good play because he will just become a bigger star later down the road.
As for the Survivor Series, it's great to see Batista as the new World Champion. I was beginning to wonder if he'd ever get the title back. The entire DX Team surviving their match against RKO was something I haven't seen in a Survivor Series in awhile. Mr. Kennedy's win over the Undertaker caught me by surprise, but this is not the first time I've underestimated this talented superstar. John Cena and Bobby Lashley being the sole survivors in their tag match against Big Show's group were predictable. It was either that or Umaga being the sole survivor. I don't like Umaga, mostly because he is being overpushed.
TNA is doing another invasion angle. What do I think of it? I'll let Jim Ross say it for me. "The TNA "War on VKM" doesn't jump off the page at me but that's only my opinion. I don't know what is really achieved at the end of the day. I cannot speak for Mr. McMahon but I would assume he could care less about what "war" may or may not be declared on him." My question is… who's promoting who?
Also, TNA's recent invasion at a WWE house show is bold, but again takes away from their clean wholesome wrestling image. Vince Russo needs to be a little pickier with these types of angles because in the end, TNA might just look like another WWE brand.
I'm looking at the WWE/ Indonesia controversy with great intrigue. In an earlier column, I remember discussing about the abomination of a study written about wrestling violence. That's in the United States. Now a father in Indonesia blames WWE Smackdown for the death of his child. The WWE released a statement (http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/3757920) totally defending their claim that wrestling was not responsible.
The statement says: "Unfortunately, this is not the first time that false allegations of this type have been used to deflect attention away from those directly responsible for the death of a child, and WWE urges caution in making such unsubstantiated, and now repudiated, statements, especially in light of the ongoing police investigation into the actual and true circumstances of this child's death while in the custody of others."
It is the WWE that needs to exercise caution here regarding this regrettable tragedy. This death is not on North American soil and the WWE will need to respect the laws and the processes of Indonesia.
The press release never noted any racism or prejudice. It's very factual but WWE Vice President of WWE Gary Davis's statement comes off a little arrogant.
"We are committed to working with the appropriate parties in Indonesia to address any issues, while still allowing Indonesian viewers the choice to watch WWE programming." Still allowing the Indonesian viewers to watch WWE? Give me a break. Culture sensitivity. Think about it.
And now….
BLACK WRESTLEMANIA (PART 3)
At the end of the last column, Linda and Stephanie McMahon had been hung on a cross wearing nothing but underwear. The following week on RAW, the softer side of the McMahon family were scared to even show their faces. Big Boss Vince McMahon was emotional and paranoid. He didn't know what to do. Even his new bodyguards: Sting, the surprise return of Kevin Nash (Shawn Michaels' closest friend) and Matt Hardy (Jeff's brother) didn't stop the Deadly Seven.
However, a member of the McMahon family did know what to do. Triple H, after a month sabbatical from the ring, returned the following night after No Way Out to join the Xile faction. Spirit Squad Eclipse was betrayed and sent to the unemployment line. Vince threatened legal action if Eclipse returned. Linda and Stephanie wanted legal action taken against D7 for the public crucifixion experience, but Vince and his returning son, Shane weren't convinced.
The opening of the WWE No Way Out Post-RAW started with some comments from Triple H.
"Shawn! You did something that can never be forgiven. You embarrassed my family on live television… my beautiful wife Stephanie and the grandmother of our child, Linda. Shawn, you and I had been friends a long time..."
"BULLSHIT!"
No music. Shawn comes out with a microphone.
"You dare accuse me of embarrassing your so-called family, something that you were too ashamed to admit on television. The 'Cerebral Assassin'... nothing more than a McMahon!"
"...And Shawn you're nothing but a Bible thumping has-been... I laugh at your faith... What I did to you last year is nothing compared to what I will do..."
"Revenge.... REVENGE!"
"If you want it so bad, Shawn, come and get it!"
Shawn charges the ring and he and Triple H get into a scuffle. Xile the following week on RAW didn't persuade them. Stubborn Vince wanted to win the war against the Deadly Seven.
The Deadly Seven were at a weak point now because two of the original members were gone. Boogeyman was super kicked out of the group a night after the Royal Rumble and the first member Spirit Squad member Eclipse had pulled a "Judas" on Shawn Michaels/ Ian Nottingham (his new ring name).
Michaels/ Nottingham is introduced to the ring to address the future of the Deadly Seven.
"At WrestleMania, the wait will be over. The WWE will enter a dark age as the Deadly Seven will take its rightful place as the owners of the WWE."
Vince's music blares over the loud speaker. The owner comes to the ring on his own without Xile by his side while the other three members of D7 ("The White Phoenix" Jeff Hardy and the Crimson Guards, formerly the Highlanders) stand beside Shawn Michaels.
Vince laughs at Nottingham/ Michaels. "Do you honestly think that you will ever be where I am? I'm Vince McMahon. I made you. I made this industry..."
"And you'll unmake it..." Nottingham interrupts.
"I wasn't finished... don't interrupt me while I'm talking to you!" Vince slaps Nottingham in the face. The Crimson Guards grab McMahon, however Nottingham tells them to let the emotional WWE owner go.
"You should be a comedian, McMahon. Here you stand, like a God, claiming that you made the WWE and this industry, but without us you'd have nothing… just a porno and a hand towel. We, the fans... We, the wrestlers... and we, the industry, will be here long after you and I are gone!"
"You really think this industry could survive without me? Well, let's just see. At WrestleMania I've made a match between me and this so-called Dummy Seven leader. I say if your "leader" can beat me, I'll step down as WWE chairman and I'll give all my shares in the WWE Entertainment Corporation to whoever beats me."
"Stipulation accepted."
".... I wasn't finished Dung Michaels! If I win... then you and the rest of your Deadly Seven must leave my ring NEVER to return," McMahon concluded.
"I don't need to repeat myself..." Nottingham stated.
Michaels' gloomy music hits and just as he and the Deadly Seven leave the ring, Nottingham/ Michaels says: "Vince, just a reminder... at WrestleMania you'll lose everything!!"
Later that night, Nottingham announced that there would be two replacements to fill the void in the Deadly Seven group.
The next week was a bad week for Eugene. The poor guy was once used as the mouth piece for debuting Deadly Seven members and even to this day... makes the weekly announcement that, "He is coming... they will be strong then... they will be complete.. and they will rule all... they will conquer."
Xile "enforcers" Matt Hardy and Kevin Nash force Eugene into a dark "interrogation room". Nash and Hardy used "persuasive" means to get answers from the bizarre Deadly Seven messenger. What's revealed is that this "wrestler" has harbored a grudge for McMahon "for decade". "He was once the gentle pussy cat... and now he returns a lion... a very fierce lion... Vince shouldn't have done what he did... Vince will regret... oh yes, he will regret..."
All legends in the WWE became under instant scrutiny. Every wrestler from Ric Flair, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Sgt. Slaughter, Ricky Steamboat, and any other WWE veteran under contract were under questioning. Even Kevin Nash and Sting got the burn.
Sting, known for his loyalty, was royally offended... so offended in fact that he quit Xile and made the challenge to Ian Nottingham for his world title shot. Triple H, of course, watched while Michaels/ Nottingham ripped each other apart in a RAW Main Event. It was a stalemate. McMahon, as written in Sting's contract, had no choice but to add Sting to the Triple H/ Shawn Michaels main event to make it a Triple Threat No Rules Match.
"I would rather Sting win the title than Michaels," Vince later remarked.
Matt Hardy, on behalf of Xile, made it his mission to rid the WWE of his brother Jeff Hardy. Hardy remarked, "You should have stayed in TNA. At least there, you could live with the security knowing that I couldn't rip your eyes apart!" These remarks led to an instant challenge for Matt Hardy's Intercontinental title at WrestleMania. The noble Matt accepted immediately.
Kevin Nash and Sting's replacement, John Cena would be fighting the Deadly Seven's protectors, The Crimson Guards. The Guards would still accompany every Deadly Seven to the ring at WrestleMania to provide that extra protection.
Two weeks before WrestleMania and so far 3 Deadly Seven members remain unnamed, as well as Sting's replacement. A tag war was announced for that evening: Intercontinental Champion Matt Hardy and Sting's replacement would fight "The White Phoenix" Jeff Hardy and an unknown D7 member. Matt Hardy announced EDGE as the newest member of Xile. This came to a surprise to the fans and Jeff Hardy.
Jeff Hardy's surprise was… NO ONE!! The match turned into a handicapped match. The Phoenix had the snot beat of him by both Matt Hardy and Edge. The R Rated Superstar nailed Jeff with the Spear and Matt climbed the ropes and nailed Edge with the Twist of Fate. Matt dragged Jeff onto Edge. 1....2…..3!!!
Matt grabbed the microphone.
"The Angelic Diablo returns… and what a perfect way than to betray the man who betrayed me… ADAM COPELAND!!" The Diablo and the Phoenix beat down on Edge. McMahon thought he had the upper hand by introducing Edge, all the while, mortal enemy Matt Hardy was on the take. Point Deadly Seven for reuniting the Hardy Boyz!!
The following week, the Intercontinental match is changed with Matt Hardy fighting Edge in a Ladder in a Cage Match. No member of Deadly Seven or Xile would be allowed in and Edge or the Diablo would not be allowed out until there was a winner.
It's a week before the ever christened ‘Black WrestleMania.' The McMahons are readying themselves for the ‘demise of the Deadly Seven.'
Vince made an announcement that the Xile Quartet would be fully assembled. He made the Nash/ Matt Hardy vs. the Crimson Guards tag match to a handicap match. The Guards get to fight Nash alone. Nash thought this was unfair. Confidently, McMahon said he would have plenty of help.
Also, the Phoenix would take on the unknown Xile member.
The Black WrestleMania card was set.
1.) For the WWE: Vince McMahon Vs. "the leader of the Deadly Seven"
2.) WWE World Title: Champion Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
3.) Kevin Nash Vs. The Crimson Guards
4.) WWE Intercontinental title: Champion Matt Hardy Vs. "The Rated R Superstar" Edge
5.) "The White Phoenix" Jeff Hardy Vs. The Unknown Xile member
The Crimson Guards will accompany every Freedom Seven member to the ring.
BLACK WRESTLEMANIA
The final chapter in the war...
1.) KEVIN NASH Vs. THE CRIMSON GUARDS (Genesis & Revelations -- formerly the Highlanders)
Opening match. Nash was terrorized most of the match, however, Shane McMahon came out and helped Nash. McMahon kicked Revelations in the groin. Genesis attacked Shane while Nash pinned Revelations after a powerbomb.
XILE: 1
DEADLY SEVEN: 0
2.) BAD NEWS FOR TNA Vs. "THE WHITE PHOENIX" JEFF HARDY
McMahon's surprise guest was none other than CHRISTIAN CAGE. Cage and the Phoenix fought a hard match, but it was Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and Linda McMahon extracting their revenge. The two ladies came out with mace and sprayed the Phoenix in the face. This allowed Cage to nail the Phoenix with the Unprettier and get the win.
Following the match, Kevin Nash came to the ring. He and Christian Cage dragged a half-conscious Jeff Hardy from ringside. The odd thing was that there was no Deadly Seven member around to help the Phoenix at all.
The Phoenix was then ‘crucified' the same way the lady McMahons were weeks ago on RAW. Shane, Nash, Cage and the lady McMahons celebrate until Jeff Hardy yells out.
THE PHOENIX: "The McMahon's hand has been played and I'm the ultimate sacrifice. Things will now happen as they are destined to."
The lights go out in the arena for a brief time. When they return, Black WrestleMania continues as scheduled. A couple of matches passed without any problems.
XILE: 2
DEADLY SEVEN: 0
3.) THE LADDER IN A CAGE MATCH FOR THE WWE INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE:
"THE ANGELIC DIABLO" MATT HARDY Vs. "THE RATED R SUPERSTAR" EDGE
This match had plenty of blood. The cocky Edge and Matt Hardy literally tried to kill each other, but in the end, it was Matt standing over an unconscious Edge with the Intercontinental title in his hands. No Xile or Deadly Seven interference.
XILE: 2
DEADLY SEVEN: 1
4.) WWE CHAMPIONSHIP: TRIPLE H Vs. SHAWN MICHAELS
Triple H came to the ring with his beloved wife, Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and their little bundle of joy. A week before, Stephanie wanted to witness her husband dismantle Ian Nottingham (Michaels), but Triple H resisted. It seems however that Triple H had no say in the matter.
Footage is shown of the Michaels/ Triple H rivalry. Images of Shawn being dressed as Christ are shown on the Titantron being whipped as Christ was before his crucifixion. This upset Michaels deeply. This gave Triple H an early advantage. Shawn would regain the advantage and Triple H would too.
Eventually, the match went to ringside. Stephanie tried to interfere. Triple H told Stephanie to back off. SMASH!! Triple H is pushed into the steel steps. SMACK!! Shawn smacks Stephanie in the face and takes her baby.
Shawn Michaels goes back into the ring and lays the baby in the center. He drops to one knee and begins to pray. Daddy Triple H horrified stops a screaming Stephanie from trying to enter the ring to retrieve the infant.
Michaels stayed in prayer. He never once moved. Triple H was able to take the baby out of the ring unharmed. This time Stephanie took the infant and quickly retreated from ringside area.
Triple H was emotional and very angry. Shawn finished his prayer and stood up smiling.
"I prayed for your baby," he said.
"You will pay for that!" Triple H replied.
"… And you're the former champion…"
An emotional Triple H was unable to think straight and eventually got kicked in the throat by Shawn Michaels. Shawn Michaels also known as Ian Nottingham had won the match and the WWE Championship!!
The big question was… WHERE WAS STING?! He knew who the prophet was and didn't want to be around when Vince's empire finally fell. He was a no show.
XILE: 2
DEADLY SEVEN: 2
5.) VINCE McMAHON Vs. THE DEADLY SEVEN LEADER
"NO CHANCE IN HELL" blares over the loud speaker. The smug WWE owner enters the ring smiling with his son Shane in the ring. Vince asks for the mic.
"Shane, I would like you to return to the locker room," Vince said.
"But, dad, we're in this together," Shane replied.
"IT'S MY COMPANY… AND WHEN I TELL YOU TO DO SOMETHING… Please… go back!!"
Shane reluctantly returns to the locker room.
And the winner is krpunk86@aim.com. Here is the final chapter in our story.
A Gregorian chant fills the arena. The D7 enter the arena. First, the Hardy Boyz enter, then the Crimson Guards, and finally last member of the Deadly Seven, Eugene.
Eugene, clean shaven and with his hair tied back (now known as Nick Dinsmore) is wearing a ritualistic robe and Jeff Hardy is carrying a black bag. The five men climb into the cage and stand with Michaels.
Ian/Shawn first pulls a mic from the bag. He holds it between himself and the others.
The Guards then grab Eugene's arms and hold them out at his sides. He falls to his knees, and Hardy grabs his hair and tilts his head back.
Shawn reaches into the bag, and chants, "THE BLOOD OF THE PROPHET WILL HERALD THE REVELATION."
He removes a dagger from the bag and cuts into Eugene's forehead. The blood of the prophet begins to fall into the ring.
The lights dim. A familiar guitar chord fills the arena. The crowd erupts as BRET HART steps through the curtain.
Ian/Shawn's voice rises above the roar. "Ten years ago Vince McMahon sinned against Bret Hart. Vince McMahon destroyed his life, killed his brother. Now, Vince McMahon will suffer for his sins."
The Hitman enters the ring and tears into Vince. For several minutes Bret tortures the WWE owner, busting him open in the process, before locking on the Sharpshooter. After over a minute in the hold Vince passes out from the pain and blood loss. The D7 tear back a panel from the roof and descend into the cell.
Except for Shawn they all bow to the Hitman, their leader. Shawn/Ian hands him the belt. "YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER LOST THIS TO BEGIN WITH." He then bows as the camera fades out.
