Friday Night Smackdown!
Manchester, England
November 17, 2006
Ani-mauled
By Noah Starr
November 17, 2006
SmackDown traveled over the pond this week where more than 15,000 WWE fans
packed the Manchester Evening News Arena. The energy of the capacity crowd
proved once again that the popularity of WWE action is a truly an international
phenomenon.
The main event pitted Batista and Lashley against World Heavyweight Champion
King Booker and Finlay. The match marked Lashley’s final bout at SmackDown
before he leaves to join ECW. The future extremist went out with a bang as he
helped the Animal take on some formidable competition. Less than a year after
Batista was forced to surrender his title due to surgery, he continued his push
for the gold by pinning the only man standing in his way: King Booker. The
Animal seems almost unstoppable as he bulldozes his way towards Survivor Series.
Proudly displaying his microphone still caked with the Phenom’s blood from last
week, Mr. Kennedy spoke out about his upcoming First Blood Match against
Undertaker: “The second that I caused the blood to spill from your head, I knew
it symbolized a changing of the guard. Last week, these hands -- my hands --
spilled your blood and I’m going to do it again.” Will Kennedy be able to handle
the Deadman when Survivor Series rolls into Philadelphia?
MVP got just what he asked for as he took on Kane in a Street Fight. The two
competitors battled in the ring, outside the ring, and even in a telephone
booth. The newcomer MVP proved he was worthy of the title Superstar, putting up
a valiant effort against the Big Red Machine. Just when it looked like Kane’s
use of some steel steps would spell end game for MVP, Mr. Kennedy dealt a
crushing blow to Kane’s skull with the same microphone he had used on
Undertaker. After MVP picked up the win, the Deadman entered the arena. Mr.
Kennedy tossed MVP to the dogs and looked on as the Brothers of Destruction
pummeled the talented newcomer. Later, Theodore long announced that MVP would
meet Kane again next week – in a steel cage.
United States Champion Chris Benoit defeated Tatanka in a non-title match only
to be viciously attacked by Chavo Guerrero at the end. Chavo’s actions closely
mirrored his attacks against Rey Mysterio only weeks ago. Chavo continuously
screamed, “Stay out of my business!” as he landed blow after blow on The Rabid
Wolverine.
In other SmackDown action, The Miz took on current rival, the Boogeyman. The
match ended in a no contest leaving The Miz covered in worms, but still
undefeated. William Regal triumphed in his home country as he overpowered Paul
London for the pin. In a match up between childhood rivals, Matt Hardy defeated
Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms in a non-title match.
Matches
Matt Hardy def. Cruiser Weight Champion Gregory Helms (non-title match)
MVP def. Kane
Batista & Bobby Lashley def. World Heavyweight Champion King Booker & Finlay
United States Champion Chris Benoit def. Tatanka (non-title match)
William Regal def. Paul London
Boogeyman vs. The Miz & Kristal (No Contest)