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Page 10 of 15
World Tag Team Championships: Matt and Jeff Hardy vs. Nathan James
and Forxx vs. Sphere and Coops vs. The Sons of Samoa vs Santino Marella
and Carlito
As we return to ringside we're sent straight into the ring where Lillian Garcia is stood, microphone in hand.
'LADIES AND GENTLEMEN....THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS THE TAG TEAM TURMOIL MATCH!' she cries, nice pop from the fans.
'NOW IN THIS MATCH, TWO TEAMS WILL START THE MATCH. WHEN ONE TEAM IS
ELIMINATED, EITHER BY PINFALL, SUBMISSION, DISQUALIFICATION OR
COUNTOUT, THE NEXT TEAM WILL ENTER THE MATCH, IN AN ORDER THAT WAS
DETERMINED BY A RANDOM DRAWING EARLIER TODAY. THIS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL
ALL FIVE TEAMS HAVE ENTERED THE MATCH, WITH THE LAST REMEAINING TEAM
BECOMING THE WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!' is the continuation, the rules
clear for us all now. There's then a good pop from the crowd as the
speakers start into action, it's not familiar music but the men who it
accompanies certainly are, Sphere and Coops bounding onto the stage,
whipping the crowd into a frenzy as they do so.
'Busta Rhymes and Linkin' Park collaborating there King to produce 'We
Made It' for Sphere and Coops, and yes indeed folks it is time, time to
decide the fate of the World Tag Team Championships, they've been very
hotly contested over the past few weeks as was mentioned on the
pre-show for fans joining us there, it all comes down to this, tag team
turmoil King' goes Ross as the music kicks in, the crowd enjoying it as
our first two competitors make their way down the ramp.
'Yeah, tag team turmoil, and if wasn't for these two men right here,
this match would've never happened, they're whiners and complainers JR'
claims Lawler in response as Coops slaps a few hands.
'Well you're right on one point there-'
'Yeah! They're moaners, right?' goes King, hoping Ross shares his view.
'No I wasn't gunna go there, I was gunna further emphasize that it was
indeed Sphere and Coops who forced William Regal to make this match
after they were screwed out of a tag team title shot on RAW by Carlito
and Santino' replies Ross, much to his co-commentator's chagrin.
'Now come on JR, if that's being screwed than I guess Carlito and
Santino screw people in every match they wrestle in' protests King.
'Well...' starts Ross.
'Don't even go there, these two are just jealous, jealous that they
didn't have what it takes to become the REAL Number One Contenders'
claims Lawler as Sphere and Coops approach the ring, sliding in and
climbing adjacent turnbuckles, the flashbulbs exploding as Ross states
the two veterans look fired up here, 'All My Life' fading.
'HRRRGHH THUH........I SPIT IN THE FACE....OF PEOPLE...WHO DON' WAN' TO
BE COOL' claims Carlito over the speakers as his music hits to boos.
'What? Injustice alert JR, Carlito and Santino are being screwed again'
cries Lawler as Carlito strides out looking a little pissed, perhaps
unhappy with the drawing he's got here.
'Screwed...how d'you figure that one out?' asks Ross.
'Because they've gotta start the match, they've gotta go through four
teams to get to those World Tag Team Titles when they were the Number
One Contenders to begin with' replies our color commentator, Carlito
ignoring the fans, especially one sign that states 'Carlito swallows'.
'Well that's the luck of the draw, and I gotta say...WrestleMania's
been a bit of a mixed bag for this young man, last year at WrestleMania
23 Carlito came out the victor and the new United States Champion in
that Triple Threat Match with Ryan Simmons and Mr. Showtime, he also
had the Hall Of Famer Dr. S on the Cabana, but the year before that,
Carlito made his WrestleMania debut in a losing effort to-'
'Don't say it JR' warns Lawler.
'Well, he lost, so Carlito's 1 and 1 so far on the grandest stage, can
he overcome the odds here tonight and address that record?' asks Ross
as the San Juan native stops at the bottom of the rope, Coops and
Sphere beckoning him inside, Carlito responding with a look that says
'I'm not that stupid' as his music fades.
'LA VITTORIA E MIIIAAAAA.....SANTTIINNOOOOOO' replaces it, classical
Italian music mixed in with guitars brings Carlito's partner onto the
stage.
'Yes JR, he can, 'cos he's got this man on his side' goes Lawler,
Santino Marella being announced as he walks out onto the stage,
pointing to the heavens and trying to hype himself up, the trademark
Italian tracksuit top in full effect here in Orlando.
'Santino Marella, certainly one of the more...unique....superstars
we've seen here in the WWE...he ain't a platinum-selling rap artist,
but King, lemme tell ya this, he did get punked out by one earlier'
goes Ross with a hint of amusement in his voice.
'Yeah, and that was a disgrace, celebrities should be seen and not
heard JR, 50 Cent had no right to attack Santino and Carlito like that,
they're superstars, international superstars, they deserve respect'
protests Lawler as Santino has a few words with a fan near the bottom
of the ramp.
'Well Santino Marella's certainly a man who doesn't like to respect
others, I see no reason why we should give the man a break, look, he's
gunna run his mouth again, good god' sighs Ross as Marella asks for a
microphone, he's given it as he enters the ring with Carlito, 'La
Vittoria e Mia' fading, Coops and Sphere looking on amused as their
first two opponents go face to face to them.
'Let-a me tell-a you something, Poops' starts Santino, Paul Cooper looking perplexed, some laughs from the fans.
'Me and-a my friend-a right here, we are-a WINNERS, and-a tonight,
right-a here at-a WrestleMa-' Santino never finishes his thoughts as
he's decked with a right hand, referee Jack Doan asking for the bell to
be rung, it is, and we're underway, a slightly chaotic start as
Carlito's immediately double teamed, Santino rolling to the outside
clutching his jaw, Double Irish Whip to the southpaw who rebounds,
ducks the advancing Englishmen, jumps to the second rope, looks for
that Springboard Back Elbow, he's caught by the big men, Carlito in
trouble but he manages to slide out the back door, turning...right into
a Double Clothesline, first knockdown of the match, the official
ordering one man to the apron as the crowd pop, Coops the one to
continue the match, backing Carlito to the ropes again, Irish Whip,
Carlito rebounds and ducks the 300 pounder, rebounds again, Clothesline
to Coops who isn't knocked down, Carlito with a quickfire Dropkick and
now he is, immediate cover, Carlito perhaps wanting this one over
quick, on-no, not even a one count, Coops powering out, Carlito
straight back on the offensive, tries the Irish Whip but it's reversed,
Carlito sent to the roes...and he hangs on, Coops looking for a Big
Boot there perhaps, he stops himself, charges in, and Carlito's there
with a Dropkick to the knee, smart move as Coops catches his throat on
the top rope as well, Carlito sensing an opening early on here,
clubbing blows to the back of the leg chop down the 6 foot plus Coops,
and then some stomps to the knee, Carlito zoning in on the leg, knowing
he can't be dominated with his opponent on the mat, measures Coops
again...Knee Drop right to the leg, Coops crying out in pain as Carlito
goes straight into another cover, hooking the leg he's been targeting,
one...t-no, Coops manages to kick out but has to exert pressure on the
leg in order to do so, Carlito grabbing hold of it again, another
stomp, then he drags the Englishman towards his corner, and here's the
first tag of the match, to Santino, who looks angry, a few stomps from
him to the leg, Carlito helping maneuver Coops so that his leg's
dangling near the ring post, Jack Doan ordering the south paw out but
there's nothing he can do to stop Santino wrapping the injured leg of
Coops around the steel, the big man crying out in pain as Santino does
it again, Jack Doan trying to admonish Santino but it's no good, the
rookie playing it smart here, delivering a third and final blow before
rolling back inside the ring, Coops flopping to the mats outside,
clutching his leg, Santino anxiously telling the referee to start the
count, Ross claiming that the Italian wants no part of this particular
match up, Jack Doan starting the count as Sphere tries to urge his
teammate on, the crowd doing likewise, Coops up to one knee at four,
rolling under the bottom rope on five, Santino looking a little annoyed
but he pulls Coops up anyway, Irish Whip is reversed, the big man
always having that power advantage, Santino rebounding off the ropes,
Coops grabbing hold of the Italian, Spineb-no, the knee buckles,
Santino landing on his feet and then delivering a Low Dropkick to that
knee once again, the damage done it would seem, Coops hardly able to
keep a vertical base, certainly unable to execute a power move as
Santino makes the tag again, keeping hold of the leg, Carlito in with
yet more kicks to it, Santino then leaping, huge torque on the leg as
it's wrenched at a sick angle, the crowd booing as Santino plays to the
crowd, rather bizarrely playing an imaginary trumpet as Carlito hooks
the injured leg, the cover, one....two..no, Coops kicks out, just
about, the crowd cheering for the resilience shown, Carlito looking a
little pissed but he synchs in a hold straightaway, Single Leg Lock
applied, smart thinking by Carlito, stop any thoughts of a comeback and
ground the big man, a lot of pressure being applied in the hold, Coops
writhing in pain as he looks for a way out, the crowd urging him to
find one, Jack Doan asking him if he'll give it up, the response is
negative as Coops manages to sit up, right hand to Carlito who recoils,
the hold loosening, another right hand from Coops makes the pressure
drop a little, Carlito realizing the predicament he's in, releases the
hold voluntarily, getting to his feet and protesting about the use of
the right hand to Jack Doan who confirms they're perfectly legal,
Carlito looking pissed as he goes back to Coops, looking for the same
hold again, but Coops grabs the head, the Small Package,
one....two...t-no, Carlito scrambles out, the Englishman doing
likewise, having been given some recovery time, the Southpaw from San
Juan swinging a wild left hand at Coops who ducks under it, goes round
the back and grabs the waist...
'GERMAN SUPLEX, GOOD GOD WHAT A MOVE' blares Ross as Coops flings
Carlito, the smaller man landing on the back of his head, Coops leg
giving way at the end of the move but the damage was done, and he's got
some time to work with, JR suggesting a tag is his best option here,
Coops dragging himself across the mat, Carlito rolling across to his
corner, tag made to Santino Marella, the crowd booing, Coops sensing
he's in trouble here, stretches out the last few meters, and does
indeed make the tag to Sphere, the fresh man in, Santino stopping dead
in his tracks, Sphere fixing him to the spot with one look, Marella
looking worried as he glances at the crowd, then looks Sphere up and
down. There's some laughs from the crowd, and general bemusement from
Sphere as Santino puffs out his chest and flexes his muscles, perhaps
trying to intimidate his opponent here...no such luck, Sphere simply
shaking his head and grabbing hold of Santino...Scoop Slam to the
Italian who may be in trouble here as he scrambles to his feet, running
back towards Sphere, who promptly drills him, Belly to Belly Overhead
Suplex sends Santino nearly out of the ring, big pop for that move as
Sphere gets to his feet, stalks Santino, perhaps looking to end it
right here with the Spear as Marella rises, charges in....and misses,
hitting only turnbuckle, Santino dodging that particular bullet,
grabbing the waist of Sphere as he stumbles back, running him into his
own partner who's on the apron, Coops knocked to the floor, landing on
the bad leg and promptly giving a howl of pain, the ringside fans
looking concerned.
'THAT'S A TAG? WAIT A MINUTE' goes Ross as the referee indeed signals
it as a blind tag before peering over the ropes to look at the fallen
Coops much to the confusion of our commentators, Sphere immediately
turning, Santino going downstairs...Low Blow from the Italian, the
Arizona native crumpling, the crowd booing as Jack Doan starts the ten
count, having not seen the illegal move from Marella, Coops not even
moving as Doan reaches four, stirring only as he reaches eight but not
able to do a thing about it, the count hitting ten, the referee saying
that's it for Sphere and Coops, EMT's now tending to Coops as Jack Doan
rolls Sphere out under the bottom rope, preventing him from influencing
this match any further, Santino overjoyed, Carlito nodding.
'AH C'MON WHAT A LOAD OF HORSE CRAP, SPHERE AND COOPS ARE ELIMINATED
FOR THAT?' asks Ross, Lillian Garcia confirming it, Lawler gleeful.
'Now that JR, that was intelligence...uh oh' he goes as the speakers
stir into life, Enderverafter's 'No More Words' hitting to a huge pop
from the fans.
'WELL WE'RE DOWN TO FOUR TEAMS AND HERE COME THE NEXT OPPONENTS FOR
SANTINO AND CARLITO, THE ROCKSTARS FROM NORTH CAROLINA, MATT AND JEFF,
THE HARDY BOYZ' blares Ross as Jeff sends his pyro skyrocketing into
the dusk sky, Matt beginning to jog down the ramp.
'And we know the history Jeff Hardy has had with Carlito, can he settle
the matter right here on the grandest stage?' asks Ross as Jeff starts
to jog down as well, knowing full well he doesn't want to allow his
opponents a great deal of rest.
'Y'mean...there's no rest period? This match continues right now?' asks
King, who then lets out a squeal as the Hardys reach the bottom of the
ramp, sliding under the bottom rope and immediately trading blows with
Santino and Carlito, no bell needed, this match already underway, the
camera picking out Sphere looking on in disgust as EMT's help Coops to
his feet, Jeff now with a Flying Elbow, unorthodox offence, Matt with
loose rights to Carlito as Santino's knocked down, he bails to the
outside for the second time in the match, Ross reminding you're not
safe anywhere with the Hardys around as Jeff grabs the top rope and
launches himself, the Pescada to the outside connects, Santino
flattened to a huge pop, Jeff climbing to his feet and giving the crowd
a 'Gunz' salute, meanwhile inside, Matt's working over Carlito, Jack
Doan satisfied that they'll be the two legal men, Matt with some shots
to the back of the southpaw, the Irish Whip into the buckles, Matt
charging in but Carlito gets the boot up, into the jaw of the former
Intercontinental Champion who staggers backwards, Carlito charging
towards him but Matt's alert, Arm Drag surprises the former two time US
Champion who tries to get back to his feet, Matt dropping him with
another Arm Drag, the crowd popping as Carlito scrambles up to his feet
yet again, Matt meeting him with a Gut Kick this time, grabbing the
head and looking to end it, Twist of Fa-no, Carlito backs off and drops
to the mat, rolling outside where we see Coops and Sphere now exiting
up the ramp, Coops supported by various medical workers. The count
begins for Carlito who has a quiet word with himself, trying to
regroup, the crowd rising as Matt turns, hits the ropes and charges,
looking for the Baseball Slide, Carlito sensing it, pulling the apron
back as Hardy exits the ring, and now Matt's trapped between the apron
and the ring itself, unique move from Carlito there, who then hammers
away at the exposed back of Matt Hardy, the crowd booing but it's
effective, Jack Doan calling the southpaw back inside, Carlito
obliging, rolling in and breaking the count, then rolling back outside,
pulling Matt by the hair out of the predicament, the ring apron
billowing back into place as Carlito grabs the waist of Matt, drives
him backwards into the ring apron, huge impact on the lower back,
Carlito pulling his opponent back again...does the same, the lower back
driven into the edge of the ring, Carlito then rolling Matt back
inside, Jeff now looking anxious from his corner as Carlito hooks the
leg, one....two...t-no, Matt's able to kick out, but Carlito's putting
the pressure on the back as he drags Matt up by the hair, thinking
Sidewalk Slam as he lifts Hardy up in that position...and then drops
him down over the knee, keeping him there for a few seconds, nice move,
Ross claiming that Carlito will be softening that back up for the
Backstabber, not right now though because there's a tag made to Santino
Marella who comes in, sizing up the grounded Matt Hardy, looking at his
elbow and simulating that he's sharpening it...then drops it, Elbow
Drop into the sternum, Santino then rolling Matt over onto his stomach,
doing the same thing...Elbow Drop into the spine of Matt who cries out
in pain, Marella unrelenting here as he stands over Matt Hardy, giving
a cry of 'I MAKE HEEM HUMBLE' which brings boos, Marella parting his
knees and pulling Matt's upper body slightly up, placing the arms over
the knees, Camel Clutch applied much to King's amusement, the hands
clasped under the chin, the pressure on the lower back evident, shades
of the Iron Sheik here, Matt grimacing in pain as Santino wrenches back
further, the fans trying to get behind Hardy but it seems there's no
means of escape, Jack Doan asking Matt if he submits, the answer's no
because the hold's broken by Jeff Hardy who enters, illegally, slap to
the face of Santino followed by some choice words, the crowd cheering
as Santino goes apoplectic, releasing the hold and trying to get past
Jack Doan who's trying to get Jeff out, Santino spitting trash at Jeff
who now tries to get past Doan, King claiming if Jeff was French he
might've Headbutted Marella in the chest by now, but that's by the by
as Matt's been able to recover slightly from the assault on his back,
Marella heading back over to him, shot to the gut, the crowd popping,
another right hand to the gut as Matt climbs to his feet, a third,
fourth, fifth right hand, the elbow pad coming loose, Hardy looking to
toss it aside and score with a Clothesline but Santino gets a knee to
the gut, grabs the head...STO, Matt driven into the canvas, great move
by Marella, who thinks so as well, King laughing as Marella starts to
march around the ring, not even bothering to go for the cover, the
crowd booing. Carlito's not happy either, screaming at his partner to
get the cover, Santino stopping and giving Carlito some words, the
southpaw not reacting too well but it seems like the Italian has this
one covered, going through the ropes to the apron, continuing to march
as he heads to the turnbuckle, climbs it all the way to the top,
clearly sensing Matt is in a prime position, Ross claiming he hasn't
seen any aerial offense from Santino before, but that doesn't deter
Marella who steadies himself, standing up tall on the top and giving a
salute before flopping off the top rope....and only hitting canvas, JR
perplexed as to the move Santino was attempting, seemingly a Headbutt
of some kind but it doesn't matter because Hardy was able to roll
aside, the crowd now on their feet as Matt starts to inch his way over
to his brother Jeff, holding the back, Santino perhaps not knowing
where he is as he stumbles to his feet, walking this way and that,
eventually finding his way over to Carlito who's grateful for the tag,
boos from the crowd as Carlito storms over, but Matt's reached over,
tag was made to Jeff Hardy and a huge pop goes up from the fans,
Carlito looking worried and rightly so.
'HERE HE COMES, THE RISK TAKER, THE DAREDEVIL FROM SOUTH CAROLINA'
blares Ross as Jeff pulls himself over the top rope, into the Dropkick,
Carlito knocked down immediately, he scrambles up but Jeff's there with
the Flying Elbow Takedown, unorthodox as ever, Jeff going straight to
the ropes and rebounding, there's another takedown, Jeff rallying the
fans as he pulls Carlito up, kick to the gut, Jeff placing his
head...Jawbreaker, Carlito stunned, falling backwards into the
turnbuckle, slumping at the bottom of it, Jeff with all the momentum
here as he charges in, grabbing the ropes....Rope Aided Dropkick, the
feet driven into the gut of Carlito who's immediately winded, Jeff
pulling him up again, the Irish Whip to the opposite buckles, no,
somehow reversed by Carlito, no matter, the crowd roaring as Jeff leaps
to the top rope, flinging himself off at a stunned Carlito, twisting in
mid-air, Whisper In The Wind connects, Carlito grounded, perhaps for
good speculates Ross, and Jeff may share that sentiment as he gives the
'Gunz' sign to the crowd, signaling the end is near, the Orlando fans
loving it as Jeff ascends to the top as he has done so many times
before, referee Jack Doan checking on Carlito...and suddenly there's
boos from the crowd as Santino runs across the apron, pulling at the
leg of Jeff who spots it, kicks Marella away, Santino falling to the
outside to cheers from the crowd, Jeff now launching himself...
'SWANTON BOMB! THE SLOBBERKNOCKING SWANTON, RIGHT HERE AT WRESTLEMANIA'
cries JR, King squealing for Carlito to kick out as Jeff hooks the leg.
ONE
TWO
THREE
The crowd erupt into more cheers as Doan's hand hits the mat for the
third time, Santino scrambling back into the ring but it's too late,
Santino and Carlito eliminated, Lillian confirming it, Jeff relieved to
progress here in the Tag Team Turmoil.
'THE HARDY BOYS SURVIVE THE ONSLAUGHT OF CARLITO AND SANTINO, BUT RIGHT
NOW, BUSINESS IS DAMN SURE PICKING UP' goes Ross as 'Inside' hits, the
crowd booing as Nathan James and Forxx both stride out, and they head
straight down the ramp, knowing there's work to be done if they're to
retain their World Tag Team Titles.
'Oh you're right there JR, the champions have evil intentions on their minds, this is gunna be great' laughs King.
'I dunno about great, Nathan James and Forxx are both impressive
physical specimens but you'd be an idiot to underestimate the Hardy
Boys, they're risk takers and they'll do whatever they have to do to
win tag team gold' warns Ross as the MOD share a few words as they
continue towards the ring.
'Yeah but JR look at this, already we've had Coops injured, Matt
Hardy's hurt and Jeff's not at 100% after facing Santino and Carlito, I
think we may have a few more vacant hospital beds taken up after Nathan
James and Forxx are done here' goes Lawler, the champions now at the
bottom of the ramp.
'Well certainly we may have seen a few superstars taken to hospital
tonight after that brutal Money In The Bank Ladder Match, Coops has
been taken to a local medical facility we understand, we'll keep you
updated on him if we ca-'
'LOOK OUT!!' squeals King, interrupting Ross as Jeff Hardy grabs the
top rope, launching himself over it at the two seven footers, the crowd
immediately deflated as Nathan James catches Hardy mid-air, Forxx
simply looking on as NJ casts him into the front row with the Gorilla
Press over the guardrail, fans scrambling to get out of the way as the
Carolinian's body eventually lands among the commemorative chairs,
knocking over beers.
'Good god almighty' goes JR quietly as the camera gives us a close up
of Jeff lying among the carnage, and we get a replay of the move.
'Well when ya pay for a ringside seat at WrestleMania, ya damn sure get
your money's worth' goes Ross as we're back to live action, the
champions having handed their belts away to our timekeeper, Jack Doan
now beginning his ten count having checked to see if the Hardy brother
can continue.
'Yeah, but I don't think these fans actually wanted to be part of a
match JR!' laughs Lawler as we see Jeff clamber over the guardrail and
land on the mats outside the ring, Forxx sarcastically urging him on
inside as Doan reaches six, Jeff clutching at the ring apron, Nathan
James now exiting to his corner as we see a now seemingly recovered
Matt Hardy looking concerned, Jeff rolling under the bottom rope at
eight meaning this particular match up will continue for the time
being, but not for long claims Lawler as Forxx immediately pulls Jeff
up by the hair, holding him close to his face, screaming trash at him,
the intensity clear, and now there's an Irish Whip by the seven footer,
Hardy sent to the ropes where he rebounds, Forxx looking for that
Gorilla Press Slam as well off the rebound, lifts Hardy up with minimal
effort, then lets him freefall down to the mat, nothing Jeff can do to
stop himself landing ribs first on the canvas, such is the momentum of
the move, Forxx just laughing as he pulls Hardy up, grabs the arms and
just tosses Jeff into the MOD's corner, the Hardy brother slumping as
he grabs his back, Forxx with the early tag to Nathan James who steps
over the top rope...Gut Kick to Hardy, more wind driven out of the risk
taker, NJ grabbing the left arm of Jeff, pulls him out of the corner,
Short Arm Clothesline, Nathan keeping hold of the arm, he pulls Hardy
to his feet, creating some distance, then delivering a second Short Arm
Clothesline which nearly takes Jeff's head off, the crowd booing as NJ
looks down at his fallen opponent, disgusted, drags him back to his
feet, Scoop Sla-no, Nathan holds Jeff upside down for a few seconds,
the blood rushing to Jeff's head, great power from the big man..and now
he drives Jeff into the canvas, high-impact Scoop Slam, NJ dropping an
elbow onto the chest for good measure, now the cover, no leg hook,
one....two....t-no, Jeff's able to kick out, but barely, Nathan not
bothered, perhaps thinking he can dish out some more punishment here,
pulls Jeff up by his rainbow-colored hair, and simply flings him
through the second rope, the crowd booing as Hardy's back smacks the
mats outside, Ross saying Jeff's already seen enough action outside the
ring tonight, he'll be seeing some more though by the looks of it as
Nathan steps over the top rope and drops to the outside, going straight
for the steel steps, JR confused, reminding us that this isn't a No
Disqualification contest, the MOD would be eliminated on a DQ, but
Nathan doesn't seem to care, struggling with the steps...and he doesn't
see Hardy get to his feet and charge over...Low Dropkick into the steel
steps, dislodging them and sending them into the knee of NJ who doesn't
go down but immediately clutches the knee, hobbling away, the crowd
popping as Jack Doan lets it go, Jeff sensing he can build some offence
here, turns and clambers onto the guard rail, the ringside fans backing
off as Jeff looks unsteady but suddenly he's running along the edge of
the guardrail, around the corner of it, flinging himself off....and
being caught, amazing agility by Hardy who rides the rail but Nathan's
still able to catch Jeff, hoisting him over his shoulder, pointing to
the ringpost, the Hardy brother kicking his legs, NJ charging towards
the post, and Jeff's free at the last second, squirming down the back
and giving the big man an extra shove, James sent shoulder first into
the steel, big pop from the crowd as NJ's down on the outside, Hardy
half-limping into the ring as Jack Doan begins a ten count for the
second time between these two teams, Jeff looking to win this one in
any way possible, but Nathan's stirring on the outside, getting to his
knee at four and clambering back into the ring at five, clutching his
shoulder still, Hardy seeing it...Dropkick, right to the shoulder, the
target made clear, the crowd cheering as Jeff pulls Nathan to his feet,
Irish Whip attempted with the bad arm, reversed by the seven footer,
Jeff sent to the ropes, he rebounds..straight into a Big Boot by
Nathan, Ross stating that NJ will always have that power to fall back
on, the crowd booing as Jeff's dropped with the move, brother Matt
urging him back to his feet but Hardy may be out cold after that move,
Nathan straight into the cover to find out, one....two.....th-no.
'Jeff Hardy keeps this match alive for himself and his brother but ya
gotta wonder just how the hell the Hardys can overcome the power of the
MOD' states Ross as Nathan pulls Jeff to one knee...and then grins
knowingly at Forxx, placing the head, Wellington Bomb in the thoughts
of the Tag Team Champion, the crowd fearing this is the end, Nathan
hoisting Jeff up high, but Hardy's still got some life left in him,
realizing his predicament, desperately clubbing away at the shoulder,
Nathan wincing and stumbling, Jeff trying to stop the inevitable as NJ
stumbles towards the ropes, Jeff realizing this is his chance, grabs
the left arm and leaps, dropping the arm over the top rope and managing
to land on the apron, NJ recoiling in pain and going down, clutching
the shoulder which could be separated after that move, Jeff steadying
himself, he launches himself...Springboard Leg Drop connects, the leg
driven into the face for good measure, but the Hardy brother may have
taken a lot out of himself as he clutches his tailbone and ribs,
awkward landing, perhaps now's the best time for a tag claims Ross, and
that's what Jeff's thinking, inching his way over to Matt, Forxx
calling out for a tag as well, NJ dragging himself over, utilizes his
long reach, tag made there to boos, tag made across the ring to cheers,
Matt Hardy in the match, both men relatively fresh, Forxx perhaps more
so but that won't bother Hardy, Forxx storming over, into a Double Axe
Handle to the gut by Matt, knowing he has to stop Forxx using the
power, begins to hammer away at the mid-section with those unorthodox
rights and lefts, Forxx stunned here as Matt takes him to the ropes,
Irish Whi-no, reversed by Forxx, Matt sent to the ropes, rebounds,
ducks the arm of the big man, grabs the head, Side Effe-no, can't get
Forxx down, the former Intercontinental Champion countering with elbows
to the skull of Hardy who's stunned, he turns...Clothesline by Forxx,
Matt decked, the crowd perhaps thinking that may be it for the Hardy
Boys here as far as offense in this match goes as Matt tries to shake
away the cobwebs, Forxx with the helping hand to get him back to a
vertical base, backs the Hardy brother to the ropes, Irish
Whip....Spinebuster, simple as that, Matt Hardy drilled into the
canvas, minimal effort from Forxx who suddenly looks like the light
bulb just went off, an idea creeping into his head as he walks over to
a neutral corner and stares at the turnbuckle pad, Jack Doan caught in
two minds, checking on Hardy but asking Forxx what he's doing, the big
man responding by grabbing hold of the pad and simply ripping it off,
the padding spilling out onto the canvas, the fans booing as Forxx gets
straight to business, picks Matt Hardy up off the canvas, Matt still
holding his back, grabs the arm....Irish Whip, into the exposed steel,
Doan furious with Forxx but he can do nothing to stop Hardy's spine and
smacking the steel turnbuckle ring, Forxx backing up and starting to
build momentum, the train looking to roll down the tracks states Ross
as Forxx measures Matt....charges in....
'FORXX MISSED, HE MISSED THE SPLASH IN THE CORNER' blares Ross as Hardy
ducks out the way, somehow, drawing on a reserve of strength deep down,
Forxx hitting the exposed steel chest first with some force, staggering
back, Matt going down, rolls Forxx up, the crowd popping as the big
man's thrashing, Doan with the count.
ONE
TWO
THREE
'WHAT?!' squeals King as Hardy gets his feet on the second rope for
leverage, and it's enough, Forxx squirming out milliseconds after the
three count, Matt rolling away as Doan confirms the MOD are eliminated.
'THE CHAMPIONS ARE GONE! THE MOD HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED! WE'RE GUARANTEED
NEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS' cries Ross as Nathan James storms the ring, the
camera catching a shot of an elated Jeff Hardy stood on the apron.
'Matt Hardy cheated! He cheated JR!' protests Lawler as both Nathan
James and Forxx push Jack Doan into the corner, spitting fury at the
official, knowing they're no longer the World Tag Team Champions.
'Jack Doan didn't see it, the MOD are outta here, that's all there is
to it an-oh what about this here, what the hell now?' goes Ross as
Forxx turns and plants a boot into the gut of Matt Hardy who's rising
to his feet, scoops him up onto his shoulders, almost into a Torture
Rack, Jeff Hardy entering to try and help his brother but NJ scores
with a Big Boot, dragging Jeff up and placing his head, the MOD looking
at each other.
'WELLINGTON BOMB AND.....WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT? GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY'
spits Ross as the former champions drill the Hardys simultaneously,
Jeff sent down into almost a Piledriver, the MOD clearly aggrieved at
their treatment here, Jack Doan screaming at them to get out which they
do, but only voluntarily.
'THE HARDYS MAY HAVE BEEN BROKEN IN HALF, JEFF MAY NEVER GET OFF THE
CANVAS, AND NOW THIS, NOW THEY'VE GOT THIS TO CONTEND WITH' blares JR
as the tribal drum beats hit on cue, the crowd booing as Armando
Estrada emerges onto the stage, flanked by Samoa Joe on one side, Umaga
on the other.
'More accurately JR, the Hardys have got THESE to contend with,
savages....it ain't lookin' good' goes an almost-gleeful sounding King
as Estrada gives instructions to his 'charges' so to speak, Umaga more
interested in his surroundings, looking almost overawed by them,
Armando telling him to follow as Samoa Joe starts down the ramp, towel
in hand.
'Ya talk about deadly, ya talk about dangerous, Samoa Joe and Umaga
have made quite possibly the biggest impact of anyone debuting in the
WWE, they're powerful, they're agile and bah Gawd they are savages'
goes Ross as Umaga screams in Samoan at Estrada, the Cuban taking it
all in his stride as the trio continue down the ramp.
'And as if that isn't enough, the only challengers that the Sons of
Samoa have to go through are laid out in the middle of the ring haha'
laughs King as the camera does indeed show us both the Hardys trying to
recover from being laid out by the MOD, our shot quickly back into the
aisle as the former champions cross path with Samoa Joe, Umaga and
Estrada, no words exchanged, Umaga sizing up Forxx though, Lawler
stating it wouldn't be in Estrada's interests to let a brawl break out
here, thankfully for him the MOD pass up the chance and continue up the
rampway.
'Yeah no thanks to those bitter sons of bitches Nathan James and Forxx,
lemme tell ya this, I talked a minute ago about debuts, ya remember the
Sons of Samoa's debut King?' asks Ross
'Err yeah, duh JR, it was great, how could I forget?' laughs Lawler in response.
'And who did they decimate?' he asks again.
'The Hardy Boys!' squeals King.
'You're damn right, this is shades of RAW a few weeks back, it ain't
lookin' good' goes JR as the Sons of Samoa approach the ring, Umaga
eyeing up the fallen Hardy brothers with intent, to destroy claims
King, Samoa Joe sliding into the ring, Estrada telling him to end it,
Jack Doan helplessly shrugging his shoulders and dropping to the mat.
ONE
TWO
THRE-NO
'HE KICKED OUT, JEFF HARDY KICKED OUT BAH GAWD' cries Ross, huge pop
from the fans, King needing a double take, Samoa Joe looking that way
as well, Umaga perplexed as Estrada tells him to get on the apron, Joe
sighing as Jack Doan tries to roll Matt Hardy out of harms way, hooks
the leg again.
ONE
TWO
THR-NO
Jeff's out again to another pop, Samoa Joe now realizing that Jeff had
just enough time to recover slightly during the Sons of Samoa's
entrance to stay alive here, that may be about to change though as Joe
hauls Jeff off the canvas by the hair and hooks the arms...Double
Underhook Suplex, Hardy launched across the ring, great show of
strength by the newcomer who immediately turns, Estrada directing
traffic, indicating he wants an early tag to Umaga, Joe complying as we
see Hardy try to drag himself up in the corner, tag made to Umaga who's
a little confused, Armando telling him he can enter the ring, or at
least that's what it sounds like, Umaga straight over to Hardy, right
hands to the side of the head, the repeated blows raining down on Jeff
who can't protect himself, Umaga giving a yell at referee Jack Doan
who's started a five count, Doan wisely backing off, and now so does
Umaga, Estrada with the thumbs up as Umaga positions himself in the
opposite corner, the crowd now concerned as the Samoan Bulldozer throws
out his arms, giving another scream before thundering towards Jeff,
throwing his whole body at the Hardy brother.....and misses, Jeff
somehow managing to roll out of the way, Umaga's back smacking into the
turnbuckle, the ring shuddering as the crowd pop, Umaga stumbling out
but not really showing too many ill effects, shaking his head slightly
and giving the back a quick rub, Hardy now up to his feet, he turns, to
the ropes, rebounds, catches Umaga with a Flying Elbow which staggers
the savage, the crowd popping for Jeff's resilience, thinking he may
have a chance here as Hardy turns, heads to the ropes again, rebounds,
a second Flying Elbow, Umaga staggered but still not down, Hardy
limping to the ropes this time, perhaps this is all he's got left,
rebounds...straight into an uppercut from Umaga, Throat Thrust is
audible throughout the Citrus Bowl, Hardy flopping backwards, momentum
over, the crowd in awe at the impact, then booing as Estrada moves
around the ring, shouting instructions at Umaga, seemingly telling him
to go up top, Umaga nodding, an understanding forged perhaps, the 350
pounder walking to a neutral corner and hoisting his frame onto the top
rope, feet perched on the second rung, he stands, giving a yell of
Samoan, and launches himself.
'THE HEADBUTT MISSED, IT MISSED, THE HIGH RISK OFFENCE IS NOT SUCCESFUL
THIS TIME' blares Ross as Umaga does indeed come up short, his head
bouncing off the canvas as Jeff Hardy once again somehow avoids the
bullet, Umaga stunned now, unsteady as he rises, Jeff rolling on his
side over to his corner with perhaps a store of energy he'd saved in
reserve, tag made to Matt Hardy who may fare better against Umaga,
we'll find out as the crowd erupt and Hardy's swinging rights and
lefts, directly at the head of his opponent, Irish Whip by Matt is
reversed, Umaga still with some awareness, Matt coming back, ducks the
arm...Side Effect, connects this time, Umaga drilled, huge pop for the
strength, Matt not wasting any time, knows he has to capitalize on
hitting a big move, heads to the second rope as Umaga had done moments
earlier, does the 'Gunz' symbol which is accompanied by a yodel from
Matt as well, the crowd doing it too, Umaga rises, Hardy jumping off
and trying the elbow to the head....but he's caught, somehow, Umaga
getting Matt in the Bearhug, the crowd amazed at the strength as Umaga
maneuvers the Hardy brother so he's now cradled in the big man's
arms...Spinning Side Walk Slam, the crowd silenced as Matt's folded up
on the canvas, a small 'Holy Shit' chant going up from some of the
fans, Estrada loving it but telling Umaga to make the tag, confusing
the savage, Samoa Joe extending his arm to add impetus, Umaga slapping
it and screaming at his partner in Samoan, Estrada clapping, almost
telling Umaga that the job's done here, Samoa Joe looking to further
punish Hardy as he springs to the ropes, agility by the big man as he
rebounds, Running Senton, all of Joe's body weight compacting the chest
cavity of Hardy, nice move, Joe turning and hooking the leg,
one.....two....thr-no, Matt kicks out, but there can't be much left in
the tank surely, Joe looking to find out as he immediately locks in a
Bodyscissors, smart thinking from the rookie, knowing he can squeeze
the last bits of oxygen from Matt's body, Hardy squirming but only
momentarily, knowing he has to conserve energy in the hold, but he
can't be too relaxed because Joe's applying more pressure, and sure
enough Jack Doan moves in to check how Hardy's doing, holds up the arm,
which drops.
'ONE' is the call from the official, he grabs the arm again, holding it up.
'TWO' he cries this time, the crowd booing, fearing Matt may be out here, the arm's held up for the final time.
'THRE-NO, NO, HE'S GOOD' we hear Doan cry as the arm hovers inches
above the mat, Matt starting to squirm again here, Samoa Joe looking a
little frantic, perhaps not expecting Matt to come back here but he is,
trying to inch his way to the ropes, struggling though because of Joe's
weight advantage, Hardy adapting to the situation...biting the arms of
Joe, the crowd popping, Jack Doan admonishing Matt but it's an
effective move, Samoa Joe releasing the hold, the bite marks visible on
his arms, some blood drawn as well, Matt crawling away, makes a last
desperate leap....tag made, the crowd on their feet as Jeff Hardy's
back in the match, Samoa Joe turning, into a Clothesline by Jeff, Joe
going down, Hardy straight to Umaga, Clothesline to the savage who
immediately tries to get into the ring and go after Jeff, Jack Doan
hurrying over, trying to stop the beast from entering illegally, it's a
handy distraction as he turns, Samoa Joe advancing...Jeff with a Low
Blow, hard kick to the groin leaves Joe gasping for air, the official
not seeing it, Hardy turning again and running to the corner, leaping
up the ropes to the top level, flings himself off, Whisper In The Wind
connects, the crowd on their feet, they feel it, and so does Jeff as he
climbs back up to the top, realizing he may only have one chance to
score with one big hit, Jack Doan telling him to think about it, but he
doesn't need to, Umaga advancing across the apron...CRACK....Savate
Kick to the jaw, great extension on the leg from Umaga, taped foot to
the jaw of Jeff Hardy who crotches himself on the top rope, the crowd
booing as Estrada urges Samoa Joe to his feet, Joe slowly climbing up
to a vertical base, grabs Jeff from the top and places him on his
shoulders, bending him double, holding the legs...
'MUSCLE BUSTER....HE CALLS THAT THE MUSCLE BUSTER, THAT'S GOTTA BE ALL
SHE WROTE' blares Ross as Joe drives Jeff backwards, his back drilled
into the canvas, the head bouncing, Joe hooking the leg.
ONE
TWO
THREE
Matt Hardy tries to scramble into the ring but can't save his brother
in time, Jack Doan making the final count, Jeff with nothing left, the
crowd booing as the tribal drum beats hit again, Armando Estrada
hurrying round to our timekeeper to snatch the World Tag Team Title
belts.
'HERE ARE YOUR WINNERS....AND NEEEWWWWWW WORLD TAG TEAM
CHAMPIONS.....UUUUUMAGA AND SAMOAAA....JOEEEEE' cries Lillian to
confirm it, Matt looking dejected as he stares up into the night sky.
Umaga moves to the ropes, grabbing the top one and leaning over,
screaming something in Samoan as all of a sudden he stops and looks
confused, the tribal drum beats cutting and replaced by something
else....
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.... MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONNNNNNNNEY....."
The crowd erupt in ovation as a long forgotten theme hits, JR and King stunned
"What... that can't be..." starts King, the crowd getting louder and louder as Ted Dibiase's video hits the big screen
"Everybody's got a price.... everybody's gunna pay.... cause the Million Dollar Man... ALWAYS gets his way"
The Citrus Bowl is standing in ovation as Dibiase strolls onto stage in
black suit and shirt, briefcase in his hand with a huge gold dollar
sign on the side. The Million Dollar Man stops for a moment and takes
in the ovation, lowering the mic he had ready, allowing his music to
play
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.... MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONNNNNNNNEY..... some
might cost a little... some might cost a lot, but I'm the Million
Dollar Man... and you WILL be bought MWAHAHAHAHAHAAHA"
The music fades out, leaving us just with the ovation from the crowd,
the wrestlers left in the ring looking up, Umaga and Joe seemingly not
amused that they've been interrupted
"Now I don't wanna come out here and interrupt this ceremony, but I
think these fans and the officials in the back may just wanna hear what
I have to say..."
The fans cheer in agreement
"You see Umaga, Joe, you just got yourself a little commodity, a
commodity they call gold. You won it by hard work, by being the best
tag team in WWE... but I'm the Million Dollar Man and hard work is
something others do for ME, others like you...."
King sounds confused, not knowing where this is going
"And it just so happens that have a vested interested in what you
have, in the World Tag Team Championships. That's why earlier tonight I
spoke with a man very like myself, a man who knows about money... your
manager Armando Estrada. We came to an arrangement...."
Dibiase lifts the briefcase as we cut to the ring, Estrada taking the
belts from the Timekeeper and walking around the ring, heading to the
aisle, the camera heading back to the stage to where Dibiase has opened
the case, laying it on the stage
"ONE MILLION DOLLARS"
"Oh my God..." says JR quietly, the fans whistling
"FOR THOSE WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES"
The crowd roar, liking it, maybe just glad that Umaga and Joe may not be champions after all
"WHAAAAT????" squeals King
"W....I DON'T BELIEVE THIS" Ross cries, Umaga and Samoa Joe looking
equally stunned, Umaga blaring something in Samoan, looking VERY pissed
off. Estrada is already on stage, cigar in his mouth, shaking The
Million Dollar Man's hand, handing him the belts and bending to close
and pick up his money
"What I want with these belts, you'll soon see, a new era is dawning
here in WWE, everybody still has a price and everybody will STILL be
bought...."
Dibiase takes one of Estrada's cigars from his top pocket and puts it in his mouth, a grinning Armando willingly lighting it
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA" laughs Ted in that distinctive style, heading
backstage, knowing what's coming it seems.... as the Sons of Samoa
slide from the ring and charge up the aisle, Armando looking like a
dear caught in the headlights as he stops dead and then quickly turns
tail, also charging backstage with the two angry Samoans in pursuit
"What the hell is going on? what have we just seen??" JR demands, the fans roaring however
'JR.. I.. I think Ted DiBiase just BOUGHT himself the World Tag Team Titles, the Sons of Samoa have been robbed!"
"They've been sold down the damn river by Armando Estrada, I don't even
know if this is legal, is the Sons of Samoa's era over? who's the
Champions? Why has Dibiase bought those belts, why now?" exasperates
the very confused play by play man
"JR, I have no Earthly idea what's going on... but there's gunna be
hell to pay for somebody next week on Raw" Lawler laughs, JR saying
nothing, still trying to work out just what the hell happened it seems
as we fade away to backstage....
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WrestleMania XXIV Hours One and Two