-[sinister music playing] -[narrator] Armageddon,
the final battle between the forces of good and evil.
-[explosions] -[dramatic music playing]
[Michael] For the first time in seven-and-a-half years,
six-foot high flames, 500-degree heat in an Inferno Match…
MVP and Kane.
This is a sick, demented monster.
[MVP] I shouldn't be in an Inferno Match,
I could be burned alive.
[Michael] It's one of the rarest matches.
[Ross] The first person to set his opponent on fire
will win this match.
[JBL] Somebody is going to burn.
[music fades]
[suspenseful music playing]
[Michael] There's only been one other Last Ride match.
You have to beat your opponent so severely,
so you can drag him in the back of that hearse--
Well, it may seem like you can intimidate me--
-[bell tolls] -[Michael] Oh, my.
-[dramatic music playing] -[Michael] It's The Undertaker.
Kennedy looks like he's seen a ghost.
[Undertaker] Prepare to take your last ride.
You can't hide from The Deadman.
[music fades]
[tense music playing]
[JBL] First time ever, two world champions on the same team.
[Booker] History will be made at Armageddon
when Finlay and I destroy the WWE Champion
as well as the World Heavyweight Champion
[Michael] And from behind, the shillelagh to the back of the neck.
[Booker] A royal beat down.
[JBL] The King and the man that loves to fight
had got their hands full.
[Cena] King Booker and Finlay, you want some?
Come get some.
[narrator] Tonight…
-["The End" playing] -♪ No more ♪
[narrator] …a triple main event.
♪ The end is here ♪
[narrator] For the first time in seven years, an Inferno Match.
For only the second time in history, a Last Ride match.
And for the first time ever, two world champions unite.
Armageddon.
♪ The end is here ♪
[song fades]
[narrator] And now, SmackDown presents WWE Armageddon.
["The End" continues playing]
[explosions]
♪ The end is here ♪
[crowd cheering]
♪ The end is here ♪
[Michael] You are looking live in the Richmond Coliseum
in Richmond, Virginia,
home of the final pay-per-view of the year,
Armageddon.
Hello again, everybody, and welcome to the SmackDown exclusive.
It is an absolutely historic night in Richmond.
I'm Michael Cole, alongside JBL at ring side.
And, partner, are you ready for the triple main event?
I can't believe what I'm about to witness, Michael.
I've been in a Last Man Standing, cage matches,
I've even been in the Last Ride match,
but there is no way in hell that I would get into this Inferno Match.
This thing is like Roman gladiators, I cannot believe the danger.
Somebody is going to burn.
Also here tonight, our Spanish colleagues,
Hugo Savinovich, Carlos Cabrera, hey, guys.
[speaking in Spanish]
-[bell ringing] -The following contest
is the Inferno Match.
[crowd cheering]
Now, ladies and gentlemen, the only way to win this match
is to set your opponent on fire.
-[crowd cheering] -["I'm Comin'" playing]
[crowd booing]
♪ One, two, You hear the clock ticking ♪
[Michael] Simple rules for this matchup,
and you can already feel the heat beginning to emanate from ringside
as the flames have surrounded the ring.
And here comes the man who has never been in this situation before,
Montel Vontavious Porter.
And you gotta wonder, JBL,
what is going through MVP's head right now.
[JBL] Who the hell has been in this situation before?
Only a couple of people in the world has stepped in there with Kane.
-This is insane. What could possibly… -[Chimel] Introducing first
-[JBL] …go through your head? -[Chimel] making his way to the ring,
from Miami, Florida, weighing in at 238 pounds,
Montel Vontavious Porter, MVP.
[JBL] Let me put this in perspective, Michael,
somebody is going to get burned.
You have six-foot flames, 500-degree heat,
we've had to move our announce table back three feet,
we moved the fans back three to four feet for their safety.
But who is gonna worry about the safety of MVP,
and this monster, Kane?
[Michael] And absolutely a look of concern on the face of MVP,
surveying the ring here. The flames have already began to burn
here in this fourth-ever Inferno Match.
[JBL] And this is the lowest these flames will burn.
They're burning this low, Michael, just to let the competitors get into the ring.
[Michael] Hey, John, talking to the chief pyrotechnician earlier on today,
explaining this will be the biggest and the baddest Inferno match ever,
the flames will actually creep up to an eight-foot level at times
with degrees of 500,
500-degree heat, here at ring side.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, MVP is walking into the fire,
Kane and MVP have been battling for months,
and this all began
when Montel Vontavious Porter came to the show.
♪ We cash-getters ♪
♪ Pocket-fillers ♪
After months of strenuous negotiations,
SmackDown and Montel Vontavious Porter have agreed on a contract
to bring Mr. Porter's services to Friday night.
[MVP] You haven't just signed the franchise player,
you have signed SmackDown, MVP.
[Michael] Brash, arrogant, egotistical--
[MVP] Here on SmackDown,
-you got a whole lot of Superstars… -[Teddy] True dat.
…but they are little stars, they twinkle, twinkle.
I'm a big star, I shine.
Teddy Long, I'm begging you, please get me some competition.
-[crowd cheering] -[dramatic music playing]
[Michael] It's The Big Red Machine,
Kane is on SmackDown.
MVP, welcome to the big leagues.
Kane wasting little time,
and MVP not looking like the most valuable player here.
-And look at that, a blatant low blow. -[bell ringing]
[Michael] Montel is running from the arena.
[JBL] You cocky, punk kid.
[Teddy] Somehow, MVP survived this match with Kane.
At Armageddon, these two are gonna go at it again.
But this time, it is going to be an Inferno Match.
[MVP] Every time I beat the monster,
they'll come with a brand new match with even more dangerous rules.
I beat him in street fight.
[Michael] Not this way.
MVP picks up the victory.
[MVP] I beat him in a cage match.
[Michael] A shocking victory, and Kane is steaming.
[MVP] Now, you wanna put me in the ring surrounded by six-foot flames.
Man, I ain't doing this match, Teddy.
[Teddy] I'll tell you what, if you don't, your ass is fired.
No, let me tell you, you can't do that.
[Michael] For the first time in seven-and-a-half years,
an Inferno Match.
[Ross] The first person to set his opponent on fire
will win this match.
[JBL] One of the sickest matches I've ever heard of.
[Ross] This is gonna be hotter than hell, I'll tell you that.
[tense music playing]
[Jerry] I have never in my life seen anything like this.
[Michael] Six-foot high flames, 500 degrees.
[Ross] This is hell on earth.
[Michael] You win when your opponent gets burned.
[echoes] Burned.
[music fades]
[Michael] Will it be that man, MVP, who will be burned tonight?
[JBL] I'll tell you, this is sickening to me.
I cannot believe that Teddy Long would do this
to a young burgeoning superstar, like MVP.
He has overstepped his bounds as general manager
and needs to be censured, if not removed from that post.
This is barbaric, there is no need for it, and I don't stand for it.
-[explosions] -[Michael] Oh!
-["Slow Chemical" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Chimel] And making his way to the ring, weighing in at 323 pounds, Kane.
[Michael] And here is the man, JBL, and look at the look in the eyes of Kane.
He is sick, he is demented,
and you got to believe that this is his backyard,
that he loves this type of match.
-Oh! -[explosions]
-[JBL] You're kidding me. -[Michael] Oh, my God.
That freak is at home in this.
Did you see how high the flames
-rose at ringside? -[JBL] Michael, somebody
is gonna get burned, burned alive in this match.
What the hell is Teddy Long thinking?
And look at Kane, look how sick that monster Kane is.
As sadistic a human being as I have ever seen in my life,
he's actually at home right now.
He's a sick, sadistic bastard.
[Michael] Almost a smile on the face of "The Big Red Machine" Kane.
We can-- we're about six feet from ringside, JBL,
and you can feel how hot those flames are at this point in time.
Imagine being inside the ring--
and MVP perhaps looking for escape, but he can't do it.
[JBL] Not only the inside of the ring,
-I understand also… -[bell ringing]
[JBL] …oxygen is burned up by fire.
The longer this match goes, the less oxygen…
-[Michael] Oh. -[JBL] …these guys have to breathe
in the middle of that ring.
[Michael] MVP trying to beg out of the matchup,
Kane wouldn't have it.
Big boot to the face, and I guess, JBL, it's time to talk strategy.
What is the strategy for this type of match?
[JBL] Winning is a bonus.
Survival, you wanna not get burned.
This is the craziest match I have ever heard of in my life.
[Michael] And MVP, whipped into the corner,
big boot to the face of Kane,
and look at how close those flames are to the corner,
nearly lapping at the boots of MVP.
And up to the top rope, but, perhaps losing confidence a bit as he--
He wasn't quite sure-- and the flames were gonna come up just like that.
So, if MVP was on the top rope, and the flames leaped up like that,
perhaps he would've been burned and lost the matchup.
[JBL] Of course he'd be hesitant.
And you'd have some kind of trepidation,
I'm sitting here six feet from him and I'm hesitant.
[Michael] Kane working on MVP.
-The Big Red Machine has been in-- -[JBL] He's already trying-- look at him,
he's already trying-- Kane's already trying
to stick his hand in the flames.
[Michael] MVP whipped into the corner again by Kane.
Clubbing blow to the back of the head.
[JBL] You can't put this in perspective enough, Michael.
Somebody is going to get burned by fire in this match.
[Michael] MVP trying to-- trying to crawl to the bottom rope, but as he does,
he's crawling closer to the flames.
Remember, there are no rules in the matchup,
-so there's no break here. -[screams]
MVP up to the top rope and slammed to the mat below.
And look at how close MVP is to the flames that are surrounding the ring.
This is such a unique matchup and it's so rare,
there have only been three other matches--
Inferno Matches in the history of World Wrestling Entertainment.
Extremely dangerous.
And Kane putting MVP on the top rope now,
but these-- but these flames leap up to that--
to that eight foot-- eight foot height here,
MVP could be-- could be burned.
What if he's knocked off the top rope as well, John?
And MVP realizing he's in trouble, and knocking The Big--
-Hey, look at that. -[JBL] Good Lord.
[Michael] Did you see how close those flames came to MVP?
Crossbody lateral press, but there are no pinfalls in this matchup.
And the heat increases at least threefold whenever the flames leap into the air.
[JBL] It is hard to believe what we're watching right now.
[Michael] MVP, definitely the underdog in the matchup.
And a boot to the jaw of Kane,
it would be a monumental upset if MVP can pull it off here
against The Big Red Machine.
[JBL] Look, MVP is in Kane's house right here.
-[Michael] Uh-oh. -[JBL] My God.
[Michael] Kane sitting up,
and MVP realizing he's in deep, deep trouble.
[JBL] And there's no place to go.
Where are you gonna go?
You've gotta stand there and fight this big monster.
[Michael] And normally, when things aren't going well,
you can get out of the ring and take a breather.
You can't really do that in this type of situation.
[JBL] And you can barely breathe in there.
-That is 500 degree heat. -[Michael] Oh!
-Wow. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And the Big Red Machine
off the big boot, measuring MVP.
And Montel Vontavious Porter,
who has defeated Kane in a Steel Cage Match
-and a Street Fight… -[JBL] Nobody,
nobody, Michael, deserves this type of a punishment.
Nobody. Not MVP, not anybody.
[Michael] MVP going for the ride.
Chokeslam by Kane,
as the flames seem to be an exclamation point to the Chokeslam.
MVP, it's trouble as the sick, demented monster, Kane,
releases the covering from the steel turnbuckle.
Again, this is all completely legal.
What the hell is Kane gonna do with this?
-Look at him. -[JBL] Oh, come on.
[Michael] Kane with that turnbuckle covering,
-trying to get-- and he does. -[JBL] He starts fires
he puts-- got fires out.
What kind of goofy power does this maniac have?
Now, come on. Somebody stop him.
[Michael] He's trying to burn Kane with that turnbuckle--
I should say MVP with that turnbuckle cover that's now on fire,
and MVP luckily tosses it out of the ring for him-- for his safety.
[JBL] The ropes on this side of the ring are melting.
[Michael] MVP with the knees to the skull, going for the neckbreaker.
Now, what MVP has to do is try to drag that carcass,
that 300-pound carcass toward the flames to catch it on fire.
And there's a dropkick, and well, perhaps this is his strategy,
to use dropkicks to drive Kane closer to the flames.
-Oh, my God, Kane is… -[JBL] He's gonna do it…
-[Michael] …moments away… -[JBL] …he's gonna do it.
[Michael] …from perhaps getting burned. Nobody--
-[JBL] Oh, my. -[Michael] MVP almost sliding
into the fire that close, that close.
[JBL] MVP had to get burned off that.
[Michael] It is an awe-inspiring sight to see this ring
surrounded by these flames.
And one of these men, ladies and gentlemen,
will be burned tonight.
[JBL] One of them is already burned, Michael.
I don't understand it.
You gotta catch a guy on fire?
What do you-- what in the hell are we doing here on SmackDown?
Well, Teddy Long has gone completely out of control.
[Michael] Kane with that big clothesline to MVP,
hoping to catch Montel Vontavious Porter on fire here tonight,
-to win this Inferno Match. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] The 300-pounder with a big clothesline to MVP.
And Kane, building momentum, into the side slam.
[JBL] This is ridiculous.
This is sickening.
Look at that sick monster.
The hell is wrong with Kane?
[Michael] Off that side slam, those flames shot high into the air again.
Nearly engulfing the ring in flames.
[JBL] It's not enough.
I mean, MVP beat Kane twice, fair and square.
[Michael] In a Street Fight and at a steel cage,
albeit by a controversial fashion.
[JBL] Why do they have to resort to something like this?
Why would Teddy Long have to do this?
-You want this? Huh? -[JBL] MVP is a superstar.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] That just seemed to make Kane mad.
-MVP trying to get out of the ring… -[JBL] Get out of there…
-get out of there… -[Michael] …he's going up to the top rope,
MVP off the top rope and onto the announcers table.
But he was managed to-- well, he leaped and then was pushed
over the flames by The Big Red Machine.
-[JBL] He's not on fire. -[Michael] What is Kane gonna do?
-No. -[JBL] No, come on.
-Come on. -[Michael] MVP is not on fire.
-[JBL] Oh, jeez. -[Michael] This matchup continues.
Kane to the top rope.
He's measuring MVP.
-The Big Red Machine taking MVP out. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And looking over the announcers table here,
I can tell you, Kane was not burned either.
Those flames leaped high into the air,
but Kane managed to clear the flames
when he took out MVP, this matchup continues.
[JBL] It's a 300-plus pound man coming off the top rope, to the floor.
Kane just missed the flame, look at this.
[Michael] Oh, look at this, look at this.
-Oh, my. And Kane… -[JBL] Oh, no.
[Michael] …jumps through the flames as well.
Kane is just a head away.
MVP trying to keep himself from going into those flames
and burning here. Fire getting--
[JBL] Five hundred degrees.
[Michael] And there's a big boot off the skull of MVP by Kane.
[JBL] Did Kane just smile at the fire?
-[Michael] I think he did. -[JBL] Kane just smiled at the fire.
[Michael] You know Kane's history.
-And look at-- look at that sick smile-- -[JBL] Sick.
Why would anybody do this to another human being?
[Michael] And look at MVP trying to-- trying to find cover underneath the ring.
[JBL] Do you blame him?
[Michael] No, not at all.
And Kane with a right hand.
A big right hand to MVP.
The Big Red Machine stalking his prey.
MVP to the steel steps, trying to stay in the matchup.
But Kane with the hand around his throat.
-[JBL] Come on, no, no. No. -[Michael] Oh, my. Come on now.
-MVP close to the flames. -[JBL] Stop it, somebody stop him.
-No, somebody stop him. -[Michael] Look at this.
-[JBL] Somebody stop him. No, no. -[Michael] MVP…
-into the flames. -[JBL] No.
-[Michael] MVP is-- he's on fire. -[bell ringing]
[JBL] Oh, my God, somebody stop it.
-Oh, my God! -[Michael] MVP is on fire,
-MVP is on fire. -[JBL] Somebody stop him.
[Michael] This matchup is over. But MVP is on fire.
[JBL] He is on fire.
Somebody put it out, for God's sake!
-Somebody get help! -[Michael] We need help out here!
We need help-- oh, my God, and finally,
finally some aide to MVP,
who is completely-- MVP has collapsed.
-[JBL] My God. -[Michael] Somebody get some help
out here.
MVP collapsing after being burned by Kane.
[Chimel] Here is your winner, Kane.
-[crowd cheering] -[JBL] You call that a winner?
You call that freak a winner?
I call it a damn travesty. What in the hell?
I hope you're proud of yourself, Teddy Long.
Look at that. Look at what you've done.
You got a guy that might have third degree burns on himself right now,
and it's all Teddy Long's fault,
because he put him and he fed him to that damn monster, Kane.
[Michael] And look at the look on the face of Kane victorious here.
But, JBL, can you describe, I mean, what we just witnessed?
Montel Vontavious Porter was burned here tonight.
As we take a look at the end of the matchup, watch The Big Red Machine
forcing MVP into the flames
-and Montel Vontavious Porter-- -[JBL] Look at this.
[JBL] He drives him on into the fire. I can't describe it,
I've never been burned like that. Who could?
Talk to a burn victim,
that's the only person who can describe it.
It's eating him alive, it's crawling all over him.
We may have just lost one of our brightest superstars
all because of this damn Inferno Match.
-[bell ringing] -[Michael] Another look.
[JBL] And every bit of it, Michael, every damn bit of it,
is all that peanut-headed Teddy Long for doing this to MVP.
No human being alive deserves to be set on fire.
[Michael] And look at this angle.
-Watch the footage. -[JBL] And we don't know if he is alive.
We don't know what the hell he's doing.
He collapsed when he got to the back.
[Michael] Can you imagine, my God,
the flames just all over the back of MVP.
[JBL] It is one thing to entertain WWE fans,
it is another damn thing to burn a human being alive.
That's a load of crap,
and I want absolutely nothing to do with it.
Damn it, every bit of this was Teddy Long's fault,
and there's need to be justice served.
To hell with WWE fans.
-That is pretty and I love it. -Yeah--
I love the diamond ring.
-I love it. -Oh, who got--
[Teddy] Ladies, ladies.
Lookie here, lookie here.
Jillian.
-Hi, Teddy. -Girl, you know you're looking good.
-I know. -Kristal.
-Ashley. -How's it going?
Layla. Oh, that's what I'm talking about.
Hey, sorry to keep you ladies waiting,
but tonight, I've got a very special guest here at Armageddon,
-y'all wanna know who it is? -[Layla] Yeah.
Come on, ladies. It's Christmas time, it's Santa Claus.
-[cheering] -[Jillian] Perfect!
-[Kristal] I love Christmas. -And you know what,
Santa Claus has presents and gifts for everybody.
-Ooh. -[Teddy] And tonight,
for all of our SmackDown fans,
we've got a special holiday gift.
And what that means is all four of you, will get a chance to compete,
for the first time ever,
in a Naughty or Nice Lingerie Contest. How about that?
[indistinct chatter]
Yeah, and we're about to find out
-who's been naughty… -[Ashley] Uh-hmm.
-[Layla] I know who. -Hey!
-And who's been nice. -Me.
Now, y'all get your see-through on, and I'mma be watching.
-Holla. -Holla.
-[overlapping chatter] -Oh, I know exactly what I'm gonna wear.
Well, yeah, Santa Claus is coming tonight,
-and you gotta wonder, JBL-- -No, to hell with that.
I just saw a man get burned alive.
These WWE fans loved it, I'm sure that Teddy Long loved it.
That is wrong.
I don't care about entertainment.
I just watched a man collapse because he's burning alive.
I mean, we gotta take another look at what we experienced out here
just moments ago, an Inferno Match,
and The Big Red Machine, Kane, using all the strength
and his force to actually burn MVP, to catch MVP on fire.
Watch the flames, the 500-degree flames,
actually lapped at the back, and then catch on fire.
MVP's entire back engulfed in flames just moments ago.
[JBL] This is reprehensible.
There is no excuse for this whatsoever.
Look at this. The fire is all over him.
Our general manager, Teddy Long, should be arrested right now.
He should be tried in court and he should be convicted.
-[bell ringing] -[Michael] MVP, as he was--
he was-- he was flying around ringside here,
trying to put the fire out, not quite sure where he is,
and then he just collapsed.
He just collapsed in the entranceway before he was finally put out.
[JBL] And I know damn well, MVP's agent right now,
is trying to find out a way to file charges.
-And he should file charges. -I don't think he should be worried
about filing charges right now,
I think he should worry about the health…
-No, I think he should be, because… -…and well-being of his client.
there should be some culpability somewhere.
There is no possible deniability for what Teddy Long did.
You know, John, maybe down the road.
But right now, his agent should be concerned
about the well-being of MVP.
The man was burned here tonight, he's been helped out of the arena.
Who knows if he's even conscious?
Who knows what the degree of the burns are?
You don't give a damn, Teddy Long doesn't give a damn.
Maybe you're as culpable as he is.
[Michael] We gotta take another look to describe what we witnessed here.
I mean, can you imagine?
-500-degree flames… -[JBL] Don't give me that crap…
-[Michael] …all over your body. -[JBL] …trying to entertain our fans.
You're full of crap just as Teddy Long is.
-["New Rockers" playing] -This makes me sick.
Absolutely sick.
One of SmackDown's greatest rising stars, MVP, has just maybe, maybe done now.
[bell ringing]
[Chimel] The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and it is for the WWE Tag Team Championship.
In the ring, at a combined weight of 369 pounds,
they are the tag team champions,
Paul London and Brian Kendrick.
[Michael] They've been tag team champions since Judgment Day back in May.
London and Kendrick with one of their toughest tests today
against Dave Taylor and William Regal. This is gonna be a hard-fought matchup.
["Regality" playing]
[Chimel] And the challengers from England,
at a combined weight of 485 pounds,
Dave Taylor and William Regal.
[Michael] Well, this duo here already owns a non-title victory
over the tag champs, JBL.
You think London and Kendrick's tag title reign is gonna end tonight?
[JBL] Look, as sick as that Inferno Match made me,
I am a professional, I'm gonna get in this match
just like I'm supposed to do, yes.
My money right now rides with Regal and Taylor.
It is an ultimate contrast in styles,
my money lies with the tough guys, the guys from the UK.
[Michael] And a little bit later on, we're expecting to have an update
on the condition of Montel Vontavious Porter--
[JBL] Like you give a damn. Would you quit it?
[Michael] I do care about the man, he's a human being, John.
Nobody wants to see that happen to anybody.
["MacMilitant" playing]
And speaking of the general manager, here comes Theodore Long.
And what in the world is the GM doing out here now?
All right, playas.
Now, I'm still in a Christmas spirit.
Now, I know you heard me just announce
that later tonight, the Divas' Naughty or Nice Lingerie Contest,
that's what's gonna be happening.
-[crowd cheering] -But you know what?
I've got another present for you, and I'm going to give it to you right now.
[crowd cheering]
This WWE tag team title match
is now going to be a Ladder Match.
-[Michael] A Ladder Match? -[crowd cheering]
[Teddy] Now, get me some ladders out here,
-come on with the ladders. -[Michael] Oh, my, a Ladder Match.
[Teddy] Give me some ladders out here, playas.
[Michael] Now, this is what I'm taking about, entertaining the fans.
[JBL] Not enough we had an Inferno Match, now we got a Ladder Match?
That's what I'm talking about.
[Michael] It's about entertaining the fans--
[JBL] You're gonna be carrying people off like cordwood.
That's not entertainment.
[Michael] Look at the look on Regal's face.
-Come on with it. -[Michael] He was not expecting this.
So, the ladder is being brought to ringside,
-and this is a surprise. -All right.
[man] You suck!
Now, as everybody knows, the only way to win a Ladder Match
is to climb to the top of the ladder and retrieve the title.
Now, you know what,
I'm just, you know, I'm just a gift that just keeps on giving.
And guys, I don't want y'all to be out there all alone tonight,
because I have added two more teams to this match.
-[Michael] What? -[JBL] Oh, come on.
Now, gather out here, gather out here, playas.
[JBL] Come on.
-["Paparazzi" playing] -[Michael] Two more teams?
Wait the minute.
You got to be kidding me.
There's the red carpet, there's the paparazzi,
there's the three-time Tag Team Champions, MNM in the Ladder Match tonight.
[JBL] There's the three Divas, MNM.
[Chimel] Making their way to the ring, from Los Angeles, California,
at a combined weight of 440 pounds,
Mercury, Nitro and Melina, MNM.
[Michael] MNM is back, and remember, London and Kendrick
actually won the tag team titles from MNM back in Judgment Day.
[JBL] Look, I agree with the excitement, I agree with giving our fans a bonus,
but come on, what happens if MNM wins the Tag Team Championship?
Does it leave SmackDown?
Joey Mercury is competing with us.
Johnny Nitro competes with Raw, and who is this other team?
[Michael] Things have gotten mighty interesting here at Armageddon.
The general manager, Theodore Long, what a Christmas gift!
And we still have another team to join this Ladder Match for the tag team titles.
["Paparazzi" continues playing]
[crowd chatter]
[JBL] Come on, who is the fourth team?
[crowd chanting] Hardy. Hardy. Hardy
[JBL] I think the fans are making their voice known.
The tag titles hanging over the ring. It's a--
-["Loaded" playing] -[Michael] Oh, my!
[JBL] It's them. I will be damned, I love it.
[Michael] Oh, my.
[JBL] King of tables, ladders, and chairs,
these guys are phenomenal.
-[Michael] The Hardys. -[JBL] I love it.
[Chimel] And from Cameron, North Carolina,
at a combined weight of 455 pounds,
Matt and Jeff, the Hardys.
[JBL] These guys intentionally went under the ladder.
That's supposed to be bad luck going under a ladder,
I don't think they give a damn.
These two guys is as exciting as they are.
Look at the size of that ladder.
They are ready to compete.
They're so glad to be back together.
Regal and Taylor have got to be apoplectic at this point.
But I love it.
I love it.
We are about to see one hell of a bonus.
[Michael] You see, the tag team titles hanging high above the ring.
The first team to get up there and grab the tag team gold
will win the WWE tag team titles.
[JBL] You talk about a great run by London and Kendrick,
they cannot be happy right now, either.
They went for a 50-50 chance of winning against Regal and Taylor…
-[Michael] Hey. -[JBL] …to a 25% chance,
and I'm telling you, there's nobody better at a Ladder Match than the Hardys.
[Michael] If you wanna look at the glass half full,
I should say half empty. I wanna look at the glass half full.
For London and Kendrick, this is an opportunity
for this tag team to solidify themselves,
to make a name for themselves, to gain respect in sports entertainment,
if London and Kendrick can pull up a victory in this matchup.
[crowd chanting] Hardy! Hardy! Hardy!
[JBL] I think your fractions are pretty off there, Einstein.
-I understand what you're trying to say. -[bell rings]
[JBL] London and Kendrick have gone through so much,
-and through so many people-- -[Michael] And here we go.
[JBL] And here we go.
[Michael] The matchup is under way, tornado style.
Again, all the men in this matchup will be in the ring at the same time.
The first team to use a ladder,
to climb high and grab the tag team titles,
will win the championship.
Referees are surrounding the ring in this unique style matchup.
And what type of strategy, John, would you use
in this type of Ladder Match?
[JBL] It's simply attrition, that's all it is.
You pick your spots.
That's what you have to do.
[Michael] And look at this, London and Kendrick and the Hardys…
And the Hardys managed at least a little time going to work
on London and Kendrick, and here we go.
[JBL] And think about the clash we have right here,
you have the two best high flyers of the late 90's
against the two best high flyers of right now.
[Michael] London and Kendrick fired up.
The Hardys is five-time tag team champions.
London and Kendrick, the current tag team champs.
London in trouble, the unique style of Jeff Hardy.
And speaking of Jeff Hardy, JBL,
you've got to wonder the condition of Jeff Hardy here tonight.
Remember, this past Monday night on Raw,
Jeff Hardy was destroyed by Umaga.
Oh, my. And it's the Hardys double team.
Jeff Hardy destroyed by Umaga on Raw this past Monday night,
the match had to be stopped, Jeff Hardy could not continue.
How will that play into this matchup here tonight?
-[JBL] Look at this. -[Michael] Take another look,
that is vintage Hardys.
[JBL] I'll tell you how it's gonna play,
there's no doubt that Jeff Hardy is not 100%
but the chants-- listen to these fans.
People are so excited that The Hardys had gotten back together.
I'm excited.
The original high flyers are in a ladder match
once again on Armageddon.
That's why SmackDown is the premier brand,
the cornerstone of the World Wrestling Entertainment.
[Michael] Team Extreme, the Hardys had been in,
I believe, five ladder matches as a team in their career,
numerous ladder matches as singles competitors.
From what I understand, all the other teams
had never been in a ladder match with the exception of Johnny Nitro,
who is in just one, a few weeks ago against Jeff Hardy on Raw.
So, obviously, the experience go-- now look at this.
-The experience in the Hardys' corners -[JBL] Look at this.
[Michael] Regal and Taylor doing what they do best in the ring.
[JBL] Regal and Taylor are dismantling London and Kendrick.
They're doing what they do best right now.
[Michael] Meanwhile, MNM are bringing ladders to the ring.
[JBL] But I can guarantee you,
Regal and Taylor have never done anything remotely close to this.
Now, they're gonna have to do it quickly, because they're gonna have to try to win
the tag team titles here tonight and use a ladder to do it.
And look at the Hardys,
Jeff and Matt bringing ladders into the ring,
Regal and Taylor, trying to prevent them from doing so.
[JBL] One of these guys started fighting for money at age 15.
Regal and Taylor, the last thing they ever dreamed of doing
was having to fight for money on top of a ladder.
[Michael] I don't believe-- as you said, William Regal was using ladders and--
[JBL] That's what makes it exciting. They hate it, I love it.
It's the biggest contrast in styles I've ever seen.
[Michael] And Regal and Taylor desperately trying to keep ladders out of the ring.
You use those ladders as weapons, well-documented in ladder matches.
Matt Hardy, using the ladder as a weapon there
taking out Regal and Taylor.
MNM trying to get a hold of a ladder as well.
Again, the strategy is just climb a ladder and grab the titles. It's all it is.
[JBL] But that strategy is being at the right place at the right time.
It is simply taking advantage of opportunity,
that you have to create your own opportunity.
[Michael] Dave Taylor whipped into the corner.
Check out the Hardys.
-[JBL] Vintage Hardy. -[Michael] Poetry in Motion.
Jeff taking Dave Taylor out.
And look at MNM, the Snapshot.
MNM and the Hardys dominated in the early going.
Kendrick and London trying to get involved as well.
London and Kendrick, the current tag team champions.
Regal, double boot to the jaw.
Ladders in the ring. All the teams in the ring.
[JBL] Double superkick.
[Michael] Regal, down in the center of the ring.
There are ladders everywhere.
Matt Hardy dropping an elbow, and what a shock.
Jeff Hardy got a ladder on his hand in the corner.
Jeff and Matt, so at-home with ladders.
[JBL] Regal and Taylor are singled out by all these teams,
I think they understand,
get these ground and pound guys out of here.
It's the only chance we have of climbing a ladder.
[Michael] Brian Kendrick dropkick, knocking Nitro out of the ring.
London and Kendrick, and the Hardys left in the ring,
everybody outside.
And there's a ladder off the skull.
Enzuigiri by Paul London, right to the face by Jeff Hardy.
There is action everywhere.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Did you hear that?
-And look at the Hardys. -[JBL] Did you see it?
[Michael] The Hardy setting the ladders up inside of the ring.
[JBL] You could feel it.
It's like watching Daytona race curve number two.
-[Michael] Look at this, Jeff Hardy-- -[JBL] It's wreck after wreck.
[Michael] Hardy was trying to climb the ladder,
Paul London preventing Hardy from getting up near the tag team titles.
And now Paul London, one of the current tag team title holders,
looking up high, gonna climb the ladder,
trying to get his tag team gold.
[JBL] Ladder's in perfect position.
[Michael] Jeff Hardy from behind.
Brian Kendrick playing in defense.
[JBL] Here's his chance.
[Michael] And look at that, nobody home.
Paul London jumping off the ladder, Nitro hit air.
Almost like London had eyes in the back of his head, John.
And now, Joey Mercury using the ladder as a weapon,
trying to single handedly take out everybody in the ring.
Check this out.
Nobody home, Nitro catching no one.
[JBL] Caught the head through that ladder.
[Michael] Joey Mercury is gonna place the ladder in place
and try to make it to the tag team gold.
MNM trying to win the tag team titles for a fourth time.
Mercury climbing high.
Mercury near the top of the ladder.
Brian Kendrick trying to prevent him from winning.
Kendrick, London, the Hardys, all trying to knock--
[JBL] We got everybody climbing the ladder.
-[crowd cheering] -[Michael] Oh, my. Oh, my.
-[JBL] Oh, no, no, no. -[Michael] They're moving the ladder.
They're moving the ladder-- Joey Mercury…
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] …taking out his partner Nitro outside of the ring.
Matt Hardy up and over the top, takes out Taylor.
[JBL] We have bodies flying everywhere.
[Michael] And look at this, Paul London.
[crowd chatter]
[Michael] Watch this.
Teamwork for the moment for the Hardys, and London and Kendrick.
And Brian Kendrick thrown off the top of the ladder.
[JBL] Here we go. Here we go.
[Michael] Everyone playing defense, trying to prevent the other
from making it to the top of the ladder and taking the tag team titles down.
[JBL] The Hardys are in control.
[Michael] Matt Hardys setting that ladder up.
London and Kendrick doing what they can to keep Regal and Taylor out of the ring.
Brian Kendrick whipped into the ladder.
Now, this has been unreal.
London whipped into the ladder as well.
[JBL] The Hardys are getting a hold of this.
[Michael] Oh, look at this.
Poetry in Motion, Jeff Hardy sculled off the ladder,
as London moved out of the way, and Kendrick with a heel kick.
This truly looks like Armageddon out here.
[JBL] I think the-- look at this.
Look at his head. Look at his head.
I was thinking The Hardys are gonna win it,
I don't think they are.
[Michael] London and Kendrick on double team on Matt Hardy.
[JBL] London and Kendrick have found a way to hang on
to those championships for the better part of a year.
I'll take these young, excited kids.
[Michael] And watch Jeff Hardy hitting his head.
Now, remember, Jeff Hardy suffered a minor concussion
on Raw Monday night at the hands of Umaga.
Perhaps that did more damage there.
-Jeff Hardy maybe down and out. -[JBL] Number one, Michael,
I heard it wasn't minor, and number two,
there are no such thing as minor concussions.
[Michael] And look at Paul London, trying to climb to the top of the ladder.
Matt Hardy, and there's a clothesline.
But again, you question whether Jeff Hardy was 100%
coming to this match, it may not be now. As Brian Kendrick-- Brian Kendrick…
-[JBL] He's got away. -[Michael] …is gonna make it
-to the top of the ladder. -[JBL] He got it.
[Michael] And Matt Hardy from behind…
-[JBL] Oh, my. -[Michael] …pulling on Kendrick.
[JBL] Wow!
[crowd chatter]
[Michael] Matt Hardy, oh, man.
[JBL] I'm not sure we're gonna have anybody left.
[Michael] Watch Matt Hardy preventing Kendrick
from getting the tag team gold.
[JBL] His head snapped off the mat.
[Michael] Meanwhile, outside the ring,
MNM and Taylor, Regal, going at it as well.
[crowd chanting] Hardy! Hardy! Hardy!
-Hardy, and London, and Kendrick-- -[JBL] You know what's amazing?
Nitro just gave Regal a vertical suplex on the floor,
and it doesn't even stand out in this match, that's so violent.
[Michael] Oh, look at this,
Matt Hardy going for a suplex,
Paul London using the ladder there perhaps as a weapon.
But Paul London counters,
there's a dropkick right into the ladder.
Did you see how the ladder buckled when Matt Hardy hit it?
And Brian Kendrick, top rope. Oh, my!
-[JBL] Come on. -[Michael] Not this way.
And Kendrick into the stomach.
Matt Hardy's back snapping off the steel ladder.
[JBL] I'm not sure we're gonna have anybody capable of climbing up the ladder.
[Michael] Brian Kendrick sent into the post shoulder first.
Now, MNM back in the ring, and MNM taking advantage
after London and Kendrick and the Hardys beating the hell out of each other.
[JBL] You talk about making a name for yourself.
Four great tag teams giving everything they have,
wrestling like they're in somebody else's body tonight.
Whoever walks out of this
will walk out of this the true tag team champion,
and they will damn well deserve it.
-[Michael] A matchup that-- -[JBL] I absolutely love this.
[Michael] A matchup that started as London and Kendrick versus Taylor and Regal.
But by general manager Theodore Long's decree
has turned into a ladder match involving MNM and the Hardys as well.
And Mercury and Nitro wearing down the competitors in the ring.
What is Joey Mercury and Nitro doing here?
-[JBL] I think-- -[Michael] What are they doing?
[JBL] Setting those ladders up.
[Michael] Jeff Hardy in trouble.
-[JBL] Oh, come on. -[Michael] MNM putting Jeff Hardy
in the top rope.
[JBL] No.
No. They ain't--
-[Michael] Oh, no. -[JBL] Come on.
-[Michael] Jeff Hardy-- -[JBL] No, no, no, no, no.
[Michael] Matt Hardy trying to prevent his brother from going…
-[JBL] Stop it. -[Michael] …through the ladder.
Matt Hardy perhaps saving a matchup for his team right there,
Double Noggin Knocker.
-Jeff Hardy! -[JBL] Oh, my!
[Michael] Wow!
Like a somersault.
I believe Joey Mercury has been busted open everywhere.
[JBL] Oh, my goodness.
[Michael] Joey Mercury may have a broken nose.
Look at the blood pouring from the nose of Mercury.
Watch this.
Oh, my, like a somersault.
Like a teeter-totter.
-And watch the ladder! -[JBL] Wow.
[Michael] Right into jaw and the nose and the skull of MNM.
And now Matt Hardy and Brian Kendrick climbing the ladder
trying to get to the tag team gold.
Joey Mercury, his nose maybe shattered.
[JBL] His eyes were already closed.
[Michael] Brian Kendrick, I should say-- I think that was Paul London,
yes, it was, with that side suplex off the ladder.
-Take another look at how Joey Mercury… -[JBL] Look at this.
-[Michael] …was busted open. -[JBL] Look at his head. Watch his head.
[Michael] Wow!
That is a steel ladder.
We can hear fans at ringside mumbling,
"Oh, my God!"
As they saw what happened to Joey Mercury.
[JBL] Think what you have here, The Hardys, the originals,
London and Kendrick, the new ones.
You have Nitro and MNM, they-- one's who've won three tag team titles
in the first year, and you got the old guys,
Regal and Taylor, it doesn't get any better than this.
[Michael] Now, Regal and Taylor may not be high flyers.
They may not be able to climb those ladders
but I can guaran-damn-tee you that Regal and Taylor
will know how to use those ladders as weapons.
[JBL] I used to believe there wasn't a fight
that Regal and Taylor hadn't been in.
-I think I've seen one. -[Michael] Now, look at this.
Brian Kendrick placed on the ladder by Dave Taylor.
And Dave Taylor tossing Brian Kendrick
head first to the mat below.
Regal and Taylor are vicious.
And you see the viciousness here tonight.
And Paul London understands that, realizes he's in trouble.
-And-- oh. -[JBL] Oh, my God!
[Michael] Tossed face first.
And look at the way that ladder is wrapped around the arm
and the face of Paul London.
[JBL] You're talking about a championship match, Michael.
-[Michael] Another look. -[JBL] Look at this.
[Michael] London's head snapping back.
And Dave Taylor has got the ladder.
[JBL] If you like competition, you'll love this.
-[Michael] And look at this. -[JBL] This is SmackDown at its finest.
[Michael] And William Regal gonna climb the ladder.
William Regal looking to win tag team gold,
trying to get up on top of the ladder.
-[JBL] He's tentative. -[Michael] And Regal does not wanna do it,
-he's terrified. -[JBL] He's tentative.
I don't like heights either.
He hates heights.
[Michael] So Dave Taylor gonna try-- gonna try here.
Regal gonna steady the ladder.
Dave Taylor, about a fingertip away.
Brian Kendrick back into the ring
trying to save the tag team gold for his team.
And Kendrick sent out of the way.
And John, I can tell you this, we've been told that Joey Mercury
has been rushed to a nearby medical facility here in Richmond
after what happened to him moments ago here in this ladder match.
[crowd chanting] Hardy! Hardy! Hardy! Hardy!
[Michael] As Matt Hardy hammers away on Dave Taylor.
[JBL] Michael, this just what happens when you put gold on the line,
championships on the line with great competitors.
And these competitors have showed us already,
they don't get any better than this.
[Michael] It's all about the WWE tag team titles
with the chance to represent SmackDown
as the best tag team in the world.
And Jeff Hardy, just what we need, another ladder.
[JBL] As brutal as it is, this is competition, Michael,
unlike that damn Inferno match.
[Michael] And look at Matt Hardy, Twist of Fate connecting.
Jeff Hardy setting up the ladder outside the ring
and I don't understand this strategy here.
[JBL] He can't run from there.
[Michael] Jeff Hardy, what the hell is he doing?
-And look at that. Oh, my! -[JBL] Oh, my God!
[Michael] Nitro.
Now, keep in mind, ladies and gentlemen,
despite the fact Mercury has been taken to the hospital,
MNM can still win the tag team titles
-and Nitro continues offense like that… -[JBL] Nobody--
[Michael] …and could get to the tag team gold,
MNM will be tag team champions.
[JBL] I have no idea what the Hardy was gonna do,
but you can't discount The Hardys' strategies
in the ladder matches.
[Michael] Why don't you give it up for Johnny Nitro?
He's doing this without a partner,
desperately trying to win the tag team gold.
[JBL] This is what championships is about.
This is what it's all about.
[Michael] Johnny Nitro involved in a ladder match a few weeks ago on Raw,
a classic one with Jeff Hardy, but take another look.
The dropkick, and then Jeff Hardy hung up on the top rope.
And what is Nitro doing here? Oh, my!
[JBL] Trying to eliminate competition which he's doing a great job of.
[Michael] Ladder right to the ribs.
[JBL] I came into this not liking MNM.
I've-- what-- coming out of it, I love these guys.
[Michael] Johnny Nitro plays place the ladder--
[JBL] This right here is busting your ass to win a championship.
Now, get it, Nitro.
[Michael] Johnny Nitro has cleared the ring.
-[JBL] Do it alone, son. -[Michael] Johnny trying to get
-to the top of the ladder. -[JBL] Do it alone, son.
[Michael] Johnny Nitro trying to win the tag team titles.
Brian Kendrick trying to play defense.
And Kendrick bounced off the steel ladder head first.
[JBL] Get it, Nitro.
[Michael] Look at Paul London, and he takes Nitro out.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Bodies are strewn everywhere here at ringside.
And Brian Kendrick.
Brian Kendrick climbing the ladder.
That was Paul London's offense.
Watch Brian Kendrick, trying to get to the gold.
Matt Hardy in the other side,
trying to prevent Kendrick from getting to the tag team titles.
[JBL] After all of this, Michael, it may come down into this.
-[Michael] A hip toss. -[JBL] Get it, Matt! Get it, Matt!
[Michael] A hip toss from the top of the ladder
and Paul London trying to counter Matt Hardy.
Paul London trying to desperately--
[JBL] You wonder why SmackDown stole SummerSlam,
look right here.
This is our product at its very best.
[Michael] We also stole Survivor Series.
As Paul London is hammering away on Matt Hardy.
And look at Paul London.
Oh, my! Off the top of the ladder.
A back body drop off the top of the ladder.
Who the hell is gonna win this thing?
[JBL] Ten feet in the air.
[crowd cheering]
[JBL] Yes, he's gonna win it.
Look at this, ten feet in the air.
[Michael] Both men crashing to the mat.
And here is Jeff Hardy.
[JBL] Look, we get desensitized to violence here,
that would break a normal man in half.
-Here we go. -[Michael] Jeff Hardy trying to climb
to the top of the ladder.
Johnny Nitro almost a repeat of Raw a couple of weeks ago.
[JBL] Nitro trying to win it alone.
His partner rushed to the hospital. What a story.
[Michael] Jeff Hardy, top rope.
Sunset flip into a powerbomb.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Can you believe that?
[JBL] I love it.
I'm not sure we're gonna have a winner.
[Michael] Jeff Hardy, sacrificing his body,
so perhaps his brother Matt can grab the gold.
Did you feel? Did you see that impact?
[JBL] The head bouncing off the canvas, that, Michael, is what will knock you out.
[Michael] Matt Hardy is setting up two ladders.
Matt Hardy climbing the ladders, trying to get to the tag team gold
using both ladders for--
-[JBL] Oh, my. -[Michael] And splitting.
Matt Hardy, Regal, and Taylor.
And Matt Hardy managed to land where he could get back on the offensive.
[JBL] Regal and Taylor got one disadvantage,
they're afraid of heights.
-[Michael] Well, they better-- -[JBL] This is unbelievable.
-[Michael] They got to cure-- -[JBL] Two of the toughest guys
I've ever met in my life.
Regal and Taylor afraid of heights.
[Michael] Well, they better cure the phobia quickly.
And look at Regal, a knee right to the skull.
And again, Regal and Taylor,
have positioned themselves to win the gold.
[JBL] Maybe they can make it on two ladders.
Maybe they can hold hands going up, I don't know.
That was the same knee that knocked down London and Kendrick by Regal.
[Michael] And William Regal and Dave Taylor.
[JBL] Come on, guys, get up there.
[Michael] Both gonna attempt to scale the ladders.
Brian Kendrick knocks Taylor off the ladder,
trying to knock Regal off as well.
Kendrick trying to prevent Regal and Taylor
from stealing the tag team titles.
[JBL] Regal is completely out of his element here.
-[Michael] Brian Kendrick-- -[JBL] Look at that little guy go.
-Look at him go. -[Michael] Brian Kendrick,
we talked about how tough these two are.
[JBL] Go Kendrick! Go!
[Michael] Brian Kendrick was so close.
Brian Kendrick landed on his feet and then walked into a clothesline.
And Paul London knocks Taylor over the top rope.
William Regal left alone.
Regal trying to come high, he's a fingertip away.
Brian Kendrick.
-Oh, my. -[JBL] Oh, my.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] From the top rope,
Regal maybe out cold. Kendrick out as well.
[JBL] Yeah. But did you see how Kendrick landed?
Regal is out cold.
You got to be kidding me.
[Michael] Paul London now crawling.
[JBL] Fifteen years of professional wrestling,
I've never seen anything like this.
This is completely, utterly amazing.
[Michael] Paul London trying to climb the ladder.
Matt Hardy back in the ring.
Somehow on adrenaline alone,
Paul London trying to make it to the top of the ladder.
Can Matt Hardy cut him off with a pass?
[JBL] These teams have had the crap kicked out of each other
and they all wanna prove--
they wanna raise their fingers and say they're number one.
[Michael] Look at this.
[JBL] Willing to give everything they have.
[Michael] Paul London and Matt Hardy. Top of the ladder.
-[JBL] Come on, guys. -[Michael] Battling each other.
Paul London he's there.
Can he get the-- can he get the title down?
-[JBL] He got it! -[Michael] He got it!
[JBL] London and Kendrick retain the gold.
["New Rockers" playing]
[JBL] Amazing.
[Chimel] Here are your winners
and still tag team champions
Paul London and Brian Kendrick.
[JBL] All I've seen in my life, Michael,
I am proud to have sat here and called this match.
This was nothing short of phenomenal.
London and Kendrick, kudos to the kids.
They are-- they are it-- they're it.
They deserved those championships.
[Michael] WWE fans in ringside applauding in respect
for what these four teams put themselves through
in this matchup here tonight.
[JBL] But you can't-- to think it could be anybody.
The Hardys would have won it.
If Nitro would have won it by himself,
Regal, Taylor, anybody that won tonight deserves it, Michael,
but kudos to London and Kendrick.
What an awesome run they're having as tag team champions.
[Michael] Paul London and Brian Kendrick made a statement tonight.
London and Kendrick proved that they are indeed for real,
that they deserve to be respected
that they have arrived as a tag team.
[JBL] All of them proved they're for real.
I came in here hating MNM,
I left here tonight loving them.
[Michael] Let's show you what happened earlier tonight to Joey Mercury.
[JBL] Watch this in slow-mo, watch Joey's head.
[Michael] Mercury had to be rushed to a hospital
as blood spewed from his nose
and his face and this is what he looked like after that impact.
[JBL] Look at those eyes. Look at his eyes.
It's already shut.
[Michael] And Brian Kendrick saving his tag team title
as he grabbed Regal nearly a neckbreaker from the top of the ladder.
And then Paul London battling up Matt Hardy…
-[JBL] Fighting it off to the last man. -[Michael] …to obtain the tag team gold.
[crowd cheering]
-[bell ringing] -[JBL] Nitro almost did it alone.
[Michael] You saw the frustration on the face of Johnny Nitro.
But nonetheless, London and Kendrick remain
WWE Tag Team Champions.
-[JBL] What a match. -["New Rockers" playing]
[Michael] Armageddon has come to Richmond, Virginia,
and general manager Theodore Long indeed playing Santa Claus tonight
already an Inferno Match, a Ladder Match,
and he announced, of course, the Naughty or Nice Diva Lingerie Contest,
still to come tonight, a Last Ride match.
My, oh, my, it is unbelievable here tonight in Armageddon.
And as we mentioned, JBL, General Manager Long
-saying that we were going to have… -[JBL laughs]
…a Naughty or Nice Diva Lingerie Contest tonight.
[JBL] Holy cow.
[Michael] Here is the lovely Kristal.
How gorgeous does she look?
[JBL] Somebody call the fire marshal, she's smokin'.
["Reality" playing]
[bell ringing]
[Chimel] The following contest is scheduled for one fall,
making his way to the ring from Cleveland, Ohio,
weighing in at 231 pounds,
The Miz.
[Michael] Well, I've said before he's like Rocky Marciano
or the '72 Dolphins, he's undefeated.
The Miz you have to be beat.
[Michael] Well, I've said this, you had an Inferno Match.
You had this incredible Ladder Match.
And now you've got an unfettered jackass following, I love it.
Speak jackass, hee-haw.
[crowd chattering, booing]
This the true story
of when The Miz came to Armageddon.
[crowd booing]
Now, last week I took the Face Your Fear Challenge
and dominated.
And tonight,
The Boogeyman is going to face his worse fear,
me, The Miz
because I'm gonna do
what no other WWE superstar has ever done
to that worm-eating freak.
I wanna give him a reality check
-because I'm undefeated… -[JBL] This is one of the most annoying…
-…and nobody beats… -[JBL] …individuals to ever
-get inside the ring… -…The Miz.
-[JBL] …I've ever seen… -Hoorah!
-[JBL] …in the WWE or anywhere. -[crowd] You suck!
-Hoorah! -[crowd] You suck!
["The Horror" playing]
-[Boogeyman] I'm the Boogeyman… -[JBL laughs]
…and I'm coming to get you!
["The Horror" playing]
[sinister laughter]
[Michael] Look at the look on Miz' face.
[JBL] First time in my life I've ever been happy to see The Boogeyman,
it will be tonight and I hope he destroys Miz.
And I hope we never see this sleaze-stack looking red rooster,
-miss reality TV show… -[Chimel] And from the bottomless pit…
-[JBL] …over-eating idiot again. -[Chimel] …weighing in at 265 pounds,
The Boogeyman.
[Michael] You know, we saw this last Friday night
that Miz could eat monkey brains and pig tongue
but he doesn't like worms.
[JBL] If he can make you World Champion,
Jerry Blackwell would've had a hell of a run.
[Michael] Miz looking a bit concerned.
And how do you describe The Boogeyman?
He is one of the freakiest individuals that I've ever set eyes on.
[JBL] I fought The Boogeyman.
I know how freaky this guy is.
[Michael] I know you've been in the ring with him.
[sinister laughter]
[JBL] There's nothing to describe this guy. Watch this.
-[explosions] -[Michael] Whoa!
He goes through this really-- this weird pre-match ritual.
[JBL] But where does he get the worms?
Where does he get these worms?
[Michael] I don't know. Maybe he digs them up
or goes to a pet store, I have no idea.
[JBL] How do you get when you bring a bag full of worms?
Do you fly like this?
What are his parents Mrs. and Mrs. Man?
[Michael] And Miz-- look at-- this is what--
he wants nothing to do with The Boogeyman here.
Look at the look in the eyes of The Boogeyman.
[sinister laughter]
-[Michael] He's just a freak. -[JBL] You think?
[Michael] You've been in the ring with him, how do you battle this guy?
-[bell ringing] [JBL] You don't.
I was World Champion for almost a year
longer than anybody in the history of SmackDown television.
I couldn't find a way to battle this guy.
[crowd chatter]
[Michael] Weird gyrations in the ring by Boogeyman.
[JBL] Look at this. Look at that.
-[Michael] Oh, my -[JBL] That is sick.
[Michael] And then-- and then he sucks it right back in
and he smiles about it.
Miz has nothing to do with those worms.
Oh, what a clothesline.
And Miz would like to take a breather.
[crowd chatter]
[Michael] The Boogeyman, he's just odd.
[JBL] I think The Miz is gonna cry.
He was gonna cry.
-[Michael] Boogeyman, he's begging Miz-- -[JBL] You know when you leave the barber,
do you think Miz is happy with that haircut?
[Michael] I would assume.
Oh, my.
Well, Boogeyman trying to use that haircut to bring Miz in,
and he does all the way up over the top of the rope.
And Boogeyman dominating.
Unique ring gear by Miz as well.
Well, JBL on a serious note,
we could tell you that MVP has been taken
to a local burn unit here in Richmond.
We don't know to what extent his burns are,
but he has been transported to a local burn unit here
after that Inferno Match earlier on tonight
when he was burned at the hands of Kane.
[crowd exclaims]
[Michael] Miz sidestepping and sending Boogeyman
shoulder first into the steel post.
Miz may be able to win this thing.
-[JBL] What? -[Michael] That would be a huge upset.
[JBL] Miz being in a wrestling ring is a huge upset.
[Michael] Oh, and working on the left arm of The Boogeyman.
[JBL] It's upsetting me and that's huge.
[Michael] And here we go, hook of the leg
and a cover and a kickout.
[crowd chatter]
[JBL] I can say both would be a tad bit unorthodox.
-[Michael] Miz quickly into the cover… -[referee] One, two.
[Michael] …hook of the leg, shoulders down and a kickout.
And I'm being told as well, JBL,
that Joey Mercury has been taken to a local medical facility.
He has a broken nose and severe lacerations
around that left eye.
[JBL] Well, save it bad because the night is not over yet.
[Michael] No, it isn't.
We still got Last Ride match to come.
We've got two world champions in the ring
in the same team, in the same time for the first time ever.
[JBL] The name of this pay-per-view is Armageddon,
and it is damn sure living up to it.
[Michael] And Miz whipped across the ring by The Boogeyman.
[JBL] Need I remind you the Last Ride match I was in,
I'm the only other person besides Undertaker to be in one,
it shortened my career.
[Michael] Miz off the top rope caught by Boogeyman.
[JBL] Look at the strength.
-[Michael] Driven into the mat… -[referee] One, two, three.
[Michael] …and Boogeyman picks up the victory.
-[bell ringing] -[JBL] Rocky Marciano is now dead.
[Chimel] Here's your winner The Boogeyman.
-[Michael] Uh-oh. -[JBL] I think Miz is gonna like this.
[Michael] Uh-oh.
Oh, my! There they are!
Handful of worms.
[JBL] Miz, welcome to SmackDown.
[Michael] And Boogeyman stalking and going through with this weird ritual.
-[JBL] He's gonna worm him. -[Michael] And worms
-into the mouth of The Miz. -[JBL] Worms in Miz' mouth.
[laughs] Go back to reality television, you freak.
I love it.
[Michael] Boogeyman has emptied worms into the mouth of Miz.
[JBL] Miz ate The Boogeyman's custom worms.
[Michael] And he's eating some more, he's eating more.
[JBL] It's disgusting but I love it.
Now, go away Miz.
[Michael] This is just disgusting.
Look at him. He's eating the damn things.
I mean, they look like spaghetti, but they're actual earthworms.
Take another look at the victory here by Boogeyman.
-Driving -[JBL] The strength.
What strength and I don't feel sorry for Miz at all.
The guy doesn't belong in SmackDown,
WWE, reality television
and now he's getting worms.
This is your reality television.
Welcome to Armageddon, jackass.
Now, take your Mohawk and leave my company.
[Michael] Can you imagine?
-[JBL] I love it. I absolutely love it. -[Michael groans] Ugh.
[JBL] Now, if I can just get rid of you, Michael,
this company would be great.
Go away.
[sinister laughter]
[JBL] Bye-bye.
[Michael] He might-- he might vomit.
[JBL] He's your buddy. Now, give me a hoorah.
[upbeat music playing]
[Michael] Well, there's Jillian
sampling her lingerie as we get set
for the Naughty or Nice Divas Lingerie match tonight.
I cannot wait. Check out Layla.
-I can't wait. -[laughs]
Naughty or Nice Divas Lingerie match tonight.
Ho, ho, ho. I can't wait.
It's Christmas time, Michael.
I'm getting my wish.
Divas in lingerie.
Oh, I cannot believe that's gonna happen here tonight at Armageddon.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, coming up next,
the United States Championship on the line.
Chris Benoit going one-on-one
with the man who's joining us now here in Richmond, Virginia
none other than Chavo Guerrero.
Tonight,
I'm dedicating this match
to Vickie Guerrero.
Thank you, Chavo.
Thank you for being a real man.
I am a real man.
Not like…
Chris Benoit.
Chris, I had been through so much this year.
You abused me.
My neck has been killing for weeks.
Take a deep breath, Vickie. Take a deep breath.
Benoit,
not only are you going to lose
the United States Championship,
but tonight, you are going to get
what's coming to you.
[Michael] Well, the question is did Chris Benoit
intentionally hurt Vickie Guerrero?
You judge for yourself.
Survivor Series last month,
it was Chris Benoit versus Chavo for the United States Championship.
And I believe Chavo shoved Benoit into Vickie,
that Benoit did not do it on purpose.
[JBL] He shoved him around. Benoit could've stopped it.
Look at his left arm.
He took a shot at Vickie Guerrero on purpose.
I learned something about Chris Benoit I did not wanna learn.
[sobbing] I never thought that a family friend
like Chris Benoit would do this to me.
[Michael] Well, Chris Benoit said he had nothing to apologize for.
And just two nights ago, Chavo Guerrero defeated Funaki.
-Chris Benoit in ringside… -[bell ringing]
[Michael] …and he had enough.
The emotions had boiled over for Chris Benoit
and he was gonna take out that frustration on Chavo Guerrero.
[JBL] Which is where his frustrations should lie, but look at this.
Watch this.
Vickie Guerrero doing her best to try to stop this maniac Benoit
and look at him.
-He smiles at her. -[screaming]
[JBL] He intimidates her.
-Pathetic. -[Vickie continues screaming]
-["Chavito Ardiente" playing] -[woman] ♪ Ooh, Chavo! ♪
♪ Chavo e' todo un hombre ♪
♪ Woo! ♪
[gasps]
[woman] Ooh, Chavo!
[bell ringing]
[Chimel] The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and it is for the WWE United States Championship.
Introducing the challenger
being accompanied by his business manager, Vickie Guerrero,
from El Paso, Texas,
weighing in at 215 pounds,
Chavo Guerrero.
[Michael] Chavo trying to win the United States Championship tonight
but, you know, the injury to Vickie was nearly a month ago.
John, do you think she really still needs that soft collar around the neck?
[JBL] You're Dr. Andrews now, right?
[Michael] I just asked a question.
[JBL] It's a neck injury.
It's a neck injury to a woman that is not used to being in athletics.
She's a business manager.
It's pathetic what Benoit did and I do not doubt her motives whatsoever.
[Michael] So, she has no business being out there is what you're saying?
[JBL] She has business being in at ringside,
yes, she has her business that is his manager.
She is a business manager.
[Michael] When you climb on the apron into the ring,
you interject yourself into the matchup,
so whatever happens to you, happens to you.
[JBL] She has a future.
She has a future with Chavo Guerrero
just as she took someone else to championship gold.
She's taking Chavo there as well.
And what Benoit did is inexcusable.
["Whatever" playing]
[Chimel] And from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 234 pounds,
he is the United States Champion,
Chris Benoit.
[Michael] As I mentioned earlier,
the emotions are building for Chris Benoit.
The frustration is about to boil over.
For weeks now, Chris Benoit has demanded answers
from Chavo Guerrero and Vickie Guerrero and he hasn't got any.
[JBL] It's none of his business. That's the answer.
And he's not happy with that.
I don't understand why he has to get in the Guerrero business.
It is simply none of Chris Benoit's business, you've to understand that.
[Michael] Chavo Guerrero--
and look at this, typical Chavo Guerrero
-the cheap shot, ambushing… -[bell ringing]
[Michael] …Benoit from behind before the match started.
And now the United States Championship matchup is underway.
[JBL] What do you mean typical Chavo Guerrero.
Guerrero name means warrior.
That's what he is.
[Michael] And Chavo Guerrero ran into a chop by Chris Benoit
and the Rabid Wolverine, the current United States Champion.
There is a warrior for you.
[JBL] I agree. I've never taken away from Chris Benoit.
He's one of the greatest champions
that has ever stepped into that wrestling ring.
[Michael] Chavo off the snapmare.
Benoit quickly into the cover, floats into it,
and a kickout at two by Chavo Guerrero.
[JBL] I've never doubted his pedigree.
I've never doubted what he has done. I've never doubted his resume.
Anything about Chris Benoit,
except for the fact he took a shot at Vickie Guerrero
and that was wrong.
[Michael] I don't believe Chris Benoit took a shot, in your words,
at Vickie Guerrero.
I think he was a damn accident
and Chris Benoit doesn't have anything to apologize for,
as he delivers the elbow to the back of the neck.
Chris Benoit, former World Champion.
Chavo Guerrero, John, earned this title opportunity
tonight after defeating Benoit two weeks ago in a non-title matchup
despite the fact he used the tights.
[JBL] Quit making excuses.
Wanting to cry, sun in your eyes, your shoes are on tight, I don't care.
You win in there, you get championship.
That's all it's about.
[Michael] Chris Benoit quickly going for the Sharpshooter,
trying to flip Chavo Guerrero on his belly.
And remember, this is the position Chavo was in at Survivor Series,
but he kicked Benoit into Vickie.
And again, Chris Benoit launching Chavo up over the top rope
as Vickie wisely sidestepped Chavo.
[JBL] I'm not sure Benoit didn't throw Chavo at Vickie.
[Michael] John, will you stop?
[JBL] How great it is, Vickie being out here.
[Michael] Okay, Oliver Stone.
[JBL] With this Manster,
this guy Benoit,
who has a propensity for going after Vickie Guerrero.
[JBL] Yeah, Vickie deserves a Purple Heart for being out here, doesn't she?
-[JBL] She does, yes. -[Michael] And look at Chavo--
[JBL] I wouldn't say Purple Heart,
but I would say she deserves a little applause.
[Michael] Chris Benoit back into the ring and on the attack.
Vickie, the business manager of Chavo Guerrero.
-One… -[crowd chanting] Let's go, Benoit!
[Michael] And the "Let's go, Benoit!" chants
start from these SmackDown fans here in Richmond.
German suplex, arms are wrapped, hands clasped,
Chavo trying to make it to the rope. There's a second German suplex.
Benoit trying to put Chavo away early
and there's the third that's been released.
And you know what that means for Chris Benoit.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Trying to put Chavo away.
[JBL] Trying to hit a home run early.
[Michael] Benoit to the apron.
[JBL] Benoit swinging and, Cole, if he hits it, it's over.
[Michael] Benoit to the top rope. Chavo Guerrero back to his feet,
and knocking Benoit,
causing Benoit to lose his balance.
It's that veteran instinct of Chavo Guerrero.
[JBL] You know what it is,
it was the hotdogging instinct of Chris Benoit.
[Michael] Benoit was not hotdogging, John.
[JBL] He's trying to get these fans behind him
because he knows that they know what he did was wrong.
[Michael] Well, Chris Benoit just delivered six headbutts to Chavo Guerrero,
but Chavo right back on the attack.
[crowd chanting] Chavo sucks!
[Michael] Luckily, there isn't a soul here in Richmond
that believe what Benoit did was wrong.
Look at this, superplex from the top rope.
Chavo Guerrero, can he capitalize?
[JBL] And yes, there's a soul. I'm a soul.
One.
[Michael] Chris Benoit, Chavo Guerrero,
both rolling around in pain, center of the ring,
could be the turning point of this matchup.
[JBL] What a great momentum changer for Chavo Guerrero.
Benoit all over him like white on rice
and Chavo takes the opportunity,
he hit him with that huge top rope superplex.
[Michael] Chavo Guerrero, kick right to the side of the head of Chris Benoit.
Chavo with the blows to the back,
trying to win the United States Championship here tonight.
The Champion whipped into the corner with authority.
-[JBL] Smart. Smart. -[crowd booing]
That's a Guerrero right there.
[Michael] And Chavo, gonna utilize the ring as a weapon.
[JBL] Go after a guy's back.
-[referee counting] -[JBL] That German suplex,
that rolling of the hips that Benoit does
to try and force to drive a guy's head into the mat,
is being taken away systematically right now by Chavo.
[Michael] Chris Benoit is still wrapped around the steel post.
Look at that, a baseball slide to the small of the back.
And Vickie loves what she sees.
[JBL] Chavo Guerrero is fighting a perfect fight right now.
He weathered the storm that Chris-- that you knew was coming.
As emotional as Chris was, you knew it was coming.
And now Chavo Guerrero decidedly has the upper hand.
[Michael] Here's the cover, hook of the leg.
Title's on the line and a kickout at two.
Chavo Guerrero wearing Benoit now.
Now, when you kickout of a cover like that,
you utilize the back.
[JBL] Absolutely, you use everything in you.
You got to roll those hips to kick out.
You roll those hips to do a vertical suplex,
a snap suplex, a German suplex.
Everything Chavo Guerrero is doing right now makes sense.
[Michael] Oh, but here's the fight of The Wolverine.
Two chops, then a drop toe hold,
and right to the back, the small of the back goes Chavo.
[JBL] Look at this. Look at this, almost a camel clutch.
Gory Guerrero,
the grandfather of Chavo Guerrero, invented this.
This is a Guerrero trademark.
[Michael] Chavo wearing Benoit down.
Referee Nick Patrick making sure those hands and arms don't slip into a choke.
[JBL] You got to have Mando, Chavo Sr., Hector,
all smiling right now, watching their television sets.
This is a Guerrero at his finest.
[Michael] Wearing Benoit down,
perhaps moments away from winning the United States Championship
here tonight on Armageddon.
Chris Benoit desperately needs
to get back to the vertical base if he can.
And that's what Benoit is doing.
[JBL] Look at Chavo, lost the camel clutch, but he's hanging on.
-[Michael] Benoit back to his feet. -[JBL] Hang on for all you got.
Oh, and Chavo, here's the cover, hook of the leg.
What a champ-- And a kickout at two.
[JBL] That's what happened, Michael, when you're back's hurt.
Benoit's back is killing him right now.
Can't use the force of any type of suplex.
What a great game plan by Chavo.
[Michael] So, what you're saying is that when Benoit brought Chavo up…
[Chavo] Come on, Chris--
[Michael] …he didn't have the strength to keep him up there--
[JBL] Exactly, Michael, didn't have the strength to finish the move.
Chavo was able to counter on him.
How many times have you seen a move countered on Benoit?
-[Michael] Not many. -[JBL] Very few.
[Michael] As Chavo drives the knee to the back, in the spine.
[crowd chanting] Vickie sucks!
[Michael] And Benoit brought out to the apron
as Chavo continues to wear the United States Champion down.
[JBL] No space left between Chavo and Benoit right now.
Right now, this is a perfect fight for Chavo.
[Michael] Chavo working his game plan to a tee.
Benoit has been worn down.
Oh, look at this, Benoit goes for the Crossface.
-Great counter. -[JBL] He's in the middle of the ring.
-[Michael] He's got the left arm. -[JBL] He's in the middle of the ring.
[Michael] Chavo trying to make it to the ropes.
Chris Benoit desperately trying to lock it in.
And Chavo makes it to the rope,
forcing the referee to break the hold.
And Chavo right back on the attack again.
[JBL] Benoit didn't have the strength to finish up after almost catching Chavo.
[Michael] So, Benoit can't lock in the Crossface.
The chances of him holding the title tonight are slim.
[JBL] This has got very interesting, Michael.
I've never seen Benoit give up.
I've always seen Benoit have gas in the tank.
What he's gonna do with this tonight is gonna be interesting.
Chavo Guerrero is systematically picking Chris Benoit apart.
[Michael] That he is. Oh, and that injures the back as well.
[JBL] What a-- what a textbook suplex.
[Michael] Great throw by Chavo, quickly on the attack.
He is not allowing Chavo-- oh, and again.
-[JBL] Perfect. -[Michael] Chavo not allowing Benoit
any time to catch his breath and recoup at all.
[crowd booing]
[JBL] And the brave Vickie, staying out here watching.
[Michael] Chavo, cover, knee in the face, arms down, and Benoit rolls out at two.
I don't know how she's out here.
[JBL] You're right.
-[Michael] Benoit back to his feet… -[JBL] She's brave.
…but Chavo Guerrero placing Benoit on the top rope.
And what is Chavo gonna do here?
This is not good for Chris Benoit.
[JBL] Look at this.
[Michael] And imagine the torque, the stretch of feet,
putting the back right now.
Benoit hung up on the top rope.
That dropkick right to the chest.
What is this doing to Benoit's back?
[JBL] What is it doing to Benoit's psyche is more important.
Benoit's back's already hurt.
Benoit is getting systematically picked apart
and for the first time maybe in his career,
and he may start realizing this.
[Michael] Nobody home, Chavo into the steel post.
This could be the opening that Chris Benoit needs.
[JBL] But how much does Chris have left?
[Michael] Chris Benoit trying to have the strength and wherewithal
to get back into this matchup.
[crowd chanting] Benoit! Benoit! Benoit
[Michael] And the SmackDown fans chanting for Benoit.
Chavo right back to the small of the back again.
[crowd chatter]
[Michael] Oh, look out.
Look at this here.
Benoit back on his feet.
A chop to Chavo Guerrero.
Benoit trying to shift momentum.
Chavo kick to the midsection, and then, a rake to the eyes.
And just when Benoit was trying to get back into it,
a rake to the eyes.
[JBL] A Guerrero trademark.
Look at this.
[Michael] Benoit…
Chavo was going for the Three Amigos.
Chris Benoit going for German suplexes to Chavo Guerrero.
[JBL] Don't think he'll hit three.
-He got it. -[Michael] Here's the third one.
[JBL] He's not releasing.
[Michael] And Chris Benoit is not through yet.
-[JBL] You've got to be kidding me. -[crowd] Four!
[Michael] A fourth German suplex.
Benoit trying to-- trying to wear out Chavo Guerrero.
-[crowd] Five! -[Michael] A fifth German suplex.
[JBL] Benoit's got everything but an S on his chest.
Unbelievable.
[Michael] Number six,
Benoit wearing Chavo down
and where is Chris Benoit getting this from?
[JBL] Talk about a test of human endurance.
[Michael] A seventh German suplex, ladies and gentlemen.
-Vickie cannot believe what she's seeing. -[Vickie] Come on, Chavo!
[Michael] What a throw! Eight German suplexes for Chris Benoit
and a standing ovation from the SmackDown fans.
-[crowd cheering] -[Nick] One,
-two… -[JBL] These fans realized
that what they just saw was amazing.
A test of endurance,
a test of the Rabid Wolverine.
[Michael] And here's the cover by Benoit.
-Can he retain the championship? -[Nick] One, two.
[Michael] And Chavo got his leg on the bottom rope.
Wow.
[JBL] I've always said Benoit is one of, if not, the best.
I just don't appreciate what he's done with Vickie.
-[crowd cheering] -[Michael] Oh, look at this.
Chris Benoit gonna go for the Sharpshooter here.
Chavo's in trouble. Can he turn Chavo on his belly?
[JBL] This could be it. This could be it.
[Michael] Chris Benoit-- he has to turn Chavo to his belly.
And look at Vickie.
-Vickie's got the United States title. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Vickie grabbed the United States title.
Don't do it!
No! Don't do it.
Don't do it.
-Don't do it! -[Michael] Oh, my God.
Vickie with the championship.
-[JBL] No, don't hit her, Chris. -[Vickie screams]
-[Michael] And Chris Benoit -[JBL] Chris, don't hit her.
[Michael] Well, Benoit released the Sharpshooter.
[JBL] Get away from her, Benoit.
-[Michael] Look at this. -[JBL] Benoit, get away from her.
-Chris Benoit. -[JBL] Damn it.
-Damn it. -[Vickie screaming]
[Michael] He certainly may be applying for the Sharpshooter here.
[JBL] Nick Patrick, do your job and stop him.
-Come on, Nick, do something. -[Michael] Chris Benoit contemplating,
-contemplating what to do here. -[JBL] Don't do it, Chris.
Chris, don't do it.
[Michael] And Chavo Guerrero from behind,
rolling Benoit through, he's got the tights,
Chavo's got the tights, Benoit rolls through as well.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Look at this, trying to step Chavo up for the Sharpshooter.
Can he do it here?
Benoit, he's got Chavo on his belly. Sharpshooter applied.
-[JBL] Right in middle of the ring. -[Michael] Sharpshooter applied.
-Chavo taps out. -[bell ringing]
[Michael] Benoit retains the United States title.
["Whatever" playing]
[Chimel] Here is your winner
and still United States Champion,
Chris Benoit.
[Michael] Chavo Guerrero trying to take advantage of Benoit contemplating
whether to put Vickie in the Sharpshooter and it backfired.
[JBL] It's a hell of a matchup.
I take nothing away from Chris Benoit and his in-ring skills.
But look at Vickie Guerrero.
Look at the way he scared Vickie Guerrero again.
It's pathetic. He should be ashamed of himself.
[Michael] Vickie Guerrero is not-- inserted herself into this matchup.
She should've never brought the championship into the ring,
and quite frankly, if she received the Sharpshooter for it,
she would've deserved it.
[JBL] Deserved it?
-You got to be kidding me. -[Michael] She shouldn't enter herself
in the damn matchup.
[JBL] You've got to be kidding me that you just said that.
[Michael] She shouldn't have entered the matchup.
[JBL] Chauvinist pig.
[Michael] Chris Benoit victorious,
retaining the championship as we take another look.
[JBL] This proves my point right here.
It's untold, that Benoit abuses Vickie Guerrero.
[Michael] Benoit didn't do anything.
-He was contemplating what to do. -[JBL] He was going to…
-[Michael] You know don't that-- -[JBL] He was going to--
Oh, that's a load of crap and you're full of it.
He was going to do something to Vickie Guerrero.
[Michael] Hey. Maybe Chris Benoit--
-[bell ringing] -[JBL] Stop protecting Benoit.
[Michael] Maybe Benoit just outsmarted Chavo here tonight
-and retained his United States title. -[JBL] He's a champ, all right,
but he abuses Vickie Guerrero,
and I am appalled and ashamed of it.
[Michael] Ashley gonna be in the Diva Naughty or Nice Contest.
I can't wait.
Merry Christmas. Happy holidays.
What a damn show we've had already, Michael, but it's gonna get better.
We got a Last Ride.
And we got the Naughty or Nice,
and I hope they're Naughty Diva Competition.
[Michael] And right now, we got the Cruiserweight Championship
of the world on the line.
[JBL] Yes, we do.
["Fire Storm A" playing]
[bell ringing]
[Chimel] The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and it is for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship of the World.
Making his way to the ring from Raleigh, North Carolina,
weighing in at 250 pounds,
he's the longest-reigning champion in sports entertainment
and the Cruiserweight Champion of the World, Gregory Helms.
[Michael] And also the longest-reigning champion in SmackDown history,
eclipsing the mark you set a couple of years ago.
[JBL] Well, I don't like the fact that Gregory Helms has beaten my record.
If anybody's gonna beat it,
it's gonna be SmackDown's best-kept secret, Gregory Helms.
-The guy is a superstar. -["Gonna Punch Someone Tonight" playing]
[Michael] Yee-haw.
-[JBL] Oh, good God. -[Michael] Woo.
[Chimel] And the challenger, from Austell, Georgia,
weighing in at 200 pounds,
Jimmy Wang Yang.
[Michael] Our resident redneck here on SmackDown.
[JBL] What did you just say?
[Michael] He's our resident redneck.
Look at him. He's got the American flag on the back of his vest,
cowboy hat, jeans.
He's at home here in Richmond.
♪ Yes, I'm gonna have To punch someone tonight ♪
[JBL] That makes me sick.
[Michael] Come on, JBL. He's your boy.
[JBL] He's not my boy,
and I don't have any boys like that. You may.
[Michael] There we go.
-[JBL] Redneck country. -[Michael] Jimmy Wang Yang's
redneck country.
[JBL] Oh, my.
[Michael laughs]
Oh, Jimmy Wang Yang could be the next Cruiserweight Champion.
Then what are you gonna do?
[JBL] Retire, again.
[Michael laughs]
Only on SmackDown, ladies and gentlemen.
And there he is, longest-reigning Cruiserweight Champion
in the history of sports entertainment.
Gregory Helms puts the title on the line tonight
against the very-- all jokes aside,
a very formidable competitor
-in Jimmy Wang Yang. -[bell ringing]
[JBL] I didn't say Jimmy Yang wasn't fantastic.
I just said he makes me sick.
He comes out here with that stupid music, that stupid look, that stupid fake accent.
I cannot stand this guy. Nothing to do with his talent.
He's as talented as anybody we're gonna see tonight.
This is gonna be one of the most different matches we have on the card tonight.
[Michael] The man is a legitimate redneck.
Just because he doesn't look like one.
Hey, you're from Texas
and you went and made a home for yourself in New York City
and now you consider yourself a New Yorker.
Same thing with Jimmy Wang Yang.
[JBL] I live in New York.
-[Michael] Right. -[JBL] I pay taxes in New York.
I root for The Giants, the Yankees. I am a New Yorker.
[Michael] You used to be an Astros and a Cowboys fan.
Back up, right now.
[JBL] That was then.
[Michael] Gregory Helms, Cruiserweight Champion.
Challenger, Jimmy Wang Yang.
Helms won the championship back in January
at the Royal Rumble earlier this year almost one year ago.
Nice standing kicks by Gregory Helms.
Takedown, side headlock,
and there's Jimmy Wang Yang with a great counter.
And Jimmy Wang Yang into the side headlock
and both of these men in a stalemate early on.
-[crowd cheering] -[Michael] That is what SmackDown
and the Cruiserweight division's all about.
[JBL] That is talent-- look, it's talent.
Jimmy Wang Yang is as talented as we ever had
in the Cruiserweight division.
I don't take that away from him.
I don't like him. In fact I can't stand him.
[Michael] Well, just because Jimmy Wang Yang is of Asian descent…
he lives in Georgia.
I mean, you don't know anything about this guy, John.
[JBL] So if William Regal grew up in Luckenbach, Texas,
-that makes him a redneck? -[Michael] Yeah, why not?
If you wore a cowboy hat and acted that way, why wouldn't he be?
[Michael] It's got nothing to do with his ethnicity.
[Michael] Gregory Helms bounced off the turnbuckle.
Jimmy Wang Yang up over the top, lands on his feet.
He was going for that moonsault
that defeated Gregory Helms just two nights ago.
Remember, in the six-man tag match on SmackDown,
Yang actually pinned Gregory Helms.
So, it can be done.
Yang, get back in here.
-Gregory Helms-- -[JBL] I didn't say it couldn't be done.
It just hasn't been done when the lights are on bright and the gold's on the line.
[Michael] Gregory Helms drawing Jimmy Wang Yang into the ring
and quickly on the attack.
[JBL] Gregory Helms has had a phenomenal year.
[Michael] But he's a guy who's got a chip on his shoulder, John.
He's always-- he's always in a-- in a ticked off mood.
He's never happy.
He feels like he's always got something to prove, that nobody believes in him.
[JBL] That's what you call a competitor.
-There's nothing wrong with that. -[Michael] Oh.
Well, Jimmy Wang Yang, a competitor as well,
taking it to Gregory Helms.
Nice standing dropkick by Jimmy Wang Yang.
[JBL] Besides, you can't expect anybody, Michael, to be nice to you.
[Michael] Quickly into the cover. Look at this. Shoulders down,
title on the line, kickout at two.
There are a lot of people that are nice to me.
I received a very nice fan letter the other day.
-[JBL] A letter? -[Michael] Yeah. I received a letter.
He said that he was now a fan of mine and not of yours.
[JBL] Oh, boy, that hurts me.
[Michael] Jimmy Wang Yang working on that left arm
of the Cruiserweight Champion.
[JBL] Was he talking about the Cole Train and Vito?
[Michael] Well, he mentioned Vito a couple of times. And look at this.
Jimmy Wang Yang up over the top, trying to hang on, almost did.
Gregory Helms-- oh, take advantage, driving Yang into the barricade.
[JBL] I told you, this is gonna to be a different matchup
than we've seen all night.
[crowd chatter]
[Michael] I wanna thank everybody all over the world
who are tuning in to Armageddon live tonight.
The United Kingdom, Canada, Egypt, Morocco, in Sudan, Somalia even,
also Germany, Austria, Switzerland, all tuning in.
[JBL] We've already seen one Christmas present surprise
in the Ladder match and it was phenomenal.
We're gonna see another in a Lingerie match.
[Michael] And Gregory Helms quickly into the cover, hooks the leg,
trying to put Yang away, and a kickout at two.
Gregory Helms wearing Jimmy Wang Yang down. And don't--
[JBL] I wonder who has been naughty or nice?
[Michael] Out of the Divas? Oh, I'd love to find out.
Maybe I could be the elf.
-[JBL] You? You don't care. -Where's your redneck now, huh?
[Michael] Maybe I could be the ref.
[crowd cheering]
-[Michael] Oh. -[JBL] Disgusting.
[Michael] And Helms suddenly, John,
has taken complete control of this matchup.
[JBL] Helms just had a hell of a year.
He had that long rivalry.
The match after match with Matt Hardy
-that I believe raised him to a new level. -[Michael] Oh.
[JBL] And why would he have a chip on his shoulder?
The guy's held that championship longer than anybody
in the history of SmackDown, eclipsing my record.
And all the press, everything goes to King Booker,
goes to Batista, goes to Finlay.
This guy right here, Gregory Helms,
is the face of SmackDown.
SmackDown's best kept secret, thanks to people like you
who aren't willing to give kudos to guys who deserve it.
[Michael] And I give Gregory Helms credit.
I think he's been a tremendous champion.
I might not like his style in the ring that much
-and the way he rigs matches-- -[JBL] He's a competitor.
He's a type of guy that locked you in lockers in high school.
-[Korderas] Come on, get off the throat. -[JBL] That's why you don't like him.
[Michael] I didn't get locked in the lockers in high school.
-[Korderas] Stay out of those ropes. -[JBL] Great comeback.
[Michael] I got wedgies sometimes in the shower,
but I was never locked in the locker room.
[JBL] You're still wearing your drawers in the shower.
[Michael] Well, I was sort of forced in there,
anyway, by bullies.
And Gregory Helms continues to really take it to Jimmy Wang Yang.
-[JBL] We have had two people already… -[Michael] Oh, backbreaker.
[JBL] …carted off to the Richmond Hospital
and we still have a Last Ride.
[Michael] Here's the cover, shoulders down, kickout.
[JBL] We still have a Last Ride match coming up.
[Michael] Yeah. And you've got the two world champions,
WWE Champion John Cena, World Champion Batista,
on the same team tonight against…
-[JBL] First time ever. -[Michael] …King Booker and Finlay.
Big right hand by Gregory Helms.
-Jimmy Wang Yang, a big shot -[JBL] Wow.
[Michael] exploding through the Richmond Coliseum.
Nobody home.
Helms sent-- launching over the top rope.
And you could feel off that chop
that the momentum was beginning to shift a little bit.
And now, the challenger to the top rope
-[JBL] Here's where he's exciting. -[Michael] measuring the champion.
Crossbody taking Gregory Helms out.
And just like in the Ladder Match earlier,
that is what being champion means to these competitors.
Three.
[Yang] You don't like it?
[JBL] You wonder why SmackDown is a premiere brand?
Look at this. This card is as loaded as a Freebird on Saturday night.
[Michael] Jimmy Wang Yang tossing Gregory Helms back into the ring.
Here's the cover, hook of the leg, kickout at two.
[JBL] Or a Brisco.
[Michael] Jimmy Wang Yang hung up from the top rope by the champion.
And just when Yang begins to build momentum,
the champion is quickly back on top of the matchup.
-[counting] -[JBL] He's a yin and a Yang. Get it?
He's a yin and Yang.
[Michael] And Helms using the-- almost the complete five-count,
blatantly choking Yang…
[JBL] Or Yang and yin.
…in front of the referee, Jimmy Korderas.
[JBL] Or ying ying.
[Michael] Are you done?
[JBL] There's Yang yin, Yang Yang, Yang yong, yin Yang.
[Michael] You threw a Yong in there. That's not right.
-Jimmy Wang Yang. -[shouts indistinctly]
-[man] Jimmy Wang, you suck. -[JBL] Yim is in there, too.
[Michael] Right. But there is yin and Yang.
[JBL] Yong has no room there for spacing, all right?
Like you're the grammarian.
[crowd chanting] Boring!
[Michael] Jimmy Wang Yang with the elbows to the midsection,
whipped across the ring.
Gregory Helms went for a sleeper perhaps.
Jimmy Wang Yang with shoulders down, champion kicked out.
[JBL] What the hell is the matter with these fans?
They're chanting boring out here.
This is a hell of a matchup.
They're simply blood-thirsty. You're watching…
-[Michael] Oh. -…one of the greatest matchups.
Teddy Long has done this
by putting that stinking Inferno match in there tonight.
We have created what was created in Rome by Julius Caesar.
A bunch of blood-thirsty animals sitting in our stands.
[Michael] What did you eat this morning?
[JBL] I didn't eat a damn thing.
I'm hungry as hell.
I'm hungry like Helms,
like Yimmy Yang, yin Yang,
trying to win a championship.
[Michael] Jimmy Wang Yang,
the number one contender with the right hands.
Yang beat Jamie Noble to get this matchup here tonight on Armageddon,
as he drives Helms back into the ropes.
Here's the reversal,
and knocking the champion down.
The champion is in trouble.
Will the cruiserweight reign come to an end tonight for Helms?
[screams]
Back body drop, and Jimmy Wang Yang, the resident redneck,
is firing up, chaps and all.
[JBL chuckles] Oh.
[Michael] Whipped across the ring.
Jimmy Wang Yang, big heel kick to the jaw,
and Helms felt that.
[JBL] See if Yang can finish right now.
[Michael] Missile dropkick from the top rope,
floats to the cover, championship on the line, hook of the leg.
Will he get it here? No.
-Helms rolls out the shoulder at two. -[crowd booing]
[Michael] And Yang, I believe, thought he had Helms there.
[crowd chatter]
[JBL] Yang's a handsome son of a bitch, isn't he?
[Michael] Yup. And here we go. Jimmy Wang Yang--
and nobody home.
Shoulder to the steel post.
[JBL] He's your boy, all right.
Got his chaps at the Blue Oyster.
[Michael] Oh, you said earlier tonight he was your boy.
And Gregory Helms looking to take advantage.
[JBL] Look at the fringe on his chaps.
No respectable redneck has fringe on his chaps.
[Michael] So, you're saying you wear chaps?
-[crowd booing] -[JBL] I might,
-but not with fringe-- -[Michael] Oh, wait,
-a swinging neckbreaker. -[JBL] Oh, my God.
[Michael] A swinging neckbreaker from the top rope
by the Cruiserweight Champion.
We've gotta take another look.
One.
[Michael] Watch that.
[JBL] And these damn people are chanting boring.
One of the best matches we--
Cruiserweight matches we've had here at the WWE.
We have a bunch of blood-thirsty animals surrounding us.
I don't understand it.
[Michael] But the question is, can Gregory Helms--
[JBL] Got another question, tell these people to get off their asses.
You're watching two guys bust their ass to win a championship.
This is what you do in sports entertainment.
This is what you do in life to raise your finger
and say you're number one,
with the lights on bright and gold on the line,
and they don't respect that and it pisses me off.
[Michael] Well, they may respect this.
Gregory Helms going to the top rope.
Jimmy Wang Yang back to his feet as well.
Gregory Helms caught by a heel kick by Yang.
And Yang the challenger…
[JBL] Richmond, Virginia was the capital of confederacy.
[Michael] Rolls to the cover,
and Helms just kicked out.
Let's take another look at Jimmy Wang Yang
closing in perhaps on the Cruiserweight Championship.
[crowd cheering]
[JBL] Richmond, Virginia, the capital of confederacy,
no wonder the south lost the war.
South will rise again, my butt.
[Michael] It's Gregory Helms whipped into the corner
by Jimmy Wang Yang, who runs into an elbow by Helms.
And the champion,
desperately trying to retain his cruiserweight gold
here tonight at Armageddon.
[crowd chanting] Boring!
[Michael] Jimmy Wang Yang, top rope.
-He's gonna go for it. -[JBL] Here we go.
[Michael] He's going for that-- oh, that corkscrew moonsault.
Nobody home.
Helms rolled out of the way, looks to take advantage.
Gregory Helms into the cover, shoulders down.
-There's two, and he got him. -[bell ringing]
[Michael] Gregory Helms retaining the Cruiserweight Championship.
[Chimel] Here is your winner
and still Cruiserweight Champion of the World,
Gregory Helms.
[Michael] Helms had blood pouring from his mouth,
but he retained the Cruiserweight Championship nonetheless.
[JBL] And a hell of a matchup.
To hell with everybody else, I applaud it.
You're walking out a champion.
Gregory Helms, congratulations.
["Fire Storm A" playing]
[Michael] Armageddon is leaving bodies strewn everywhere.
[JBL] Now, maybe these people in Richmond, Virginia, will cheer
that there's some blood in the ring.
Just saw a hell of a match
and they're sitting on their damn hands.
[Michael] And then see Jimmy Wang Yang go for that corkscrew moonsault.
The champ's rolled out of the way of,
and then Helms looked to pick up the victory here
to retain the Cruiserweight Championship.
But the bottom line is, I don't agree with everything you're saying
-about these SmackDown fans. -[bell ringing]
-[JBL] I do. I do. -[Michael] That is not a fair assessment
-of this audience and you know that. -[JBL] No, it's a very good assessment.
Yes, it is. Jimmy Wang Yang, as much as I get on him,
he deserves better than that, so does Gregory Helms.
A hell of a lot better than that.
[shouts indistinctly]
[Michael] Gregory Helms retains the Cruiserweight Championship
here tonight at Armageddon.
But, ladies and gentlemen, coming up next,
it is The Undertaker versus Mr. Kennedy, Last Ride Match.
[JBL] A match that I'm the last person--
the only person to have ever been in with The Undertaker,
a match that shortened my career.
[Michael] Who will take their Last Ride tonight?
Does the brash Mr. Kennedy have The Undertaker's number?
[rock music playing]
Undertaker, I'm the guy that drew first blood at Survivor Series.
[Michael] What the hell is this? MVP with a steel chair
off the skull of The Undertaker.
And Undertaker's been busted open.
Kennedy steals one.
[JBL] Kennedy has defeated The Undertaker
in a First Blood match.
[dramatic music playing]
At Armageddon, we're going to have ourselves a Last Ride match.
Mr. Kennedy
one-on-one with The Undertaker.
[Michael] You have to beat your opponent so severely
that your opponent is basically knocked out
so you can drag him in the back of that hearse.
You can get in to drive that hearse out of the arena.
["The End" playing]
♪ You came to me ♪
♪ In a dream last night ♪
♪ You were standing ♪
♪ In a brilliant light ♪
♪ One minute here ♪
♪ But the next you were gone ♪
♪ The end is here ♪
♪ The game is over ♪
♪ No more pretending ♪
♪ No more ♪
♪ The end is here ♪
[Mr. Kennedy] The Undertaker,
you think you're gonna throw me off my game.
Think again.
I'll be fully focused on defeating you at Armageddon.
[Undertaker] This will be your Last Ride.
♪ The end is here ♪
[crowd cheering]
[singers harmonizing]
[Michael] We are back live at the Richmond Coliseum.
This is Armageddon,
as we prepare for only the second time in WWE history
for a Last Ride Match.
[JBL] I was in the first one, Michael.
And I'm telling you, I've never recovered.
It shortened my career significantly to be in a match this violent
with somebody like The Undertaker.
[Michael] And that is the vehicle,
a hearse,
which will carry one of these men on their Last Ride tonight.
[JBL] Ken Kennedy has defeated five world champions this year.
I've been talking to him all week long on the telephone,
trying to give him some help.
But I'm telling you, this is a step up to a new level
for Mr. Kennedy.
[singer singing in foreign language]
[bell ringing]
The following contest is the Last Ride match.
[crowd cheering]
Now, ladies and gentlemen,
the only way to win this match,
you must throw your opponent inside the hearse,
shut the door,
and drive him out of the arena
for his Last Ride.
♪ Kennedy ♪
["Turn Up the Trouble" playing]
[Michael] And one can only-- can only assume
what is going through the mind of this man,
the brash, the cocky Mr. Kennedy.
[JBL] I could assume. I've talked to him all week long.
I've talked to Mr. Kennedy about what he should do with The Undertaker.
I never figured The Undertaker out.
I was close.
Mr. Kennedy, as much as the odds are stacked against him,
Mr. Kennedy has a chance tonight to defeat The Undertaker.
[Michael] He owns the victory in a First Blood match in at No Mercy
over The Undertaker both times in very controversial fashion.
♪ Close to my fire ♪
♪ Trouble's my drug, Takes me higher and higher ♪
[JBL] There was a moment there, Michael,
I never could put a-- put a finger on it.
There's a moment there where I had a chance to defeat The Undertaker.
I couldn't do it.
Kennedy, I think, has a chance to find that moment.
He has defeated five world champions.
[crowd cheering]
Ladies and gentlemen,
let me remind you
that you are looking at the future of SmackDown.
[crowd cheering]
Hell, I am SmackDown.
[crowd member] You suck!
And tonight for the third time,
that's right, I said the third time,
I will beat The Deadman
because I am
Mr. Kennedy!
[crowd jeering]
[JBL] That's who he is, Michael.
Listen to this.
Watch and listen in awe.
[man] You suck!
You suck!
Kennedy.
[man] You suck!
[crowd jeering]
[Michael] Mr. Kennedy appears very confident,
but running through his mind as he stares at that hearse is,
will this be the night that he takes his Last Ride?
[man] You suck!
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Taker.
[JBL] That hearse gives me the willies.
Don't like it.
I've seen it before.
I've seen the inside of it.
It's a one-way ride in the hearse, Michael.
[crowd chanting] Rest in peace. Rest in peace.
[Michael] The "rest in peace" chants from the SmackDown fans.
The license plate says it all.
[Michael] One man will be placed in that hearse…
-[JBL] Here we go. -[Michael] …and driven away.
[JBL] Here we go.
[crowd cheering]
["Rest in Peace" playing]
[Chimel] And from Death Valley,
weighing in at 305 pounds,
The Undertaker.
[crowd cheering]
["Rest in Peace" continues playing]
[Michael] There is the legendary Phenom
who has dominated sports entertainment for 16 years.
[JBL] After the Inferno, after a Ladder match,
another title match for the Cruiserweight Championship,
we thought it couldn't be taken to another level.
Michael, we just reached the stratosphere.
[Michael] John, explain to me
what is going through Mr. Kennedy's mind right now
as he stares not only at the hearse,
but at the entrance of the legendary Undertaker.
[JBL] I've not only been there, Michael.
I've been in a Last Ride match.
I've been there against Undertaker more times than I cared to count
with more stitches in my head than I cared to count.
You think you are ready.
You're in the best shape of your life.
You have defeated five world champions like Kennedy has done.
But there's a moment right now of self-doubt
as that Phenom comes walking down the aisle
that is inexplicable until you stand there
and see him in person.
Look at that.
[Michael] Look at the look in the eyes of The Undertaker
as he stares back at the hearse…
-[JBL] That's a mind game. -[Michael] …which you have to believe
The Undertaker is extremely comfortable in.
[JBL] This is his game.
This is The Undertaker's yard.
But remind you of this,
Mr. Kennedy is the one that has the temerity,
the audacity to throw down a punk card at The Undertaker.
[Michael] That he did.
But will he pay for it tonight at Armageddon?
Mr. Kennedy appears to be ready,
but appearances can oftentimes be very deceiving.
[JBL] But imagine, Michael, for just a minute,
what it will do for this young man's career, Mr. Kennedy,
if he defeats The Undertaker for a third time tonight?
[Michael] What would-- what would it do for his career
if he was-- well, taken on his Last Ride?
[JBL] I told you what it did to mine.
I was in the same position,
the same amount of promise,
longer in the tooth than Kennedy,
but what it did for me was it shortened my career significantly.
I never recovered from the Last Ride match
I had with The Undertaker.
I hate to see a young superstar like Kennedy
have to face that guy right there…
-[Michael] The Undertaker entering the-- -[JBL] …The Phenom.
[Michael] Entering the ring is absolutely awe-inspiring.
He has not taken his eyes off his opponent, Kennedy,
since he entered this arena.
[JBL] Kennedy hadn't taken his eyes off Undertaker either.
[crowd cheering]
[JBL] We're about to see a hell of a fight.
["Rest in Peace" continues playing]
[Michael] Which one of these superstars is dead man walking?
[JBL] Damn it, Michael. I got chills.
It doesn't get any better than this.
[Michael] Again, ladies and gentlemen, no pinfalls, no submissions,
count-outs, disqualifications, none of that.
[JBL] No. You whoop somebody's ass and you stuff him in a hearse.
[Michael] And then you drive that hearse out of the Richmond Coliseum.
[JBL] Look at that.
[Michael] How frightening is that?
Psychological warfare, mind games,
it's all in the repertoire of The Undertaker.
That's what the entrance is all about.
That's what the stare is all about. He--
[JBL] But, Michael, it's not just mind games.
It is also he brings a level of physicality
that we've never seen before in the WWE.
[Michael] That is for sure. Dominating for 16 years.
Mr. Kennedy hesitant to get into the ring.
[JBL] Yeah. But every year, Michael, it gets better.
I've never seen anything like this ever in sports, in wrestling,
in sports entertainment, whatever you wanna call it.
-[bell rings] -[JBL] Theater, music, drama,
anybody who gets better every year like Undertaker does.
[Michael] And don't think the facts are lost on The Undertaker
that Mr. Kennedy owns two victories over him, albeit by controversial manner.
And Mr. Kennedy in this cat and mouse game,
trying to stay away from The Undertaker,
and he does and he ducks under the bottom rope.
[crowd cheering]
[JBL] Michael, don't think the facts get away from The Undertaker either
that this is his game.
This is The Undertaker's yard.
[Michael] So, John, let's talk strategy for a moment.
You've been in this match before.
First, if you're The Undertaker, what do you do in this matchup?
[JBL] You play to your strengths.
You play to your strengths. You strike, you beat people up.
[Michael] What if you're Mr. Kennedy?
[JBL] You weather the storm and you hope for a mistake.
[Michael] And Undertaker does not make many of those,
-as he tosses Mr. Kennedy on the corner! -[JBL] I didn't say he made many.
All it takes is one.
For a guy of Mr. Kennedy's ability,
all it takes is one mistake and he could actually win this match.
[Michael] Mr. Kennedy driven head first off the steel steps,
the physicality underway early.
And Mr. Kennedy, look out now,
Undertaker driving Mr. Kennedy off and on to the announce table!
[JBL] It didn't take long for all hell to break loose.
[Michael] And Undertaker with the right hand,
and Mr. Kennedy feeling the effects of The Phenom early on
in this Last Ride matchup.
[JBL] Look at him,
won't take his eyes off of him.
Undertaker's all over him.
[crowd chatter]
[Michael] Oh, and Kennedy bounced head first off the announce table again.
Undertaker using that announce table as a weapon.
[JBL] Undertaker will use anything as a weapon.
-Look at this. -[Michael] And look at this.
[Michael] Kennedy launched off the table into the apron.
That will break ribs.
Mr. Kennedy in a world of trouble early on.
[JBL] I talked with Kennedy all week on the telephone.
I told him you got to weather the storm.
You've got to try to find an opening.
That's what Kennedy right now has to do.
[Michael] Check out the brutality here of The Undertaker.
He said he'd be giving Mr. Kennedy the surprise all week long.
So, are you saying, JBL, that Kennedy's gonna win this match tonight?
[JBL] I'm-- no, I'm not saying Kennedy is going to win this match
but I'm saying Kennedy has a chance.
So many people are saying Kennedy does not have a chance.
Kennedy has a chance to win tonight.
[Michael] Undertaker using that hand to literally choke Mr. Kennedy,
all legal in the matchup.
Mr. Kennedy ducking out of the way, as Undertaker got caught on the top rope.
[JBL] I can't really tell you how, Michael.
I could tell you there will be a moment and this might be it.
[Michael] Yeah, this could be the moment.
And we-- the history of Mr. Kennedy well-documented.
When he sees an opening, he seizes it and that's what he's doing here.
[JBL] Look what he did. He weathered the storm.
Now he has an opportunity.
This is where Mr. Kennedy has to turn it on.
[Michael] Mr. Kennedy on the apron, measuring The Undertaker,
-caught in midair by The Phenom. -[JBL] Wow.
[Michael] That is absolute strength, power,
driving Kennedy spine first to the steel.
[JBL] You can't coach that.
You can't coach athletic ability and you can't coach strength.
[man] Whoo! Let's go, big guy!
[Michael] The intimidating presence of The Undertaker,
in control thus far.
Look at this, Mr. Kennedy in trouble,
as Undertaker carries Mr. Kennedy around the ring on his shoulder.
[JBL] They're going to the hearse.
[Michael] Oh, look at this, Undertaker bounced off the back
of the hearse by Mr. Kennedy.
Mr. Kennedy with a kick to the midsection and now Mr. Kennedy on the attack.
-[crowd chatter] -[groans]
[Michael] Mr. Kennedy using the hearse as a weapon as he's driving this--
The Undertaker into the back of that hearse.
And now the right hands.
[JBL] What I like about this, you know Undertaker's not gonna give an edge,
but Kennedy, every time he sees an opening,
he's all over The Undertaker.
[crowd chatter]
[Michael] Uh-oh, look at this.
Mr. Kennedy is gonna try to put The Undertaker
into the back of the hearse.
If he does this, he closes the door,
and then he's got to drive out of the arena.
Right hands by Mr. Kennedy trying to keep The Undertaker down,
The Phenom's in trouble, John.
[JBL] This is quick.
[Michael] Trying to close the door,
trying to close the back of that hearse, but Undertaker is not making it easy.
-Oh, and there's a boot to the skull. -[crowd cheering]
[JBL] It's not gonna be that easy
for either one of them, Michael.
[Michael] Undertaker stalking Mr. Kennedy.
-[crowd chatter] -[man] Whoo!
[JBL] We are gonna see a fight before somebody gets stuck in that hearse.
[Michael] Mr. Kennedy driven to the floor again.
This is a brawl.
There's Mr. Kennedy trying to-- maybe to escape through the--
-through the fans, the WWE fans. -[JBL] The fans.
Kennedy is trying to create some distance.
He's smart.
[Michael] Catch a breather perhaps,
as Undertaker continues the assault with the right hands.
[JBL] No rules, Michael.
Referee can't break it.
This goes outside,
this goes in the parking lot, it doesn't matter.
All that matters is stick a guy in the hearse and drive off with him.
To do that, Michael, you have got to own a man's soul to beat him up that bad.
[Michael] And I'll tell you, Undertaker in his career has owned
many a men's souls.
Kennedy on the apron, elbow driven to the-- to the skull.
-Undertaker-- did you see… -[JBL] Wow.
[Michael] …the kick to the temple?
And this is where Undertaker wants Mr. Kennedy,
exactly where he wants him.
Mr. Kennedy!
[JBL] This is where Kennedy doesn't wanna be.
When Undertaker gets on a roll,
there is simply none better in the history of this business.
He's the best finisher I've ever seen.
[Michael] Watch the leg drop, right into the throat of Mr. Kennedy.
-And Undertaker continues. -[JBL] Look at the height,
look at a guy that's seven-foot tall,
320-something pounds doing something like that to Mr. Kennedy.
[Michael] Undertaker tossing Mr. Kennedy back into the ring,
Mr. Kennedy desperately trying to escape here.
[JBL] Sixteen years The Undertaker has been here,
he has never ever been better than he is right now.
[Michael] Dominating, absolutely dominating for The Phenom.
Mr. Kennedy has got to do something to try to get back into this matchup
or he will be taking his last ride.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Taker!
[JBL] No, he doesn't, Michael. All he has to do is find that moment.
He has to wait and find that moment when Undertaker makes a mistake.
If he can find that, he has a chance,
if Undertaker makes a mistake.
-[Michael] Look at that. Oh, my… -[JBL] Wow!
[Michael] …superplex by The Undertaker!
Superplex by The Undertaker and he sits up, there's The Phenom,
and Mr. Kennedy having all kinds of problems getting back into this matchup.
[JBL] That is upside-down,
a seven-foot tall man standing on the top rope,
-all the way to that mat. -[indistinct shouting]
[Michael] Imagine the impact.
-And Kennedy sent over the top rope. -[JBL] I've been there--
I've been there with The Undertaker.
I don't have to imagine.
He knocks all the wind out of you,
takes you minutes to collect yourself.
You don't know where you are. You see a white light,
you look up in your room you've never seen before,
that's what Kennedy's going through right now.
[Michael] Oh, no, look at this. Mr. Kennedy on the shoulder
of The Undertaker, and Mr. Kennedy took-- what's he doing?
-[JBL] He's got him in the sleeper… -[Michael] Yup, perhaps the sleeper hold--
[JBL] He's got him in a rear naked choke.
He's got him. He's got it cinched deep.
[Michael] He really does. Undertaker's in trouble.
Mr. Kennedy has brought Undertaker to the floor.
[JBL] What a great counter.
I am impressed.
[Michael] A tremendous counter.
But Mr. Kennedy can get The Undertaker.
[JBL] He's got him cinched deep, Michael.
[Michael] And if The Undertaker fades here and he's knocked out,
Mr. Kennedy could just place him into the back of the hearse
and drive him out of the arena.
[JBL] This is impressive.
[Michael] Undertaker barely moving, nearly motionless.
-And is he out? -[JBL] I think he's got him.
-[Michael] Is The Undertaker out? -[JBL] He's got him.
[Michael] Can Mr. Kennedy take The Undertaker out?
I can't believe this.
Mr. Kennedy is dragging The Undertaker toward the hearse.
Oh, my, this would be a monumental upset here tonight.
Mr. Kennedy tossing The Undertaker in the back of the hearse.
[JBL] And this is the second time he's had him in there.
-[Michael] Shutting the door. -[JBL] He's done it.
[Michael] Now, Mr. Kennedy's got to drive the car out of the arena.
He's got to drive the hearse out of the arena now.
[JBL] He's done it.
-[Michael] He had-- -[JBL] Kennedy has done it.
[Michael] Not yet. He's got to drive the hearse out of the arena.
That is the stipulation of the matchup.
-Mr. Kennedy had-- -[JBL] Unbelievable.
[Michael] Could be moments away from a-- from a huge upset here at Armageddon.
But Undertaker-- in the front seat of the car.
[crowd cheering]
[JBL] What the hell you got to do?
[Michael] Undertaker coming to and taking the battle to Kennedy again.
[JBL] This is what I love,
vintage Undertaker and a young man like Mr. Kennedy
stepping up to a level that he hadn't been before.
This is how you create.
[Michael] Oh, look out!
Mr. Kennedy sent right in the steel steps here at ringside.
And The Undertaker is cleaning up the announce table.
Undertaker moving the monitors, what does The Phenom have in mind here?
What do you mean what does he have in mind?
He's trying to finish off Mr. Kennedy.
Mr. Kennedy with the steel chair to the ribs, and another with the rib.
And a steel chair again.
And Mr. Kennedy attacking The Undertaker.
Steel chair to the ribs and Mr. Kennedy has suddenly
turned the tables in this match.
Can you believe Mr. Kennedy?
Crashing the steel chair across the back of The Undertaker.
[crowd chatter]
[Michael] And the steel chair off the skull!
[JBL] Started to go for the back.
Kennedy had enough sense to hit him in the head.
[Michael] I cannot believe The Undertaker is somehow making it back to his feet.
And another steel chair to the skull.
[JBL] Wow!
[Michael] And Undertaker sat up again.
[JBL] It's The Phenom.
[Michael] Undertaker in pursuit, Mr. Kennedy has got to be wondering,
John, what he has to do to keep The Phenom down.
[JBL] I'm not sure the-- that Mr. Kennedy knows how to stop Undertaker.
I'm not sure he can.
You know what The Undertaker's been through in the past 16 years?
He has been through every performer that you had put in front of him,
and he's better than ever.
-[Michael] Oh, look at this. -[JBL] Where the hell are they going?
-[Michael] Undertaker and Mr. Kennedy. -[JBL] No, no, no, no, no.
[Michael] They're scaling that--
-they're scaling the structure here. -[JBL] Kennedy's trapped--
-Kennedy's trapped. -[Michael] Mr. Kennedy is-- he's trapped
-up on top of that structure. -[JBL] Get out of there.
Kennedy, get out of there.
[Michael] John, they're got to be some--
at least 15 feet, maybe 20 above the ground.
-Undertaker -[JBL] You gotta be--
-[Michael] taking it to Mr. Kennedy… -[JBL] No.
[Michael] …the right hands.
Mr. Kennedy, kick to the midsection.
These two men are battling high above the arena here.
That shot put it all in perspective, John, how high these two men are off the floor.
[crowd chatter]
[JBL] Kennedy's trying to throw Undertaker over.
[Michael] Undertaker with the right hand, Mr. Kennedy is teetering.
[JBL] You talked about a Last Ride match.
-No, no, no, don't do it! -[crowd cheering]
-[Michael] Oh, my God! -[JBL] Come on, Undertaker, no!
-[Michael] Oh, my God! -[JBL] Don't do it, for God sakes!
[Michael] Oh, my God, going for a-- for a Chokeslam,
-and Mr. Kennedy with a low blow! -[JBL] Get that hospital.
-[Michael] No, no! -[crowd exclaiming]
Oh, my God.
[crowd chanting] Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!
[JBL] The Undertaker-- oh, he's fell 15 feet.
[Michael] He didn't fall,
he was thrown 15 feet above that structure by Mr. Kennedy.
Undertaker is motionless
and I don't even know if Mr. Kennedy understands what he just did.
[JBL] His reaction-- I told you, Michael,
Kennedy was gonna find that one opportunity.
-[Michael] And you got to-- -[JBL] He just found it.
-[Michael] Take another look. -[crowd cheering]
-[crowd exclaiming] -[JBL] Damn.
-[body thuds] -[JBL] Listen to that.
[man] Get up, Taker!
[Michael] And you-- and you see Referee Charles Robinson just--
[JBL] When have you ever seen a referee try to stop a person
because The Undertaker is hurt too much?
-[Michael] I couldn't tell you. -[Charles] No. Come on, man, no!
[Michael] The Undertaker is motionless, John.
He has-- he has not moved since he was thrown off that structure.
And now Mr. Kennedy is gonna try to drag the body of The Undertaker to the hearse.
Remember the rules of the matchup,
Mr. Kennedy has got to put The Undertaker inside that hearse and you have to wonder…
[JBL] He's had him in there twice.
[Michael] But you've got to wonder if that--
if that fall from The Undertaker was indeed The Undertaker's Last Ride.
Mr. Kennedy throwing The Undertaker off that structure and now trying to drag,
drag The Phenom's body to the hearse.
[JBL] Look, as bad as this is for The Undertaker,
what a notch in Kennedy's belt if he is the one that not only beat The Undertaker,
he just finished off The Undertaker's career.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Taker!
[Michael] These WWE fans are trying to get The Undertaker back in the matchup, John.
But the question is, is how severely injured is The Undertaker?
The Phenom has not moved since he crashed into the floor.
[JBL] It's unbelievable.
[Michael] Mr. Kennedy is dragging a lifeless…
[JBL] I've never seen Undertaker thrown off anything.
I've never seen him take a fall like that.
I've never seen any human do that.
[Michael] I mean, and then he was just dragged and now he--
Mr. Kennedy has tossed The Undertaker in the back of the hearse.
Mr. Kennedy is gonna pull off perhaps the biggest upset
-in years here in the WWE. -[JBL] I will be damned.
-It's amazing. -[Michael] Mr. Kennedy--
[JBL] This is amazing. I never thought I would see this tonight.
[Michael] Mr. Kennedy is gonna drive this hearse out of the arena
and he's gonna win this damn thing.
[JBL] I told you there was gonna be a moment.
-[Michael] Well, that was the moment. -[car engine revving]
[JBL] But I really didn't think that Kennedy would beat Undertaker
at his own game.
-[Michael] Oh, my! -[crowd cheering]
-[Michael] Oh, my! -[JBL] God.
-[Michael] The Undertaker-- -[JBL] Mr. Kennedy--
[Michael] The Undertaker's got Kennedy!
The Undertaker sat up! He came to!
And The Deadman dragging Kennedy through the back of the hearse.
Can you believe it?
I cannot believe what we are witnessing here tonight.
[JBL] You better believe it.
[Michael] Undertaker with the right, left hands,
and it's like almost The Phenom has gotten a second wind here.
[JBL] A second wind.
[Michael] A new life for The Undertaker.
[JBL] Good Lord, Kennedy was so close.
Kennedy, just get out of there, just get away from him.
-[Michael] Oh, my God. -[JBL] Kennedy, Kennedy,
-just get away from him. -[Michael] Oh, my God! Steel chair!
[JBL] Kennedy, get away. Forget the match, Kennedy.
Get out of the damn arena.
[Michael] I think he's trying to, John.
And remember, we've said all along about Undertaker,
-do not make The Phenom angry. -[JBL] No, come on-- come on.
[Michael] A steel pipe-- a steel pipe shattering the back window of the hearse.
Can you imagine if that had connected with Mr. Kennedy?
[JBL] Undertaker went in to hell with it.
Undertaker's gonna connect with something.
This crazy son of a bitch is trying to destroy him.
[Michael] Crazy? Mr. Kennedy just tossed him 15 feet
to the concrete floor below.
-[crowd exclaiming] -You can't quite blame the man.
-A steel chair has… -[JBL] Look at it.
[Michael] …busted Mr. Kennedy open.
-The Undertaker… -[JBL] Oh, no. Come on, Kennedy.
[Michael] …right hands right on the open wound,
rights and lefts to Mr. Kennedy.
[JBL] Richmond Hospital, better get ready,
we're about to have one more if he doesn't go to morgue.
[Michael] Oh! They're gonna have to order--
they're gonna have to open a mass unit up after all that's--
all the casualties here tonight at Armageddon.
[JBL] Undertaker's not even trying to stick him in the hearse.
Undertaker's trying to destroy Mr. Kennedy.
[Michael] Watch this steel chair into the skull.
[JBL] Look at this.
[Michael] Mr. Kennedy, placed on the roof,
-on the roof for what? -[JBL] No, come on-- come on.
[Michael] You got to put him in the back of the hearse, not on the roof.
-[JBL] No, no. -[Michael] Oh, my.
-Oh, no. -[JBL] Kennedy, get away.
[Michael] Mr. Kennedy has no clue where he's at.
[JBL] Kennedy, get away.
[Michael] Undertaker stalking his man.
Undertaker measuring Mr. Kennedy.
Oh, my, here we go.
-Chokeslam onto the roof of the hearse! -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Mr. Kennedy is being destroyed by The Undertaker.
-[JBL] He-- -[crowd chanting] Loser!
-[Michael] Listen. -[crowd cheering]
[thuds]
[JBL] Oh, no.
[Michael] Undertaker delivering the rest in peace sign.
Oh, no, not this.
Not on the roof of the damn hearse.
Not on the roof of the hearse!
Tombstone Piledriver.
[crowd cheering]
[JBL] Sixteen years of watching The Undertaker,
I've never seen anything like this.
[crowd chanting] One more time! One more time!
He was dropped 15 feet, Michael, totally unconscious.
Now, he's trying to destroy Mr. Kennedy.
And he's gonna do it.
-[Michael] The back-- -[JBL] Look at that glass and that casket.
[Michael] The back of the hearse littered with broken glass.
[JBL] It's a rolling casket is what it is.
It's not a hearse.
[Michael] Mr. Kennedy tossed into the back of that rolling casket as you call it.
[JBL] SmackDown's fastest rising star has just taken his last ride.
-[Michael] Undertaker has got to drive… -[JBL] Oh, my God.
[Michael] …the hearse out of the arena.
Mr. Kennedy laid out with a Chokeslam on the roof
and then a Tombstone Piledriver.
[JBL] Mr. Kennedy is about to take his last ride
and that maniac right there is driving.
[Michael] Look at the look in The Undertaker's eyes.
-[JBL] He's crazy. -[Michael] Look at the look on his face.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Undertaker is leaving the Richmond Coliseum.
[JBL] Where is he going?
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Undertaker is driving Mr. Kennedy on his last ride.
-[JBL] Is he taking him to the cemetery? -[bell rings]
-["Rest In Peace" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Chimel] Here's your winner, The Undertaker!
[Michael] I cannot believe honestly what we have just witnessed here tonight,
ladies and gentlemen.
Armageddon living up to its name.
[JBL] I am so glad, Michael, that wasn't me.
[Michael] Let's take you through the match.
Earlier on, The Undertaker drops 15 feet to the concrete floor below.
Undertaker literally left for dead.
He was unconscious, he was motionless.
[JBL] He thought he had it won, Michael, and look at this.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] The Undertaker coming to life.
The Phenom rising again.
[JBL] We told you after all this show-- look at that.
After all of this show that we were about to go to a new level.
Michael, I feel like Notre Dame damage right now
because this is a level I didn't think we'd go to.
[Michael] JBL, we talked about this earlier,
you have been through a Last Ride match before,
but talk of the brutality of which we witnessed here tonight at Armageddon.
Michael, it shortened my career.
The stitches in my head like Kennedy's gonna have on him,
who knows how long it's gonna take him to recover.
Who knows how long-- who knows if it will?
Because, Michael, I never did.
That is what Mr. Kennedy faces right now.
I mean, not just the-- not just the physical ailments
but the mental instability now that Mr. Kennedy is gonna have to go through
after going through this type of match with The Undertaker.
You take a beating like that, you never recover.
Physically, whether you do or don't.
Psychologically, you'll never recover from a beating that Undertaker has done.
To look in those evil eyes, to see those eyes roll back in his head
as he's beating your ass, you don't recover from it.
But what about the psyche too that Mr. Kennedy thought he had his match won?
He tossed The Phenom 15 feet…
-Well-- -…to the concrete floor below
-and he couldn't finish the matchup. -The question is what do you have to do?
What do you have to do to beat The Undertaker?
That would've destroyed most men.
Like 99% of most men would've been destroyed.
And The Undertaker not only come back, The Undertaker decimated Mr. Kennedy.
That is why The Undertaker is The Phenom.
[crowd chatter]
What you want, man?
Take it easy.
I've just come here to reassure you of something, Book.
-What's that? -You know, we've had our ups and downs,
our fall outs, a little bit of mistrust here and there.
Yeah, yeah.
I've just come to reassure you that I'm not gonna double cross you tonight.
We're a team, right?
All right.
-You're not gonna double cross me, huh? -No.
Well, I'll tell you what.
I'm not gonna double cross you either. How about that? How about we go out here
and not double cross each other for once, all right?
-Yes. -How about we go out here
-and get this piece of business done? -Gentlemen,
now listen, you need each other tonight, all right?
You're tag team partners.
See?
And I'm sure that neither one of you will double cross the other.
[crowd chatter]
[Finlay] Book, listen to me.
-It's all good. -Yeah, it's all good.
I've got it.
Listen to this. [clears throat]
I've got the luck of the Irish with me.
And we also got that little fellow too.
And you, you've got--
all you've got
Sharmell.
All I got is Sharmell?
-All I got is Sharmell? -Oh, no, he didn't.
-All I got is Sharmell? -No, no, he-- look, I can hold on my own.
I can hold on my own.
Baby, baby, I got you.
-I got-- I got you. -[Christmas music playing]
[Michael] Oh, here we go.
Happy holidays, everybody.
[JBL] Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
Standing ovation for Santa.
[laughs] I've been a good boy all year.
-[Michael] You have been? -[JBL] I'm gonna buy the North Pole.
[Michael] Yeah. And you're gonna get a coal in your stocking as well.
[JBL] Reindeer for everybody.
-[Michael] I want some. -[JBL laughs]
When I buy the North Pole, I'm gonna lower reindeer meat
to about 75 cents a pound.
-[Michael laughs] Look at Santa. -[JBL] I'm gonna grill them.
I'm gonna fry them.
-[Michael] Will you stop? -[JBL] I'm gonna barbecue them.
-[Michael] Reindeer? -[JBL] Get some of J.R.'s BBQ sauce.
Oh, yeah.
I'm gonna cook me some reindeer.
-[laughs] Yes, I will. -[Michael] What about poor Rudolph?
[JBL] I'm gonna cook him too.
[Michael] Santa, having a good time tonight here at Armageddon.
Santa, where's my gift?
I always get left out on Christmas.
[JBL] I bet you'd like to sit on his lap.
Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas!
[crowd chatter]
Now, before I make my rounds on Christmas,
I decided that I'd take a little stop at Armageddon.
It's been awfully cold up there in the North Pole
but we're gonna heat things up tonight.
-[JBL] I think they're booing Santa. -Because I've been reading my list
-and I've been checking it twice. -[man] You suck!
So now it's time for the Diva
Naughty or Nice Lingerie Contest!
[Michael] Yeah.
-Let's bring out… -[JBL] Oh, look, you're excited.
-[Michael] I am. -…our first contestant, Kristal!
[Michael] Imagine getting Kristal in your stocking.
-["Feelin' Me" playing] -[JBL] Santa sucks.
-[Michael] What do you mean he sucks? -[JBL] He's the worst Santa I've ever saw.
That's naughty. The worst Santa I've ever seen.
[Michael] I'm sure you could do better.
Imagine having Kristal in your stocking?
[JBL laughs] Imagine giving her stockings.
♪ I can tell you're feelin' me ♪
[Michael] That would be nice.
♪ The way you looking at me ♪
[Michael] Wow.
[JBL] You would have no idea…
-[Santa Claus] Our next contestant. -[JBL] …on what to do with that.
-You better just get a toy truck. -[Michael] Well, what about that?
[Santa Claus] 2006 WWE Diva Search winner,
Layla! Ho, ho, ho, ho.
[Michael] Wow.
I love Christmas.
[JBL] That Santa has a phony accent.
-I just can't place it yet. -[Michael] What would you leave for Divas?
You leave Santa milk and cookies, what would you leave for Divas?
[Santa Claus] Our next contestant
-[JBL] Me? -[Santa Claus] Jillian. Ho, ho, ho, ho.
[Michael] You know, I was commenting earlier how so much better Jillian looks
since she left your employ.
[JBL] I gave her a good settlement package.
[Michael] I guess so.
[JBL] She spent it well.
[upbeat music playing]
[Santa Claus] And last but not least,
soon to be on the cover of Playboy,
Ashley!
[JBL] This could be the most inarticulate Santa
-I've ever seen in my life. -[Michael laughs] Oh, my.
I don't know which one I wanna see first here.
The hottest women on television, no doubt.
[Santa Claus] All right. Now, ladies,
-here's how this contest is going to work. -[JBL] Sexiest.
-Sexiest. -You'll each make-- when it's your turn…
-[JBL] Read your own porno material. -…you'll come up,
take off your robe,
and model your lingerie.
-Then the people of Richmond, Virginia… -[JBL] Shut up, Santa. Good Lord.
-You got women right there in robes. -…will help decide the winner.
-[JBL] Shut up! -[Michael laughs]
So, Kristal…
-[JBL] You fat moron. -You're first.
-[Michael] Oh, my. -[upbeat music playing]
[Michael] The sexiest women on TV.
[JBL] Quit saying, "Oh, my!" like you're interested.
-[Michael] Look at that. -[JBL] Oh, my God.
-[Michael] Imagine unwrapping that. -[JBL] Oh, oh, oh, oh.
♪ You and me are ♪
[Santa Claus] Very nice.
♪ Baby, you got me… ♪
[Michael] Do you realize this is the most time tonight in a row
-that you've been quiet? -[JBL] Shut up.
♪ I can't hold it no more ♪
[JBL] I'm heterosexual, I like it.
[Santa Claus] Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.
[JBL] So they don't have veto out here for you.
Okay. Layla, you're next.
[upbeat music playing]
[crowd cheering]
-[JBL] Wow. -[Santa Claus] Oh. Now, that is nice.
[JBL] She can move too.
-[Michael] Yeah, she can. -[JBL] I mean, move.
-I mean, she can move. -[Santa Claus] Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho!
[JBL] Oh, I like that move a lot.
♪ Binding, grinding ♪
♪ Ola, the timing ♪
[JBL] Oh, yeah.
♪ I can hold it no more ♪
[JBL] Forget the reindeer. I'm partying with the elves.
[upbeat music playing]
[JBL] That's some Charleston. That's the Charleston or two.
-Whoa. [laughs] -[JBL chuckles]
Merry Christmas.
[crowd member] Ho, ho, ho!
Jillian, if you please?
[upbeat music playing]
[Michael chuckles]
Hello, Mrs. Claus.
[JBL] Lillian makes so much money working for me
she's able to buy herself a pair of glasses.
[Michael] Well, her name's actually Jillian. Lillian's on Raw.
But nonetheless, she does look great.
[JBL] Like I remember women's name.
They're all hot to me. I pay all of them. Who cares?
♪ I can't hold it no more You got me ♪
-[JBL] I'll have to hire her back. -[chuckles]
[JBL] She wasn't any good taking notes, but look at her.
[Michael] Will you bring here to ringside with you?
-And last but not the least… -[JBL] I'll bring her everywhere.
…Ashley.
[JBL] Including in my divorce proceedings.
-[crowd cheering] -[upbeat music playing]
[JBL laughs] Here comes Miss Playboy.
Holy cow, I can't wait for this issue to come out.
[Michael] Wait 'til you see on the special issue of the…
-[JBL] Oh, my God. Look at the-- -[Michael] …WWE Magazine.
[JBL] All the hottest women in the world and our Ashley is on the cover of Playboy
♪ Binding, grinding Ola, the timing ♪
[Michael] Wow.
♪ I can't hold it ♪
[Michael] I like plaid.
♪ No more, you got me ♪
[crowd cheering]
-[Michael] Whoa. -[JBL] Just prior to WrestleMania,
she's gonna be on the cover of Playboy.
-[Michael] Oh, my. -Merry Christmas.
-[JBL] Now, she's on our cover. -[Michael] Woo.
[JBL] And if she's with me, she'd be under the covers.
[Michael] In your dreams.
[JBL] You like plaid well, if you like Scotsmen.
All right. Now, ladies, the time has come for the people…
-[JBL] Idiot. -…of Richmond to decide…
-[Michael] Santa sucks. -…who is the winner
of the Diva Naughty or Nice Lingerie contest.
-[Michael] I say they all win. -Will it be Kristal?
-[Michael] Yes. -[JBL] Yes. Hell yeah.
[crowd booing]
-[JBL] Yes. -That wasn't very nice.
What about Layla?
-[Michael] Yes. -[JBL] Absolutely.
[crowd cheering]
[man] Layla.
Will it be Jillian?
[JBL] Yes, sir. It's Jillian. It's Jillian.
[crowd cheering]
Or is it Ashley?
-[crowd cheering] -[JBL] No doubt about it.
It's Ashley. It's Ashley. No doubt about it.
[Michael] You just picked every one of them.
[JBL] Yes. I did.
-Wow. -[JBL] I don't discriminate
against sexy women.
So the people of Richmond has spoken
and I think they decided that the winner is…
-[crowd chatter] -[man] Layla!
-…everyone. [chuckles] -[JBL] Yeah. I was right.
-Merry Christmas. -[Michael] Merry Christmas.
Now, just since you girls have been so very nice tonight…
[JBL] Now, please get rid
-of that fat moron Santa. -…Santa has brought you a little present.
-Woo-hoo. -[crowd chatter]
[JBL] There's something about Santa. I just don't know what.
-Hit my music. -["Street Wise" playing]
-[JBL] What? -[Michael] What?
-Oh, no. -[JBL] Santa had music?
-[Michael] Oh, no. -[JBL] No.
[Michael] Oh, no. Oh, no.
[JBL] You gotta be kidding me.
-No. No. -[Michael] It can't be.
[JBL] I knew there was a reason why I hated him.
-[Michael] Oh, no. -[JBL] No. No. No.
-[Michael] It's Big Dick Johnson. -[JBL] No. Oh. That is sick.
[Michael] Oh, my God. [laughs]
Oh, my.
[JBL] Layla's a chubby chaser.
[Michael] Kristal wants nothing to do with Big Dick Johnson.
[JBL] What? Do-- You go dance with him, you fruit booty.
[Michael laughs]
Oh, come on.
The Divas are having fun.
Can you imagine him delivering your Christmas gifts?
Mr. Bradshaw, special delivery. [laughs]
[JBL] This is disgusting.
This has just ruined my Christmas.
[Michael] Look at him.
What a fool.
["Big Dick" playing]
-[Michael] Oh. -[JBL] He's got that thing flapping
-what-- right there in front. -[Michael chuckles]
-[JBL] Look at him. -[Michael] What? His belly?
[Michael] Oh, my Lord.
[JBL] Oh. Oh.
-[Michael] It truly is the-- -[JBL] It looks like--
it looks like RuPaul and Orson Welles have been crossed.
[Michael] Well, ladies and gentlemen, coming up next here
-at Armageddon… -[rock music playing]
…two champions in the ring at the same time, first time ever.
[JBL] The King and his former knight have their hands full.
Can they coexist?
But can the two champions with their inflated egos,
can they coexist?
[Michael] This rivalry really got into high gear
when Batista won the title at Survivor Series last month.
[rock music playing]
[Michael] What an emotional night it was, Sunday at Survivor Series
for the new World Heavyweight Champion.
And tonight, in his first title defense, the new champ, Batista,
defends against Finlay and King Booker, Triple Threat rules.
[Teddy] Now, I gave both of you the opportunity to win the world title.
-What happened? -He screwed it up.
[Teddy] You both failed.
[Michael] Batista retains the World Championship.
Now, you two wanna get your hands on Batista real bad?
You're damn skippy.
All right. Well, it's gonna happen and it's gonna happen at Armageddon.
-You will be teaming against Batista-- -No, no, no, no.
-No. Teaming up? -What?
-and a partner of his choosing. -It's another one of your boys, man.
It's another one of your boys, ain't it?
[Teddy] Did you find your partner for your tag team match
against King Booker and Finlay at Armageddon?
Yeah. My partner at Armageddon,
WWE Champion, John Cena.
[Michael chuckles]
[JBL] First time ever. Two world champions on the same team.
[Batista] It's never been seen. It's never been done before.
[John] Making history for the very first time.
[Booker T] Oh, yes. History will be made
when Finlay and I destroy the WWE Champion
as well as the World Heavyweight Champion.
[Finlay] World Heavyweight Champion, WWE Champion, in the same ring.
[Batista] Booker, Finlay, you don't stand a chance.
[Booker T] Finlay and I are going to give you a royal beat down.
[John] At Armageddon, you will find out
why Batista is the World Heavyweight Champion.
You will find out why John Cena is the WWE Champion.
At Armageddon, King Booker and Finlay, you want some, come get some.
["Dead White Guys" playing]
All Hail King Booker.
-[Michael] Look at that. -All Hail King Booker.
[JBL] That is the champion of champions right there, Michael.
-All Hail King Booker. -[JBL] That's still our King.
But the fact is can King Booker trust the Irishman, Finlay?
-[Michael] And you heard moments ago… -All Hail King Booker.
[Michael] …King Booker and Finlay said
we're not gonna double cross each other tonight.
We can trust each other in this matchup.
[JBL] You talked for months about how Batista never gave up the title.
I would argue the converse, Michael,
that The King lost his title by Batista cheating.
[Michael] He did what he had to do to win the championship.
[JBL] He cheated.
All Hail King Booker.
[Michael] Well, technically you might be right.
All Hail King Booker.
[Chimel] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring being accompanied by Queen Sharmell,
from Houston, Texas, weighing in at 256 pounds,
-King Booker. -[Michael] Sharmell is not asking.
She is demanding that this crowd Hail King Booker.
[JBL] She should.
The King won The Champion of Champions match.
With all this pomp, with all this circumstance,
underneath all of that, King Booker, Booker T is really that good.
[Michael] You know, actually, Booker really believes he's a king.
-He actually believes that he's royalty. -[Finlay] My name is Finlay
-and I love to fight. -[JBL] He's not.
["Love to Fight" playing]
He's got a crown on him. He won King of the Ring.
[Chimel] And his partner, from Belfast, Ireland,
weighing in at 233 pounds, Finlay.
[Michael] Let's recall the way that Finlay and King Booker have worked together
over the past couple of weeks, JBL,
and the damage that they have inflicted to Batista and John Cena
heading into this matchup tonight.
[JBL] It's the luck of the Irish.
Finlay loves to fight.
And in the past ten days,
they have put down Batista and have wounded Cena.
You're looking at two healthy individuals right there
against two world champions that may not be about to come out.
[Michael] Symbolic handshake by Finlay and King Booker.
[JBL] That pinky, that's class.
[Michael] Maybe broken if he's not careful here tonight.
[JBL] You talk big down here with headphones on.
[Michael] I'm not saying I'd do it. One of these men might.
-["The Time Is Now" playing] -[crowd cheering]
♪ Krrr, Amadou ♪
[Chimel] From West Newbury, Massachusetts,
weighing in at 248 pounds,
he is the WWE Champion,
John Cena.
[JBL] And how wag for these Richmond, Virginia fans.
This is not Raw. This is SmackDown.
Cena is not one of us. He's a great champion, yes, I know.
He's-- he got his first championship from me.
I know how good he is.
But damn it to hell, this is SmackDown. This is not Raw.
[Michael] So what? The WWE Champion John Cena
-was invited here tonight… -[JBL] But-- no.
-[Michael] …by our champion, Batista. -[JBL] No. No. Look.
Am I glad the match is here?
Yes, because we are the premier brand, we deliver, that's what we do.
-But he is not welcome on SmackDown. -[Michael] Maybe you don't welcome him,
-but a lot of us do. -[JBL] Maybe I don't--
[Michael] A lot of these SmackDown fans do.
[JBL] No, I don't. I just said I didn't.
-["I Walk Alone" playing] -[crowd cheering]
♪ Yeah ♪
[Michael] And there he is, the World Champion.
Representing SmackDown, The Animal.
[JBL] I questioned Batista the way he won the championship,
but the way he defended it in that Triple Threat match
with Finlay and with The King was nothing short of phenomenal.
♪ I walk for miles Inside this pit of danger ♪
♪ A place where no one follows me ♪
♪ I walk alone ♪
[explosions]
[crowd cheering]
[JBL] This has got to be my vote.
[Chimel] And his partner from Washington, D.C.,
weighing in at 290 pounds,
he is the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista.
[JBL] This has gotta be, Michael, one of the most high octane tag teams
we have ever had in the WWE.
Listen to these fans. They anticipate it, they know it,
they're about to see a moment in history.
[Michael] But again you gotta question, are Cena and Batista 100% tonight?
Cena, just two nights ago,
beatdown at the hands of Finlay and King Booker.
And look at the tape. The tape still on the left arm of Batista.
That is the triceps that was injured earlier this year
that forced Batista to relinquish the championship.
It was attacked by King Booker with a chair
and Finlay with the shillelagh just nine nights ago.
[JBL] Not only are they healthy, Michael, these two guys are both great champions.
They got ego the size of the world.
Can these two egomaniacs, Batista and Cena, coexist?
[Michael] I think they can. I think they'll coexist well.
[JBL] You're rooting for them. There's a big difference. You're biased.
That's why you think they can.
I am objective and I question it.
[Michael] Well, let's question whether Finlay and King Booker could get along.
[JBL] I do question that. I do question it.
They both double crossed each other.
They both have an inherent and innate distrust for the other one.
[Michael] General Manager Theodore Long made this match.
He told Batista,
"You need to find a partner to take on King Booker and Finlay."
Batista made a phone call. John Cena, the man that he picked.
[JBL] This damn thing has four combustible elements, Michael.
-This could blow the roof off the place. -[bell ringing]
[JBL] Look at it. They're not waiting.
[Michael] Not waiting at all. Batista, toe-to-toe with Finlay.
Cena, toe-to-toe with King Booker.
Remember, back at The Champion of Champions matchup at Cyber Sunday, JBL,
King Booker actually pinned John Cena.
Again, a controversial fashion.
[JBL] You can call it controversial. You can also call it effective.
[Michael] And King Booker in the face of a long-time rivalry, Batista.
[crowd chatter]
[Michael] It'll be interesting to see who starts this matchup for either team.
[JBL] King Booker walked into that Champion of Champions match
on somebody else's show, somebody else's pay-per-view
and brought back The Champion of Champions title.
[Michael] So current WWE Champion, John Cena,
former World Champion, King Booker,
are gonna start things off in this matchup.
[JBL] Look at The King.
[Michael] Listen to the SmackDown fans chanting for Cena.
Collar-and-elbow tie up.
And King Booker backed into the corner and a switch by King Booker.
History made tonight, JBL.
First time ever two world champions have teamed together.
King Booker, missed right hand.
Nice arm drag takedown into the armbar by John Cena.
What do you expect out of this matchup first for the Cena, Batista team?
[JBL] I expect Cena and Batista will try to do what they do best.
Look, Cena-- Cena's has proven himself to be a phenomenal champion.
The match he had with Edge at SummerSlam was one of the best I've ever seen.
But he uses power as does Batista.
[Michael] And look at this.
Nice arm drag takedown again, into the armbar by John Cena.
[JBL] They have to stay with their strengths,
they being Cena and Batista.
King Booker and Finlay need to do what they do best
and that is find a way to win.
[Michael] And a tag made to Batista.
And Batista in the ring against the man he took the World Championship from
-back at Survivor Series… -[JBL] And listen to this--
-[Michael] …King Booker. -[JBL] Emotion and tension
is palpable in Richmond, Virginia.
[crowd chatter]
-[Michael] Batista-- -[JBL] But not yet.
[Michael] But King Booker tagged out and brought in Finlay.
[JBL] Mind games.
[crowd chanting]
[Michael] Finlay and Batista, a long history as well.
Finlay has used that shillelagh on Batista on a number of occasions
including just a couple of weeks ago on that triceps muscle.
Finlay, the rough tough Irishman.
And Batista, using that left arm early on in this matchup.
[JBL] I wondered if Batista had the heart and the intensity to come back,
and Batista has actually ameliorated his game since his return.
[Michael] Finlay whipped into the corner.
Big knee by Finlay to Batista.
The fighting Irishman caught in midair.
And that's the power game that Batista uses.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And, ooh, what a slap by Batista.
-[JBL] I like it. -[Michael] I did too.
Psychological warfare by Batista.
Ticking Finlay off. Take him out of his game.
And that was unique.
Now, look at this, Finlay bounced into the top rope…
-[JBL] Oh. -[Michael] …and back to knees.
The spine cracking on the knees of the World Champion.
Batista, with fire in his eyes tonight, does he?
[JBL] Ever since he got that championship back,
Batista has gotten better and better.
[Michael] Uh-oh, Finlay in trouble.
Slammed to the mat. Quickly into the cover,
hook of the leg, shoulders down, King Booker breaks up the three-count.
[referee] You can get out unless you make a tag.
[Michael] Batista glaring at King Booker, but back to work on Finlay.
[JBL] What do you mean breaks up the three-count?
You have no idea if that's gonna be a three-count or not.
[Michael] Watch the strength of Batista here.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And I believe Finlay made the tag… and he did.
And here comes the former World Champion, King Booker.
[JBL] You believe correct.
[crowd chanting] Batista. Batista. Batista.
[Michael] The Batista chants from the SmackDown fans
here on Armageddon.
Such a long story and history with these two men really began
at SummerSlam earlier this year.
Been ticking for months until Survivor Series.
And then even after that as King Booker brings it to Batista
with the chops to the chest and the right hands.
Two. That's a right hand, Booker.
[Michael] Booker is sly as they come.
Whipped across the ring.
A counter by Batista into the clothesline.
Cover, hook of the leg, here's two, and a kick out by King Booker.
[JBL] King Booker never really getting that rematch that he deserves
that was contractually obligated to get from Batista.
[Michael] Well, he got a Triple Threat match.
And John Cena, kick to the mid-section, WWE Champion into the ring.
John Cena with that pound and ground attack.
But that's typical Booker, thumb to the eye to gain the upper hand.
[JBL] You do what you have to do, Michael. It's that simple.
[Michael] And Booker with a kick to the jaw.
Quickly crawls towards Cena, rolls him to the cover, hooks the leg.
There's two and Cena kicks out at two and a half.
Queen Sharmell with that almost defiant look on her face.
[JBL] What The King and Finlay have to do is isolate one of these champions.
[crowd chatter]
[Michael] Hold on. Reversal. King Booker whipped into the corner.
John Cena, Bulldog.
John Cena back to his feet. The WWE Champion starting to fire up.
King Booker placed center of the ring.
[crowd cheering]
[JBL] Cena's got his intensity.
This is what Selena-- Cena does best.
[Michael] Five Knuckle Shuffle connecting.
And King Booker in a world of trouble.
See how Cena makes sure Finlay doesn't enter the ring
as he keeps his eyes as well on the man on the ring now.
[both] Going for the FU.
-[JBL] He's going for the FU. -[Michael] Cena going for the FU,
what he used to beat Finlay on Friday night on SmackDown.
-Nice drop toehold. Going to STFU. -[JBL] Oh, no. No, no, no.
-Come on, Finlay. -[Michael] The STFU
and Finlay breaks up the STFU, the submission maneuver.
And Batista has had enough. Taking it to Finlay. Shoulders to the gut.
[JBL] I told you there's four combustible elements.
All hell is bound to break loose, Michael.
[Michael] Oh, look at-- look at this.
Queen Sharmell just gave King Booker the scepter.
And the scepter right to the throat.
Referee Nick Patrick trying to get Batista out of the ring.
Had his back turned rightfully so.
But King Booker used the scepter to the throat of Cena.
[JBL] That is what Booker and Finlay have to do.
They've got to find a way to isolate one of these guys,
get them down, and beat them up.
[Michael] And King Booker measuring John Cena.
John Cena back to his feet, kick to the jaw.
Here's the cover, shoulders down, hooks the leg again,
somehow, the resilient champion kicks out.
Watch this.
Directly in the throat.
Finlay in.
And you talked about this just a few moments ago, JBL,
how Finlay and King Booker need to isolate one member of the other team.
They may be doing that to Cena right here.
[JBL] And look at this, not letting him breath.
That's what Finlay is doing to Cena right now.
You gotta stay on him.
You gotta get on him and you can't let him up.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Cena.
[Michael] SmackDown fans trying to get Cena back into this matchup.
[crowd] Let's go, Cena.
[Michael] John Cena back to a vertical base.
[crowd] Let's go, Cena.
[Michael] Trying to create separation and he does.
Cena off the rope, runs into a clothesline by Finlay.
And look at this. Roll him over. He may have him with a small package.
Shoulders down, kick out. I though Cena stole one there.
-And there's a cheap shot by Finlay. -[JBL] Not effective.
[Michael] That'll keep Batista off the ankle.
Wait a minute. Hey.
It's that Little Bastard. That Little Bastard.
[JBL] He's not a little bastard. He's a leprechaun.
[Michael] In the ring. Oh-- I think-- I think he's--
[JBL] He just kicked himself in the head.
[Michael] Look at the leprechaun faint.
He kicked himself in the face. Maybe he was drinking.
[JBL] We don't know what he does under that ring.
He just kicked himself in the head.
[Michael] Well, he was trying to kick Cena I think and--
[JBL] Well, he missed. He kicked himself in the head.
-[Michael] Take another look. -[JBL] Look at this.
[Michael] Watch the Little Bastard.
Oh, right in the head. He kicked himself.
Well, we do know he keeps beer under there.
-He tossed you one one night. -[JBL] I've never--
[man] Come on.
[JBL] That's what leprechauns do all the time.
-They kick themselves in the head. -[Michael] How do you know?
Now you're an expert on leprechauns.
You're an expert on everything else in the world.
I guess you might as well be an expert on leprechauns.
[JBL] Well, there's a whole gaggle of them under the ring.
Just go in there and talk to them sometimes.
They drink beer. They got a little litter box under there.
They copulate. They-- there's a whole-- a whole bunch of them, a whole troupe.
[Michael] How do you know?
-[crowd chanting] Let's go, Cena. -[JBL] I befriend them.
[Michael] John Cena, vertical base,
trying to get out of this major predicament.
The strength and power of the WWE Champion.
And there's a knee to the midsection by the resilient Booker
who will do anything it takes to win.
[JBL] That's called a champion.
That's called a competitor.
[Michael] John Cena planting King Booker with a DDT.
And this maybe the opening that John Cena needs.
Queen Sharmell begging for King Booker to get to the corner.
And Batista, literally acting like an animal, pacing.
-He wants to get into the matchup. -[crowd chatter]
[JBL] King Booker's got to find a way to come off the ring.
The last thing you want to do is let your opponent get
between you and the tag guy he's wanting to tag.
[Michael] John Cena trying to make it into the corner.
He's trying to make it to Batista.
Cena is crawling.
John Cena leaps, makes the tag and here comes The Animal.
Clothesline by Batista.
Right hands to Finlay.
The World Champion with a running powerslam.
A Spear to King Booker.
Spear to Finlay.
[crowd cheering]
[JBL] The King and Book-- and Finlay are in trouble.
[Michael] King Booker fired up with a clothesline.
And Batista tossing Finlay into The King.
[JBL] When Batista gets on a roll like this,
he's a good finisher.
You've gotta find a way to stop him. We may just have.
[Michael] Finlay right to the jaw. King Booker, he just kicked Finlay.
-[JBL] It was a double cross. -[Michael] Batista ducked out of the way.
A spinning side slam slamming King Booker shoulder first.
[JBL] Reminiscent of a King-- of a Boss Man.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And Finlay runs right into Batista off the clothesline.
Here comes John Cena taking it to Finlay.
[JBL] Didn't take long. All hell broke loose.
[Michael] Belly-to-belly.
Cena in pursuit of Finlay.
And there's a clothesline by Finlay to Cena.
[JBL] We got--
-[Michael] Oh my. -[JBL] There's the leprechaun.
[Michael] Batista, boot to the face of King Booker.
Look at that. Steel chair to the back of the leg,
the hamstring of Batista.
Chair on Finlay.
Batista retaliating.
And look at this.
King Booker whipped across the ring.
[JBL] It's become a one-on-one battle.
[Michael] Batista planting King Booker with a spine buster.
[JBL] It's becoming a replay of Survivor Series.
You got Cena and Finlay out of the picture.
[Michael] Batista with King Booker up.
Batista Bomb connecting.
-Here's the cover. Hook of the leg. -[crowd] One, two, three.
-[Michael] Batista and Cena victorious. -[bell rings]
-["I Walk Alone" playing] -♪ I walk for miles… ♪
[Chimel] Here are your winners,
the WWE Champion, John Cena
and the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista.
[Michael] Cena and Batista with a treat for all these SmackDown fans,
the champions standing tall tonight.
[JBL] There you have history, folks,
two world champions together for the first time
and victorious in their first-ever partnership.
[Michael] What a night.
What an unpredictable event here at Armageddon.
♪ From words to actions ♪
♪ Never knowin' what they're 'bout ♪
[JBL] This was Armageddon, Michael,
and it damn sure was for some people.
What a show.
What a show that SmackDown just put on tonight.
You're wondering why we're the premier brand?
Watch this show again.
Two world champions closing out one hell of a pay-per-view.
[Michael] John Cena and Batista, for the first time ever,
two world champions teaming together
and victorious here tonight at Armageddon.
[JBL] Inferno, Last Ride, Ladder match,
Divas in Lingerie, and now two world champions.
Michael, if you like sports entertainment, it doesn't get any better than this.
[Michael] Batista going for the victory right there,
but Finlay would then interrupt with a clothesline to the World Champion.
But John Cena would come and help out Batista
taking Finlay out of the picture momentarily.
And then Batista with King Booker up high
delivering the Batista Bomb.
Batista and Cena victorious at Armageddon.
[JBL] Batista has become a great finisher,
and that is a hallmark of a great champion.
[Michael] Thanks for joining us for a historic night at Armageddon.
Good night, everybody, from Richmond.
Happy holidays.
[JBL] What a show.
What a show. show.