411 PPV Preview: The Road to Judgment Day 2007
Posted by Leonard Hayhurst on 05.19.2007
Nobody stops on their way to Judgment Day
CARLITO VS. RIC FLAIR
Background: On the February 5th RAW Carlito teamed with Cryme Tyme to lose a six man tag against the World's Greatest Tag Team and Chris Masters. Later on Ric Flair lost an Intercontinental Title match to Jeff Hardy. Flair was out of sorts in the back when he caught Carlito leaving with Torrie Wilson with the main event of the show left to go. Flair verbally destroyed Carlito, calling him undeserving of his spot in WWE and lazy. Flair beat Carlito in a match on February 12th. Carlito offered Flair his hand post match and they shook. Carlito asked Flair to be his partner to face Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade on February 19th. They won. On February 26th Carlito defeated Kenny Dykstra, who had some run ins with Flair. Flair came out and congratulated him. On March 6th the two squared off in a Money in the Bank qualifier. They match was a no contest thanks to the Great Khali. A rematch was booked the following week, but Randy Orton worked his way into it. Orton won. On the March 19th RAW Flair and Carlito were in a battle royal for a Money in the Bank spot. Flair thought he had won by eliminating Carlito, but Edge surprised Flair after faking an injury to toss him. Flair would finally try for revenge against Khali on March 26th. Flair was choke slammed on the ring stairs. Carlito came out for the save and was destroyed too. At Wrestlemania Carlito and Flair won a dark match over Chavo Guerrero and Shane Helms from Smackdown.
On the April 2nd RAW Carlito and Flair kept their roll going by beating Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin. However, the following week they lost a match to Cade and Murdoch. Carlito left the ring frustrated. The next week they lost to Haas and Benjamin. Carlito was getting more irritated by the sudden losing streak. Carlito was pummeled by the Great Khali the next week. Flair came to check on him post match. Carlito chewed him out in Spanish. RAW of April 30th had Carlito apologizing to Flair and asking for one more chance as his partner against the World's Greatest Tag Team. Carlito turned on Flair in the match, but Ric fought him off. On May 7th Carlito took the ring with Torrie Wilson. He called out Ric Flair, even though he knew he wasn't in the building. He said he was cutting all the dead weight out of his life. This included Wilson. He cussed her out in Spanish and she ran off crying. On May 14th Carlito beat Val Venis and then Flair chased him off.
Match Up: Flair is a veteran who has been wrestling longer than Carlito has been alive. You can't overlook that Carlito came up in a wrestling family though. You also have to add in that Flair and Carlito has been tagging for several months and have wrestled a few times. By now Flair knows Carlito better than he knows himself. Carlito is back to his cocky heel persona and might underestimate the old man. That will be costly. Flair will employ his standard match formula to control the bout and work on the leg. Carlito will need to use his agility and speed to wind the Nature Boy and get him off his game. This match could decide the old argument if youth is better than experience.
Outcome: The angle has been built up for awhile, but we are early still in Carlito's full heel turn. A win by either man gives storyline possibilities and can stretch the feud to a bigger blow off. Flair is going to give Carlito the rub, but he knows from years of experience that it doesn't matter who wins the most matches in a series it's who wins the last. Look for Flair to win to a good pop and cement Carlito as a backstabbing, whiny heel.
RANDY ORTON VS. SHAWN MICHAELS
Background: Orton and Michaels have hovered around each other as they have gunned for Cena and feuded over the tag team titles. As Michaels prepared to face Edge on the May 14th RAW Orton entered the locker room and challenged Michaels to a one on one for Judgment Day. The notion being the winner would be in line for a title shot.
Match Up: Orton and Michaels knows each other well. Both men have a chip on their shoulder and want to prove themselves worthy of a WWE title shot. Michaels has undergone a career renaissance in his drive to take out Cena. Orton is running place and is frustrated as to why. Orton will need to wrestle the match of his life to beat HBK and he hasn't shown lately that he's capable of doing so. Orton will attack Michaels early and beat him down. Michaels will hang in there with his trademark stamina and make a late charge. If Orton is as smart as he thinks he is, he will be able to counteract this, but is he that smart?
Outcome: This was added to put both men on the show and build up the next opponent for Cena or, gasp, the Great Khali. Orton is still in the doghouse from the European trip and would be hard pressed to build Michaels. With the win over Edge on RAW and a win here the storyline can be spun that HBK can beat everyone in WWE, but Cena and that makes for an interesting angle to continue their feud.
ELIJAH BURKE VS. CM PUNK
Background: Rob Van Dam of the Originals and Elijah Burke of the New Breed both tried to convince CM Punk to join their factions for weeks. On April 10th Punk told them both that he would give his answer to them that night. Punk defeated Stevie Richards. In the main event Marcus Cor Von beat Rob Van Dam. Punk ran out seeming to be with the Originals, but he turned on them to join the New Breed. The next week Punk said he had good reason for joining the New Breed, but he wasn't going to go into it. RVD led out the Originals. Van Dam challenged Burke to a match, but Punk said if he wanted to face a real leader he should fight Punk. Burke took exception to this. Later Burke asked Punk if he thought he was scared of Punk and he said yes. After Kevin Thorn and Marcus Cor Von lost a match to Tommy Dreamer and the Sandman Punk gave them a pep talk. Burke told Punk to fall in line and stop trying to be the leader of the group. In the main event Punk slid a chair into the ring. It went right past Burke to RVD. He used it for the win. Punk apologized the next week, but still tried to exert himself as leader of the group. The main event was an elimination eight man. Burke told Punk to take a seat for the match. The end came down to Burke and RVD. Burke was thrown to the floor and kicked by Punk. RVD beat him. Punk then hit Burke with the Go 2 Sleep and sarcastically said he was sorry. On May 1st Burke forced Thorn to fight Punk. He lost and Thorn quit the New Breed. Later on Striker and Cor Von lost a tag match to the Majors Brothers. On May 7th Burke helped Cor Von beat Punk. Burke then later showed the boys how it was done by beat Brian Majors. On May 15th Punk survived bad ribs from the week before to pin Richards. Burke, Striker and Cor Von lost a handicap match to Bobby Lashley.
Match Up: Burke and Punk match up with each other well. Both are young with a great mix of speed, agility, strength and wrestling skill. They have a lot of mat skill, but can be unorthodox at times. The big question is where their minds are. Burke comes off as cocky, but also leery of Punk. It's nebulous what Punk's intentions were when he joined the New Breed because he quickly broke them apart. Striker and Cor Von will be wild cards on the outside. If Punk is strong and sharp he can play them off of each other. More than wrestling skill, cunning will win this one.
Outcome: A lot of eyes will be on this match. Punk and Burke are being given a real showcase and this could be the match of the night easy. The angle may not have been built the best with Punk's sudden turns, but a great match looks likely. The question is how much the fans will be into it. Botched interference by Cor Von and Striker could lead to the end of the New Breed and give Punk the win while Burke is kept strong.
CHRIS BENOIT VS. MVP FOR THE US TITLE BEST TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS
Background: Chris Benoit teamed with the Hardy Boys to face MVP and MNM at No Way Out. Benoit won for his team with a crossface on Joey Mercury. Chris Benoit and MVP both lost out on a Money in the Bank match slot in a triple threat with Finlay on March 2nd. MVP formerly challenged Benoit for the US Title on March 9th. MVP wanted to prove he was worthy of being US Champion by beating champions of other countries. On the March 16th Smackdown he defeated Honduras champion El Grande Latte. MVP then wanted an answer for his challenge from last week. Long gave him the match and brought out Benoit. The two brawled with Porter able to block the crossface and escape to the back. On March 23rd MVP faced the Liechtenstein champion in another quick squash. He promised Benoit that his name would go down in history as the first person to drop a title to MVP at Wrestlemania. Benoit later beat Shane Helms. MVP beat the champion of Ethiopia the following week and once again claimed he would take the title at Wrestlemania.
The Smackdown after Wrestlemania MVP pulls The Miz out of the way of a Benoit headbutt to allow him to steal the win in a non-title match. MVP proved he was worthy of another title match on the next Smackdown by beating Benoit with a handful of the ropes. On April 20th Smackdown Benoit teamed with the Hardy Boys to face MVP, Shane Helms and Chavo Guerrero. Benoit made Helms tap to the sharpshooter while giving MVP a backdrop at the same time when he ran in for the save. On the April 27th Smackdown MVP returned to his previous shtick be defeating the Scottish Heavyweight Champion. He then announced he would have a second opponent…and that slot was taken by Benoit. MVP rolled out of the ring to avoid the headbutt and took a walk. At Backlash MVP put on another good effort, but was pinned with a small package.
MVP put himself back in the hunt on Smackdown of May 4th by winning a US Title contenders match over Kane with help from William Regal and Dave Taylor. On May 11th MVP and Finlay lost a tag match Matt Hardy and Benoit. MVP gained revenge the next week by beating Hardy. Michael Cole interviewed him afterwards, where he promised to the overcome the odds at Judgment Day to be the US Champion. MVP then attacked Benoit to draw a disqualification in a match with Finlay.
Match Up: MVP might be over his head against Benoit in a best two out of three falls match. Benoit knows how to pace himself for this type of match. MVP will want the first fall quick. Look for him to come out of the gate charging. Benoit will let him. Don't be surprised to see Benoit lose an early fall quick. Once MVP is overconfident and/or spent Benoit will come back with his standard cold and ruthless style. Benoit will wear down MVP with submission holds. Getting a fall by submission is a great way to go because you have a weak body part to work for a second fall. Porter has hung with Benoit well in their past matches, but he can't get over the hump. This Benoit works to well for Benoit. The match will go all three falls and that's not good for MVP.
Outcome: If MVP was going to take the belt he would have by now. However, only MVP winning could further the feud. Benoit is at a point in his career where he will be used to put over younger guys and he seems comfortable with that. This will be a true test for Porter to see if Benoit can carry him through a two out of three falls match. This is another candidate for match of the night if Benoit is allowed to build the contest the way he sees fit and MVP hangs with him. A win like this would really lift Porter, but Benoit will retain as MVP gets more seasoning.
BOBBY LASHLEY VS. UMAGA, VINCE MCMAHON AND SHANE MCMAHON FOR THE ECW TITLE IN A THREE ON ONE HANDICAP REMATCH
Background: To cash in on the public feud of Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump, Vince McMahon booked a match between the two on the January 8th RAW. The two were played by imposters with the faux Trump winning. The following week McMahon attempted to call the real Trump, but could not get through. Vince was doing so because of a letter he received from the billionaire not just trashing the sketch from the previous week, but claiming that McMahon did not have the best interest of the fans at heart. McMahon further tried to humiliate Trump by making Torrie Wilson pose as Miss USA, who Trump left off the hook for alleged drinking and carousing. Carlito made the save and told McMahon that the fans paid to see people fight, so Vince sacrificed him to the Great Khali. On January 22nd, McMahon made a formal rebuttal to Trump's letter, which was just more grandstanding by him. John Cena interrupted and tricked Jonathan Coachman into badmouthing Vince. McMahon booked Coach to face Cena later that night. January 30th was fan appreciation night on RAW. McMahon showed one fan appreciation by giving her a blown up picture of his Muscle and Fitness Magazine cover. Donald Trump appeared on the Titantron and showed the fans some real appreciation by dropping money from the ceiling. Trump sent a second letter to McMahon on the February 5th RAW stating he had a business proposition, while McMahon had one of his own for Trump to join his Kiss My Ass Club.
Trump and McMahon went nose to nose on the February 15th RAW. Trump challenged McMahon to a match at Wrestlemania, but he refused. It was then suggested that the two pick representatives to fight for them. Trump accepted that, but wanted it to be a hair vs. hair match between the two billionaires. McMahon thought Trump had something up his sleeve, but agreed. On the February 19th RAW McMahon announced Umaga as his representative. He immediately won the IC title from Jeff Hardy. On the February 23rd Smackdown Rey Mysterio returned to his hometown of San Diego. He got interrupted by Vince McMahon. Mysterio backed Trump in the hair vs. hair match. McMahon had Umaga thrash the still injured Mysterio. McMahon used photo wizardy to make fun of Trump on the next RAW by showing what he would look like with various haircuts. However, Vince wasn't laughing when the Donald pulled a trump card of Bobby Lashley as his Wrestlemania man. Umaga and Lashley brawled. On RAW of February 26th McMahon was informed that the WWE board of directors wanted a special guest referee for the match. The next night on ECW McMahon made the title cage match between Lashley and Hardcore Holly a beat the clock match. Yet, a five minute time limit was nothing Lashley was unable to conquer. Umaga ran out and Lashley headed him off by jumping into the cage wall and knocking it down onto Umaga.
On the March 2nd Smackdown McMahon gave Lashley a chance to get out of the Wrestlemania match, but he refused and got physical with McMahon. Ken Kennedy then asked McMahon for an ECW title shot that night. McMahon granted it by allowing Kennedy to participate under extreme rules, but Lashley had to toe the line. It didn't matter as Lashley won. On the March 5th RAW McMahon announced that he had sent his son Shane McMahon to the board of directors to be named the special guest referee. McMahon took the ring to announce his son, but got Eric Bischoff instead. Bischoff just wanted to say that he hoped McMahon would get shaved bald. He gave way to Mick Foley who plugged his new book and teased being the referee. Shane then appeared, but he didn't look happy. Finally the guest referee came out in the persona of Steve Austin. Austin promised to call the match down the middle and he wouldn't take any guff. He also promised that someone was walking out of Wrestlemania with their head shaved. Elsewhere, Umaga retained the IC Title over Jeff Hardy. On ECW for March 6th McMahon put over that he liked Austin as the referee. He also said that Lashley apologized for roughing him up on the last Smackdown. Lashley came out and did apologize to Vince…for not kicking his ass more. Later on Austin came out to talk more about the match and poll the crowd on what they thought would happen in the hair vs. hair match. On the March 12th RAW the Rock appeared via a pre-tape to put down McMahon and reveal that Umaga in Samoan meant "shriveled up monkey penis." A contract signing between the billionaires was held with Austin maintaining order. Trump finally got revenge for weeks of bald pictures of him with a bald picture of McMahon. Trump then challenged McMahon to bring it. Vince obliged and got shoved over the contract-signing table by Trump to a huge pop from the fans.
Edge didn't like that Randy Orton got into the Money in the Bank ladder match and convinced McMahon to book Orton vs. Lashley for ECW. If Orton didn't take the match he would lose his slot. Orton showed up, but then Edge got himself tossed from ringside allowing Lashley to score the win. Lashley showed up on RAW on March 19th to take the Masterlock Challenge. He became the first man to break it. McMahon congratulated him by kicking Lashley out of the building. Eugene happened by and spilled a drink on McMahon. He booked him against Umaga for it. After getting crushed, McMahon shaved Dinsmore's head. Masters went to ECW the next night seeking revenge on Lashley, but was defeated in a real match. McMahon opened the March 23rd Smackdown to book Lashley in a handicap tables match with Randy Orton and Ken Kennedy. Lashley put both men through tables to win. McMahon fed up with Lashley finally booked himself against the man for RAW. McMahon used Cade and Murdoch, Masters and Umaga to soften up Lashley before he pinned him twice. McMahon then asked Donald Trump what he thought about that, which was Eugene in a Trump wig. On ECW the next night McMahon and Lashley had a war of words via satellite with Vince at WWE headquarters.
Lashley won at Wrestlemania through mass interference and with a little help from referee Stone Cold. McMahon tried to sneak away, but Lashley dragged him back to the ring and shaved his head with Trump's help. McMahon appeared the next night on RAW sporting a sweet fedora. He downplayed what happened the night before and then booked Umaga against Lashley. Lashley appeared and stole Vince's hat. He tried to cover his baldhead with JR's hat, Lawler's crown and Lillian Garcia's dress. Lashley ripped off her skirt to reveal a frightened McMahon peeking out from between her legs. McMahon fumed about what happened in the back while Estrada tried to calm him down. This just riled Vince up more and he put the manager in the match with Umaga. That proved a poor move as Lashley knocked Umaga to the floor and pinned Estrada to retain his title. Lashley celebrated the next night on ECW and stated he was not afraid of McMahon coming for him. On the April 14th RAW it was Shane McMahon that came for him. He booked himself in an ECW title match with Lashley. Lahley accepted only if Shane put his hair on the line. Shane accepted. Umaga came out to rough Lashley up, but Shane said he didn't need the Samoan's help. Shane got himself disqualified, but didn't get his head shaved. A three on one beat down on Lashley then ensued with Umaga and Vince. Vince hovered over a bloody Lashley and booked a three on one handicap match for Backlash. Vince recapped the beating the next night on ECW with Lashley off nursing his wounds. RAW on 4/16 came from Italy. Vince McMahon recapped the events from last week and then challenged anyone in the back to face Umaga. No one showed. He made it an Intercontinental title match. Still no one showed. McMahon then decided to open the challenge up to the crowd and he chose a man in the front row named Santino Marella. Marella started off well, so Vince made the bout a handicap match. This backfired and Lashley ran out to turn the tide and help Marella win the championship in a major upset. Lashley introduced Marella the next night on ECW and celebrated in the ring with him. On April 23rd Shane McMahon challenged local English wrestler Robbie Brookside. Shane worked him over for a few minutes and then made the bout a handicap match with Umaga as his partner. Umaga laid in a beating. Shane then made it a three on one handicap match with Vince strolling out for the easy pin. The next night on ECW Lashley and Umaga squared off in a singles match. Estrada interfered for the disqualification. Lashley got revenge on Estrada while Vince held Umaga back. Lashley could not overcome the odds at Backlash. A title shot by Shane led to several splashes by Umaga. They allowed Vince to take the pin and become the ECW Champion.
On the May 1st ECW Lashley promised to take the ECW title back. Armando Estrada came out in a wheelchair. He told Lashley he would have his rematch, but he would lose it if he touched Umaga, Vince or Shane. Estrada was not on the list, so Lashley beat him up. Vince showed up later to address the Originals. They all wanted a piece of him. Vince booked a four way dance to find a challenger for him for the following week. RVD won over Tommy Dreamer, Sabu and Sandman. Vince changed the booking to a handicap match with Umaga and Shane. RVD never had a chance. The previous night on RAW Lashley took out his frustration on Jonathan Coachman. A real match between the two took place on May 14th. Lashley won quickly and was then attacked by Umaga and Shane. Lashley chased Shane to the back where Vince hit him from behind with the ECW title belt. The next night on ECW Vince booked Lashley in a handicap match with the New Breed to soften him up. Lashley showed he may have learned a few things by winning the bout by pinning Matt Striker.
Match Up: Lashley has been here before and lost. He's ready now. It's hard to prepare to face three men at once. Lashley should have a better game plan than last time. He knows Umaga is the linchpin. Lashley will try to neutralize him early. Shane is better in the ring than he has rights to be, but he can't squared off with Lashley. Lashley wants Vince one on one and that could be his undoing as he tries to take out the other guys. If he does get the chairman on his own he can't forget about the other guys. Lashley will do his best to control the pace and flow of the match. He has to if he has any chance of winning.
Outcome: Vince McMahon has had his little laugh on ECW by being the champion. It would be hoped that they would draw on the last match to make Lashley look smart and focused. He's dealt with this situation before so he knows how to handle it. A one on one blow off between McMahon and Lashley at One Night Stand would be a good main event as far as buyrates are concerned, so look for McMahon to retain by DQ or count out.
EDGE VS. BATISTA FOR THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
Background: Ken Kennedy won the Money in the Bank Ladder match at Wrestlemania. On the April 30th RAW he announced that he cash it in next year at Wrestlemania. On the May 7th RAW Edge challenged Kennedy to a match for the title shot, stating that he was the real Mr. Money in the Bank and defended while he had it. Kennedy accepted the match. Edge jumped Kennedy before the match and bashed a monitor over his head. Kennedy consented for the match to start, but quickly ate a spear for the loss. That Friday on Smackdown Undertaker and Batista had a cage match for the World Heavyweight Title. Both men escaped the cage and seemingly hit the floor at the same time. The bout was declared a tie and Undertaker retained. Mark Henry then appeared and beat up UT further. Edge came out with a huge smile on his face and cashed in his title match. He covered Undertaker quickly, but he kicked out. Edge covered again and he kicked out. Finally a spear put him down. Edge appeared on the May 14th RAW to give his farewell address. He was challenged to a match by Shawn Michaels and loss. On Smackdown that week Edge was officially awarded the title by Teddy Long. Batista came out and said the title was rightfully his and he would take it back at Judgment Day.
Match Up: Edge is the real cerebral assassin of WWE. He's smartly used the Money in the Bank ladder match twice to become a World Champion. His first reign wasn't very long. Batista is hungry for the title back, but the Undertaker series has taken a lot out of him. Edge might try to attack Batista before the bell. He can't let up on him for a moment. Edge needs to hit Batista with everything he's got early. Batista will need to dig deep to hang in there. If he's still standing he will need to find deep reserves for his awesome power game. Batista will need to be the beast he is to just beat Edge down and out. When Edge is cornered that is when he's the most dangerous. He will cheat to win at all costs.
Outcome: Since Undertaker was going on the shelf anyway it would be foolish to use Edge as a transitional champion to Batista. This is just a first round in what should be a long feud that will go until at least SummerSlam. Edge will win by cheating or might even take a walk to preserve his title. Don't be surprised if Mark Henry gets involved either. He and Batista have some unfinished business, but Edge doesn't really have anyone else to defend the belt against right now.
JOHN CENA VS. THE GREAT KHALI FOR THE WWE TITLE
Background: On the April 30th RAW Shawn Michaels was scheduled to face John Cena in the main event. He was found beaten to a pulp in the back. Edge seemed like a likely culprit, but then he was found taken out. Focus turned to Randy Orton. Orton was then found out cold in the bathroom. Vince McMahon said he knew who the mystery attacker was and told Coach to have John Cean take the ring. Cena hit the ring and asked for the mystery man to come face him. He got the Great Khali. Khali destroyed Cena too. On May 7th Vince McMahon was ready to book Khali vs. Cena for the WWE Title for Judgment Day when Michaels interrupted. He didn't get to face Cena last week. Vince never gives him anything, but he'll want to give him this. He wants to earn his title match against Khali and it could even be no DQ. This played against Shawn as Khali choke slammed him through the announce table for a referee stoppage. In the main event Cena defeated Orton. Khali came out and took the WWE Title belt. He nailed Cean with the strap and left. On the May 14th RAW Cena was solemn as he took the ring. Khali had something that belonged to him and he wanted it back. Khali appeared on the Titantron in the back with an interpreter. Cean ran to the back to get his belt back, but was thrashed soundly once more.
Match Up: The Great Khali is an awesome physical specimen. Up to now Cena has just been a gnat buzzing around him. Cena has faced some stiff challenges, but Khali is the stiffest by far. Cena will never back down and always goes full speed ahead. That's not good strategy against Khali. You need to stick and move. Go after the legs and get him off his feet. Cena will need to wrestle smart to win. If he doesn't, he's easy picking for Khali to beat on and beat on and beat on until he's finished.
Outcome: Khali is an unstoppable monster and one can't fathom a way Cena can beat him. However, the same can be said for Cena's feud with Umaga. Cena is Hulk Hogan. The build a up a killer heel and he mows them down no sweat. Khali is imposing physically, but he can't cut a promo and his ring work is atrocious. Yet, that probably doesn't phase McMahon that much in putting the belt on him. Khali winning would be an upset, but can drive storylines. He certainly wouldn't have the belt long term. Look for Cena to win and this feud to go similar to the Umaga program.
