Friday Night Smackdown!
Houston, Texas
February 9, 2007
thanks to: wwe.com
Direct route
By Lennie DiFino
February 9, 2007
Undertaker’s road to WrestleMania 23 has become a one-way street heading
straight for Batista and the World Heavyweight Championship.
The Miz was the unfortunate soul who had to face the Deadman on this edition of
SmackDown, and after the young Superstar had bragged a few weeks ago about going
the distance with Undertaker, The Miz was a marked man.
Undertaker destroyed Miz, and after picking up the victory, he sent an emphatic
message to Batista (and to Miz), delivering the Last Ride through the announce
table.
At WrestleMania it will be Undertaker’s Streak of 14-0 versus Batista and his
World Heavyweight Championship.
The Animal responded to Undertaker’s message by defeating Mr. Kennedy in a Royal
Rumble Rematch. The loudmouth tried to psych-out Batista earlier in the night,
but in the end, Kennedy could not capitalize.
In just over one week at No Way Out, World Heavyweight Champion Batista will
team with Undertaker to face WWE Champion John Cena and his partner, fellow
World Tag Team Champion, Shawn Michaels. Can Batista and Undertaker coexist as
they head into No Way Out?
Finlay picked up a victory and put an end to the undefeated streak of Boogeyman.
Once again, Little Bastard was chased down by Boogeyman, and with the referee
turned around, Finlay was able to nail Boogeyman and steal a victory.
General Manager Theodore Long announced a huge Four Team Ladder Match for the
WWE Tag Team Championship at No Way Out. The match will include the following
teams: WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London & Brian Kendrick, William Regal & Dave
Taylor, MNM, and The Hardys.
On SmackDown, two participants in that huge match squared off, as Joey Mercury
faced Matt Hardy. In what has become one of the most heated rivalries in
SmackDown history, Mercury picked up the victory and injured Hardy’s knee in the
process.
Heading toward No Way Out and the Four Team Ladder Match, is Hardy going to be
full strength or has Joey Mercury finally achieved his goal of revenge?
WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London & Brian Kendrick were in action against
newcomers Deuce and Domino for the second straight week. After the huge upset
last week, Deuce and Domino looked to ‘sock ‘em in da mouth’ again.
As SmackDown fans looked on, Deuce and Domino once again defeated the WWE Tag
Team Champions. As JBL noted, for the second straight week Deuce and Domino
defeated the champions. He then questioned, “why haven’t they received a title
shot? Teddy Long, I hope you are watching.”
As much as fans may disagree, JBL may have a point, as the impressive team of
Deuce and Domino were left out of the Four Way Ladder Match at No Way Out after
their string of impressive victories.
Daivari returned to SmackDown and immediately made an impact by defeating
Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms in non-title action. Daivari had been
manager to The Great Khali, but looks to strike on his own in the cruiserweight
division.
Theodore Long had a very busy night as SmackDown readies for No Way Out. The
SmackDown General Manager also made a match between Kane and King Booker,
stemming from the fallout of the Royal Rumble. He also signed a match between
Finlay and Boogeyman.
In addition to the matches already announced, Long has also decided that No Way
Out will host the Diva Talent Invitational, open to all WWE and ECW Divas.
Next week on SmackDown, the beautiful Ashley will unveil her Playboy cover to
WWE fans.
Finally, in two weeks, when SmackDown heads to San Diego, former World Champion
Rey Mysterio will make his first appearance since being injured months ago by
Chavo Guerrero.
Matches
Undertaker def. Miz
Deuce & Domino def. London & Kendrick (non-title)
Joey Mercury def. Matt Hardy
Finlay def. Boogeyman
Daivari def. Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms (non-title)
World Heavyweight Champion Batista def. Mr.
Kennedy