Friday Night Smackdown!

San Diego, California
February 23, 2007 
thanks to: wwe.com


Checks and balances
By Lennie DiFino
February 23, 2007

The World Heavyweight Champion Batista has made it clear that he is ready heading into his match with Undertaker at WrestleMania 23.

On SmackDown this week, The Animal explained to WWE fans the reasons for his actions at No Way Out, when he Spinebustered Undertaker, causing the duo to lose their tag team match versus John Cena & Shawn Michaels.

“I cannot apologize for what I did at No Way Out,” said Batista. “Undertaker, we are even. Now we can go on to WrestleMania and give WWE fans a match they’ll never forget.” He continued, “I respect you Undertaker, but I am not intimidated by anyone.”

Batista’s strong message for Undertaker is sure to be answered next week, when the Phenom is scheduled to appear on SmackDown to offer his reply.

Rey Mysterio’s special appearance in his hometown of San Diego and a WWE ring was supposed to be a special moment for the former World Champion. The hometown crowd showered Mysterio with thunderous applause, to which Rey replied, “it feels so good to be in a WWE ring again, but it feels better to be back in my hometown – the 619.”

Rey’s ambitious spirit was evident when he exclaimed to WWE fans, “I wish I could wrestle right here, right now.” Rey continued, “I’ll be back soon, better than ever before.”

Hell-bent on the Battle of the Billionaires at WrestleMania 23, Mr. McMahon chose this opportunity to steal the spotlight as he entered the arena. He then questioned Rey as to who he thought would win the match in Detroit April 1.

Mysterio responded, “You are a loser Vince,” which sent both the crowd, and the Chairman, into separate frenzies. To the shock of the SmackDown fans at the sold out ipayOne Center, Mr. McMahon introduced Umaga, who entered the ring. Following the direction of the Chairman, Umaga unleashed a horrific attack on Rey, leaving the hometown hero lifeless in the center of the ring. WWE.com will have an update on Rey’s condition tomorrow.

Mr. McMahon sent Donald Trump, and whoever Mr. Trump chooses as his representative, a loud message heading into Monday Night Raw, when Trump will reveal his choice.

King Booker had told WWE.com earlier in the day about his feelings on facing Kane in the first-ever Falls Count Anywhere Money in the Bank Qualifying Match. (Read King Booker's Comments)

In a brutal, personal match stemming from the incidents of Royal Rumble, (where Kane was eliminated by an already eliminated King Booker) Kane looked to have the advantage. However, out of nowhere, Raw Superstar Great Khali appeared.

Khali decimated Kane, throwing The Big Red Monster through the ringside barrier. King Booker took advantage, and walked away with a victory. This victory gives him a spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania 23. As Michael Cole pointed out tonight, “on Raw, Khali had told Executive Assistant Jonathan Coachman he was looking for some competition, and he may get more than he asked for with The Big Red Monster.”

In other action, Matt Hardy teamed with WWE Tag Team Champion Paul London & Brian Kendrick to take on Joey Mercury with Deuce & Domino.

Still angry over what many consider to be an upset at the hands of London & Kendrick, Deuce & Domino controlled much of the action in this match, looking to make a statement. When Matt Hardy finally entered the ring, the momentum turned, and Hardy was able to pick up the victory by pinning rival Joey Mercury.

Finlay & Little Bastard teamed up again to take on Boogeyman & Little Boogeyman in a No Way Out Rematch. Little Boogeyman delivered a low blow to Finlay during the course of the match, but in the end, after a shillelagh to the Boogeyman’s knee, Boogeyman was Little DDT’d by Little Bastard, who covered Boogeyman for the victory.

The new Cruiserweight Champion – Chavo Guerrero, not a fan favorite in San Diego for putting Rey Mysterio out of action, defeated Scotty 2 Hotty in his first title defense since dethroning Gregory Helms. Chavo stole the victory from Scotty, using the ropes for leverage.

The second inductee to the 2007 WWE Hall of Fame was announced - Mr. Perfect.

Finally, Vickie Guerrero told her friend Kristal that the “little thing that needed to be taken care of, I took care of earlier tonight.” What do Vickie’s words mean for SmackDown?
 

 Matches

Matt Hardy and WWE Tag team Champions Paul London & Brian Kendrick def. Joey Mercury and Deuce & Domino

Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero def. Scotty 2 Hotty

King Booker def. Kane (Falls Count Anywhere Money in the Bank Qualifying)

Finlay & Little Bastard def. Boogeyman & Little Boogeyman