On Friday, April 6, 2007 at 10:20 PM EST Deadman rising
By Lennie DiFino
April 6, 2007
Results courtesy of WWE.com
The “Era of The Deadman” officially began on SmackDown, as the new World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker began his reign with championship gold in his hands.
As Undertaker was ready to speak, former champion Batista, the man who The Phenom defeated at WrestleMania, made his way to the ring and had a simple message: “Congratulations…I want my rematch.” Will these two men square off again for the richest prize in the business? As The Animal left the ring, King Booker attacked Undertaker from behind, hoping to make a statement of his own.
Booker’s attempt for a royal declaration was short-lived, as Undertaker quickly turned the attack into one of his own. Undertaker dismantled King Booker, then delivered a devastating Tombstone on the announce table, leaving King Booker injured. Stay tuned to WWE.com for details on Booker’s status.
The night was supposed to be redemption for King Booker, who was looking to avenge his loss in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match – a match in which Booker was forced to make the toughest decision of his professional life – between Queen Sharmell and the briefcase holding a championship match future. Booker chose to defend Sharmell, therefore losing the match and his chance at gold.
King Booker lost on this night to World Tag Team Champion Matt Hardy, and Queen Sharmell then verbally berated him, questioning his manhood by saying, “I was violated by Matt Hardy at WrestleMania – is this how you defend my honor King Booker?” It was not a good week to be King Booker.
One Superstar who had a week on the opposite spectrum was Mr. Kennedy. The “future of sports-entertainment” defeated seven other WWE and ECW Superstars en route to capturing the briefcase and winning Money in the Bank. Kennedy faced World Tag Team Champion Jeff Hardy – and defeated Hardy to continue the momentum he has been building.
After the match, Hornswoggle appeared, causing Kennedy to stalk him until Finlay attacked from behind. Kennedy then stormed into General Manager Theodore Long’s office and demanded a match versus Hornswoggle. Long granted his request, and added Finlay to the mix, making it a Handicap Match next week on SmackDown.
United States Champion Chris Benoit took on The Miz in a non-title match. Benoit seemed to be in full control of the match, and as he was ready to deliver a Flying Headbutt to Miz, Montel Vontavious Porter interfered, which allowed Miz to pick up the victory.
MVP failed to win the United States title from Benoit at WrestleMania 23, but it appears that he still has unfinished business to settle with the Rabid Wolverine.
Kane defeated Dave Taylor despite interference from William Regal at ringside. The Big Red Machine is coming off a loss to The Great Khali at WrestleMania, and Taylor & Regal were in the path of Kane’s destruction.
The WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London & Brian Kendrick were in action against Cruiserweight Champion of the World Chavo Guerrero & Gregory Helms. The champions defeated Helms & Guerrero in non-title action, but next week the nearly one-year reign of London & Kendrick will be on the line against the men from the Other Side of the Tracks – Deuce & Domino. Can London & Kendrick overcome the odds once more next week on SmackDown?
Finally, General Manager Theodore Long and Kristal have been growing close as of late and reportedly had a post-WrestleMania rendezvous. Does the General Manager of SmackDown have a thing for SmackDown Diva Kristal?
Matches:
* Matt Hardy def. King Booker
* Mr. Kennedy def. Jeff Hardy
* United States Champion Chris Benoit def. The Miz (Non-title)
* Kane def. Dave Taylor
* WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London & Brian Kendrick def. Gregory Helms & Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero (Non-title)