Smackdown!

Uncasville, Connecticut
January 6, 2005

CASKET CASE

The unstable Heidenreich has always claimed he fears no man, including Undertaker.

However, we learned Thursday night that there is something that even gives him the shivers.

Unfortunately for Heidenreich, it’s caskets.

And after a bizarre Handicap Match against Undertaker on SmackDown! at the Mohegan Sun Casino, Heidenreich will be forced to meet his fiercest rival in a Casket Match, a ‘Taker specialty, at the Royal Rumble.

Earlier in the night, SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long placed Heidenreich and manager Paul Heyman in a Handicap Match against Undertaker. If Heidenreich and Heyman won, they could make their own stipulation for the Royal Rumble. If not, the Casket Match would stand. WATCH 56k | 300k

Heidenreich actually had the upper hand during much of the match. But Taker summoned his druids, who brought a pair of caskets ringside. A petrified Heidenreich tagged Heyman into the match and left via the stands.

Moments later, Heyman took a Tombstone and was placed in the casket as Taker slammed it shut.

Meanwhile, WWE Champion JBL was up to his old tricks with the help of Image Consultant Amy Weber. Weber was caught flirting with Kurt Angle backstage and asked the Olympic Champ to meet her in her private dressing room later in the show.

Angle gladly obliged and happened to walk in on what he thought was Amy taking a shower. Angle stripped down to his underwear waiting for Amy to emerge from the stall.

But instead, it was Joy Giovanni, who screamed and ran out of the room and into the hands of Big Show.

Show, who has always been protective of Joy, chased Angle into the ring and pummeled him, Luther Reigns and Mark Jindrak.

We learned later that JBL orchestrated the whole event, as Weber placed her name plate over the one on Joy’s dressing room door. As a result, Angle and Big Show, JBL’s Triple Threat opponents at the Royal Rumble, beat the hell out of each other for no reason.

The much-anticipated Battle Rap between U.S. Champion John Cena and Kenzo Suzuki eventually turned ugly when some Divas visited. Kenzo couldn't help but throw himself at Michelle McCool, who was then attacked by Hiroko.



A brawl ensued as Cena and Suzuki will meet next week for the U.S. Title.

Inside the ring, Rey Mysterio got the better of Eddie Guerrero again. Latino Heat tried to trick the referee with his infamous belt plant, but it didn’t work and Mysterio swooped in for the victory.

Doug Basham, with some timely help from his brother Danny, defeated Rob Van Dam. RVD, who was preparing to put the finishing touches on Doug, had his back turned momentarily when Danny flew in and switched places.

RVD was then caught off guard and lost a controversial match.

Funaki defeated Akio to retain his Cruiserweight Championship. During the match, Carlito marched around with a petition to oust Theodore Long form office, securing a number of signatures from the camera crew and people in the crowd.

Tough Enough Champion Daniel Puder made a few more enemies backstage. This week he rubbed both Torrie Wilson and Miss Jackie the wrong way.

Also, Carlito continued his campaign against Teddy Long. And this time poor Joy felt his wrath when she wouldn't sign a petition to remove the General Manager.


MATCH RESULTS

Rey Mysterio def. Eddie Guerrero

Doug Basham def. Rob Van Dam

Cruiserweight Champion Funaki def. Akio

Kurt Angle def. Brian Black

Undertaker vs. Heidenreich & Paul Heyman (No Contest, Handicap Match)