The Fink’s Payload 12.26.06: DX Vs Rated RKO

Matt: Hello, and welcome to a (belated) Fink’s Payload. While lots of Xmas food and presents can be blamed for the delay over this column’s posting, the main cause is in fact a matter of my office suite deciding that now would be the perfect time to self-destruct. But now that I’ve managed to work out a compromise (i.e. doing this somewhere else,) it’s up, a touch late, but up nevertheless.

Nick: I’m also partially to blame, at least for this week’s very, very special MEGA-LATENESS~!, as I am only just sitting down just after midnight Christmas night to write this out. Welcome.

Matt: But also there is a fair amount of ideas sent in, so there’s that to contend with, while I try to steer away from the whole voting and my horrible timing issue. Anyway, first guy to step up to the plate is Jarkota, a first time writer (& reader).

Personally, I look for this feud to culminate in DX taking the World Tag-Team titles and Rated RKO going back to singles competition. Meanwhile, DX does some rebuilding of the tag division somewhat. Then, during a title defence a few months down the road, there’s a miscommunication which leads to DX losing the straps. The man who made the mistake apologizes, apology is accepted, and in the rematch the following week, the other guy makes a mistake, costing them the belts again. This sows the seeds of mistrust between the two, and we get a series of promos and matches teasing a breakup and one going heel (probably Hunter, as he’s better at it and Shawn probably wouldn’t do a heel now anyway), leading to a big blowoff match at, say, WrestleMania or Backlash.

On the other end of things, I look for Randy Orton vs. Cena in a long WWE Title feud leading up to WM or another big PPV, where Orton gets the belt and we are finally rid of Cena as champ, at least until Vince decides we want to see the poser again and proceeds to shove him down our throats once more (though, sadly, I know some girls who wouldn’t mind that at all). Also, I can see Edge having a nice run with the Intercontinental Title, or maybe on SmackDown!, going for Batista’s World Heavyweight Championship.

Bottom line: HHH, HBK, Edge, and Orton all have a lot of gas left in their respective tanks and could use this feud to lift their careers and standings and launch them into other angles if this is done right (which, if I know Vincent Kennedy McMahonagement, it won’t be). But that’s just my two cents……..

Matt: And we’re happy to show them to the world, although we’re more an Armchair Booking column rather than a rant archive. Try Hidden Highlights for that, I know they love to rip apart the product. But DX as tag champs I wouldn’t mind, but it’ll probably never happen, just because who the hell can beat them? I mean, yes, theoretically a damm good tag team should be able to beat two main event singles stars, but DX are also tag vets with each other, hence unless it’s booked very well, Benny & Haas aren’t about to be seen as a legit threat, no matter what we online would think.

Nick: DX aren’t actually tag vets together… they teamed maybe once or twice before Shawn left “for good” back in 1998, and have only really been teaming up since June. As for the new fella’s idea… eh. Like Matt said, who beats them? Regardless of their history as a tag team, they’re basically unbeatable and have made everybody look like shit for no good reason. I’d honestly prefer to see Orton and Edge lose at New Year’s Revolution due to some DX shenanigans, then challenge DX to a rematch at the Royal Rumble (don’t worry, they can all still be in the Rumble match itelf), where they decide they want to put the tag titles on the line, and then they beat DX to keep them, and they do it convincingly. I’ll expand more later, since there’s space down below for me to rant on that. As far as your idea, though, Cena is about 60 million billion times better than Orton as far as being the champ is concerned. Edge is also much better, but I think the two are much better off just being a tag team for a while – it would benefit Orton much more than getting another unwarranted singles push would. He’s just not ready.

I also am fucking tired of seeing people clamouring for another damn Triple H/Michaels feud. Enough already. That ship sailed long before their most recent “last match” back at Vengeance 2004.

Matt: Next guy to take a swing is Rob Dow.

Late in the DX vs. Team Rated RKO match at New Year’s Revolution, the ref gets bumped and Kenny runs out. Ric Flair comes out and grabs the sledgehammer, but then he (somewhat) shockingly turns on Triple H, giving the match to Edge and Orton.

The next night on Raw, Flair talks about how he never forgot when Triple H turned against him, etc. And he’s now Edge and Orton’s (and maybe Kenny’s) manager. Later that night, as Team RKO defends the tag titles against Cryme Tyme, DX interfere and Cryme Tyme win the belts. The next week, DX vs. Flair and Kenny go to a no contest when Edge and Orton interfere and beat down DX. The next week, DX and Orton and Edge wrestle in singles matches with each going to no contests. Coach comes out and announces that at the Royal Rumble, it will be DX vs. Team RKO with Flair and Kenny banned from ringside. He also adds the stipulation that both members of the winning team get to go on to the Rumble match while neither of the losing team members do. The next week, Flair visits the World’s Greatest Tag Team in the back to “talk business”, but we don’t get to hear what they discuss.

At the Rumble, after a back and forth match with Cryme Tyme, the WGTT win the tag titles after interference from Flair. Later, the WGTT return the favor and help Team RKO beat DX. JR and Lawler play up that this must be the “business” that Flair worked out the week before.

During the Rumble match, the final four end up being Orton, Edge, Kane and The Undertaker. Orton and Edge manage to eliminate Kane and look like they’re about to eliminate Undertaker when DX come out. The distraction allows Undertaker to make a comeback. Michaels goes to hit the Sweet Chin Music on Edge but he ducks and Undertaker takes the shot. Orton throws out Undertaker who begins to argue with DX. Undertaker and DX start shoving each other at ringside and Kane comes back out to defend his “brother”. This sets up a Wrestlemania match of DX vs. Kane and Undertaker. Meanwhile in the ring, Team RKO celebrates, but then Edge cheap shots Orton and wins the Rumble. The next night on Raw, Orton convinces Coach to make it a Triple Threat match with Orton vs. Edge vs. Cena for the WWE Title at WM, with Flair trying to keep the peace between Team RKO.

This accomplishes a few things. First, Orton and Edge (finally) get a couple PPV wins over DX which gives them credibility going into WM. Second, Flair can move to a managerial role and maybe fill the void that Lita left (strange, isn’t it?) to help keep heat on Edge and Orton. Third, this keeps DX out of the title picture. Fourth, at this point, Kane and Undertaker are probably the only tag team in the entire WWE that can be seen as a legitimate challenge to DX the way they’ve been steamrolling over everyone else. Fifth, this also allows Flair to bring back a Horsemen-like stable to feud with DX and/or Cena after WM.

Matt: Edge Vs Orton Vs Cena? That’s a title match I honestly hadn’t considered. Although the 4 Horsemen as a heel group (and yeah, Flair will lead the final incarnation next year to plug the DVD, probably him, HHH, HBK, Arn as the mouthpiece and oh, say, Johnny or someone) I’m not sure would fly. Still, pretty decent idea Finkle can pitch.

Nick: Not bad. I didn’t like the Flair turn on the first read, but I thought about it, and it ain’t too bad of an idea, actually. I didn’t like it because Edge and Orton have also destroyed the hell out of the old man, but Flair could use the reasoning that Triple H has done that to him too many times, and that what Edge and Orton do shows the edge (no pun intended) that these two young guys have that H and Michaels once had, and he respects that they’ll do anything to get what they want. The rest of the idea is fine, although meh on Cryme Tyme winning the titles. It’s way too soon to give them the belts, especially since they’ve only wrestled like 3 matches. Maybe when they start consistently wrestling rather than being comic relief we can think about putting the titles on them. Hell, I was afraid that you were going to suggest that Orton win the Rumble, and was quite relieved when he didn’t. But what a weasel that guy is – getting into the main event two years in a row due to nefarious means.

Matt: From one WCW idea to another, this one from Wesley Rice

At New Years Revolution Rated RKO beats DX thanks to Kenny. After the match Edge and Orton agree to let Kenny be apart of Rated RKO. At Royal Rumble Kenny defeats Ric Flair thanks to his new team mates. After the match all three of them attack Flair, but DX runs down and makes the save. During the Rumble match DX eliminate Rated RKO, but later on in the match they come out and attack DX costing them the match. On the next RAW there is a six man tag match with DX & Ric Flair vs. Rated RKO & Kenny, but it doesn’t happen because Chris Masters attacks DX & Flair with a chair. Then Carlito runs out to help DX & Flair and they start brawling all over the arena. On the next RAW Vince comes out and says he is sick of both DX and Rated RKO get other people to interfere in their matches so at Wrestlemania it will be DX Carlito & Flair vs. Rated RKO Kenny & Chris Masters in the return of the War Games match. Over the next few weeks the feud continues with tag and single matches. At Wrestlemania Carlito wins the match for his team and after the match both teams go their separate ways.

Matt: It’s got Wargames. Hence I love it. No questions asked.

Nick: Agreed. I didn’t like it until I saw that you wanted it to be Wargames. I’m all for that. Plus, it keeps Orton out of a title match, and that makes me very happy.

Matt: And now, a simple request from Todd Vote

Where should DX vs. RKO go?

I don’t care how it goes as long as RKO beats DX, and Orton goes to Main event WM against Cena.

Matt: But Cena V Orton will like, suck…

Nick: Fuck Orton.

Matt: From a simple request to a more detailed story, it’s first time writer Philip Schoen who thinks that DX/RRKO can help a very cool guy.

I would first have Kenny challenge Jeff Hardy for the IC title which he could win with interference from RKO, showing their full support for Kenny and giving the group as a whole more gold. After Kenny wins the re-match (possible by DQ after RKO/Nitro and then DX/Matt Hardy interference, who have all been involved in a recent 8 man tag match), he makes a statement that he needs a fresh challenge and ultimately a fatal-4 way #1 contenders match is booked between Matt Hardy, Johnny Nitro, Carlito and Chris Masters. In somewhat of a surprise, Carlito wins the match.

At the next pay-per-view, the IC match takes place, and once again RKO interferes to give Kenny the advantage. However, this time DX also interferes and ultimately Carlito wins the match and title – only realizing afterwards that he won due to DX. Upon this realization he first gets a bit upset, but then give the crowd one of his smirks indicating that a win is a win, and leaves with the title. For the next few weeks, Carlito plays a bit of a tweener as both DX and RKO try to recruit him.

However, I would keep Carlito in a lone-wolf type role and eventually he would have a run-in with Cena (who is also not officially aligned with anyone). After teaming up to take on RKO (or perhaps a 3-way tag-team match with Cena/Carlito, RKO and DX), a mis-communication on Cena’s part would cost Cena/Carlito the match. This would enable Carlito to go after the WWE title and could be real judge of where the crowd is with both him and Cena depending on who they are rooting for.

In the end, I think the DX/RKO feud is only going to have a long-term positive impact if it elevates a younger start – and I think Carlito could be that one given that his attitude goes along with that of DX.

Matt: A Cool DX? Well, it’s certainly a novel concept worth a try.

Nick: I’m not up on adding more people to DX, because I’d like it to end as soon as possible. Then again, I was saying that back in April, and it hadn’t even started yet at that point. If it gives Carlito the rub it’s a good thing, but I’d prefer him get a push without Shawn and Trips as a crutch.

Matt: And finally, Hauglid does a full big picture take.

Fast Forward to the Jan. 1 RAW

Have Team Rated RKO defend the titles against Cryme Tyme. Cryme Tyme win the titles thanks to the cheating from the returning (and pissed off) DX. DX plan to destroy Edge and Orton but they are able to escape in time.

At New Year’s Revolution, have both teams disobey the rules and beat the shit out of each other. Kenny Dykstra comes down to interfere. Ric Flair comes out to apparently help out DX but low blows the Game and beat down both HHH and Michaels. Flair, Dykstra, Edge, and Orton stand tall over the fallen DX.

Flair, Edge, Orton, & Dykstra come down to the ring to celebrate. Flair introduces the new Evolution and plan to take over RAW. Triple H runs to the ring (Shawn is still recuperating from last night’s beating) and goes psycho on everybody. The New Evolution leave and security hold back the Game. Game goes all psycho and attacks everyone with a sledgehammer. He even attacks the King, the time keeper, and a fan at ringside (a plant) with the sledgehammer.

After the break. Coach announces that due to Triple H’s insane behaviour he has been suspended for 30 days and has to pay a $250,000 fine.

Randy Orton would face Shawn Michaels at the Rumble and HBK would lose thanks to interference from Flair. Orton then “breaks” Michaels’ knee to finally give Shawn the break he needs for surgery.

Edge would then win the Royal Rumble, but decides to switch to ECW and challenge Lashley at WrestleMania. Edge builds up Evolution in ECW by siding with Mike Knox & Test.

Since SmackDown! Needs an Evolution, Batista finally turns heel and leads SmackDown!’s Evolution with Mr. Kennedy, Finlay, & Gregory Helms.

On RAW, Kenny Dykstra wins the Intercontinental Title from Jeff Hardy thanks to new member, Johnny Jeter. Jeter and Dykstra are still showing signs of not working together. Triple H would return and start feuding with Orton and would face Ric Flair at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Flair would also become the #1 Contender to Cena’s title

The WrestleMania 23 would look like this:

RAW
WWE World Title: John Cena [c] vs. Ric Flair
Randy Orton vs. Triple H
Kenny Dykstra & Johnny Jeter vs. The Hardy Boyz

ECW
ECW World Title: Lashley [c] vs. Edge
Test vs. Rob Van Dam

SmackDown!
World Title: Batista [c] vs. Undertaker
United States Title: Chris Benoit [c] vs. Mr. Kennedy
King Booker vs. Finlay

And in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Gregory Helms vs. Kane vs. CM Punk vs. Mike Knox vs. Johnny Nitro vs. Carlito

Michaels would return and DX can take on the Orton & Flair.

Matt: Well, that’s a fairly solid WM card. And Cena/Flair is a fairly decent idea for the main event, especially as a counterpoint to DAVE/Taker.

Nick: Eww. Why not call this edition of the Payload “Hauglid Books the nWo”?

Matt: And finally, a quick joke from Travis Homewood

Wrestlemania 23 triple threat match. The Winner is the one true King. Jerry “the King” Lawler vs. King Booker vs. the Burger King King. Book this and it will be the highest selling wrestlemania ever.

Matt: Heh.

Nick: The King stopped being funny forever ago. That goes for all kings not named King Booker.

Matt: My idea: DX/Carlito/Flair/Johnny vs. Rated RKO/Kenny/World’s Greatest Tag Team. Wargames in the Cell. At WrestleMania. BOOK IT!

Nick: As I began earlier – so DX wins cheap with some shenanigans at NYR, but Edge and Orton challenge them, with the titles on the line, for a rematch at the Royal Rumble. They can all still be in the Rumble match, of course. At the show, Rated RKO win convincingly. In the main event, it comes down to the Undertaker, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Edge, Triple H and Shawn Michaels. Edge eliminates Michaels only to be blindsided and taken out by Punk as he yelled at Shawn. Orton then gets eliminated by Triple H, and it’s down to ‘Taker, Punk and Triple H. Hunter goes to clothesline Punk out of the ring, but Punk dodges a clothesline and H falls right into the waiting hands of the Undertaker, who eliminates him and soon after also eliminates the Punker.

This leads us to seeing Batista defending his title against The Undertaker at WrestleMania, Edge going one-on-one with Shawn Michaels, and CM Punk taking on Rob Van Dam, who beats Lashley on January 2. Triple H argues that he should get the title shot and WrestleMania rematch with Cena, but Umaga comes out and he and AAE put a damper on his parade. See, Umaga lost to Cena via DQ at the NYR show, went crazy that night and the following night on RAW which caused Coachman to suspend him and take him out of the Rumble match. Armando made sure to then keep Umaga on his best behaviour, and this is their return to RAW after a couple weeks off. AAE challenges Triple H to wrestle Umaga for the number one contendership later on in the evening. Orton gets involved in that match causing it to end in a double DQ, and Cena also gets involved in a post-match brawl. This leads to a triple threat booked for the following week on RAW between Orton, Triple H and Umaga, once again for the WM title shot. It gets too out of control and once again erupts into a triple DQ, and the match is booked for WrestleMania – Cena defending his title in a No Disqualification Fatal Four Way Elimination match. By the way, it comes down to Triple H versus Umaga, and Umaga wins. Chew on that one for a little bit.

After WrestleMania (Edge beats HBK, getting the win that Jericho should have gotten back in 2003), Edge and Orton remain a tag team and concentrate on gaining back the newly unified tag titles (they lost the belts to the Hardyz), now held by Paul London and Brian Kendrick. Shawn Michaels takes time off for his injuries and Triple H takes a backseat to the short continuation of Umaga vs. Cena before getting his chance at Umaga, and failing to win.

Matt: Oh yeah, and Merry Christmas. Shame, since Lita left, no Ho Ho Ho jokes. But then, that’s probably for the best.

Nick: Merry Xmas, peeps.

Matt: So, homework!

The Royal Rumble.

Go nuts.

Until Next Time,

Matt & Nick.