On Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 1:05 AM EST Direct route
By Lennie DiFino
February 9, 2007
Results courtesy of WWE.com
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