Smackdown!
Uncasville, Connecticut
December 30, 2005
A shocking return leads to new
Champs
December 30, 2005
Batista & Rey Mysterio already had a lot on their plates as they had to face MNM
in a rematch for the WWE Tag Team Championship, but The Animal also had to deal
with some issues that go beyond the ring. Before the WWE Tag Team Championship
Match, Melina came to the ring, accompanied by her lawyer, and held a press
conference. She claimed that two weeks ago, prior to MNM’s title defense against
Batista & Mysterio, Batista sexually harassed her. She accused the World
Heavyweight Champion of being a sexual predator and using his power and
influence as Champion to get whatever he wants. She claimed that he forced her
to have sexual relations, and now she is suing him for sexual harassment – and
all of this came out prior to Batista’s WWE Tag Team Champioship defense.
But to his credit, when talking to Josh Mathews before his match, Batista seemed
unphased by the accusations. His carefree attitude appeared to follow him inside
the squared circle as well. Mysterio and Batista got off to a quick start
utilizing their unique combination of speed and power to overwhelm MNM. But a
miscue by Mysterio led to him injuring his right knee. Nitro and Mercury were
like sharks smelling blood and pounced on Mysterio’s knee. They relentlessly
attacked his injury to the point where Mysterio could hardly stand. But Mysterio
refused to give up, and his quickness overcame the injury, allowing him to make
the tag to Batista.
Batista started cleaning house and had Mercury up for the Batista Bomb. Nitro
broke up the attempt, but Mysterio came back and took Nitro to the outside with
a hurricanrana. Batista hoisted Mercury up for a powerslam, but Mercury’s legs
took down the ref. With the referee down, it was revealed that Melina had a
secret ally. The World’s Strongest Man, Mark Henry, made his WWE return, and he
made it in a big way. With Batista’s back turned, Hendy leveled the Animal with
a thunderous clothesline. He then hoisted the World Heavyweight Champion over
his head and brought him down with a monstrous powerslam – the World’s Strongest
Slam. The ref began to come to, unaware of what had transpired, and Batista was
ripe for the pickings. The 1-2-3 was academic, and MNM became WWE Tag Team
Champions for the third time in less than a year.
While new WWE Tag Team Champions were crowned, there was also a chance that a
new United States Champion could be crowned as well. Booker T was ahead of Chris
Benoit 3-1 in their Best of Seven Series. Booker T had taken an early 3-0 lead,
but Benoit kept his hopes alive with a huge win at Armageddon. Booker T still
had the huge advantage, but he suffered an injured groin at a live event Monday
night in White Plains, NY. Due to doctor’s orders, Booker T was unable to
compete. General Manager Theodore Long said that due to the circumstances,
Booker T would have to forfeit the fifth match in the series. Booker T was irate
at this decision, but so was Benoit. Benoit wanted to win the United States
Championship, but he didn’t want to take the easy way out. They all agreed that
Booker T could pick anyone on the roster to take his place in the match. If the
replacement won, then Booker T would be the new Untied States Champion. If the
replacement lost, then Benoit would be right back in the hunt, narrowing the gap
to 3-2.
After dismissing Orlando Jordan’s request to be the replacement, Booker T found
a dejected Randy Orton by himself in the locker room. Booker motivated Orton to
prove to the world that despite losing to Undertaker in Hell in a Cell he’s
still the Legend Killer. Orton took Booker T’s words to heart and was confident
he could take down the Rabid Wolverine.
Booker T and Sharmell joined Michael Cole and Tazz for commentary. After some
back and forth action, Benoit was able to lock in the Crossface. Orton was able
to get to the ropes and escaped to the outside for a breather. Benoit wouldn’t
allow it, though, and soared through the air with a suicide plancha. Back
inside, Benoit went for the rolling Germans, but Orton blocked it. Benoit came
back with an ode to Eddie Guerrero and connected with the Three Amigos. He went
up top, but Orton telegraphed the diving headbutt. Benoit recovered and went for
the Sharpshooter, but Orton was able to roll through it. The Legend Killer went
the RKO, but Benoit was able to reverse it into another Crossface. With Orton in
trouble, Sharmell jumped into the ring and hit Benoit with one of Booker T’s
crutches, causing a disqualification. Not realizing what she had done, Benoit
was now one step closer to becoming United States Champion. Booker T still leads
the series, though, 3-2. Benoit’s celebration was very short-lived, as Orton
laid out the Rabid Wolverine with an RKO.
Earlier in the evening, JBL came to the ring and said that he no longer has
matches – he just sends messages. He said that he would send a message
regardless of who the opponent was. Matt Hardy answered the challenge, hungry
for revenge from Armageddon. Hardy was able to connect with a top rope leg drop,
but had a twist of Fate blocked. JBL looked primed for a comeback but was
distracted when The Boogeyman made a surprise appearance. JBL and Jillian
cowered from the bizarre newcomer, as he chomped on a fresh batch of worms. The
self-proclaimed Wrestling God and his image consultant retreated through the
crowd, giving Matt Hardy a win via disqualification.
Lashley continued his path of destruction on SmackDown as well. Lashley squared
off against Sylvan, and after an offensive flurry, Sylvan retreated in fear that
he would be hit in his beautiful face again causing him to lose via countout.
Plus, Psicosis & Super Crazy of The Mexicools picked up huge win over The Dicks.
SmackDown’s No. 1 announcer Funaki also interviewed Cruiserweight Champion Kid
Kash. Kash said that he was the greatest Cruiserweight Champion of all time and
left Funaki laying on the stage after the Dead Level.
Matches
MNM def. Batista & Rey Mysterio to become new WWE Tag Team Champions
Matt Hardy def. JBL (countout)
Chris Benoit def. Randy Orton via DQ (Benoit trails Best of Seven Series 3-2)
Super Crazy & Psicosis def. The Dicks
Lashley def. Sylvan (countout)