The Viper strikes back

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SAN ANTONIO — Randy Orton came to WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs with retribution on his mind. For weeks, Kofi Kingston had gotten the better of The Viper at every turn, from destroying Orton's new car on Raw to pinning him at Survivor Series.

Orton was not going to leave San Antonio without a victory and, thanks to a vicious RKO, the third-generation Superstar made sure that didn't happen.

From the opening bell, these two Superstars went at it with everything they had, until a well-timed dropkick put Orton in the driver's seat. With Kingston writhing in pain, The Viper began to methodically pick his opponent apart.

And then the explosive Superstar suddenly came alive, attacking Orton with a controlled frenzy of kicks and punches. When Kingston connected with Trouble in Paradise, it looked like Orton's fate was sealed, but The Viper managed to grab the rope at the last second.

The third-generation Superstar then took control of the action, nailing Kingston with a DDT and a punt, which missed Kofi's head but connected with his forearm. With his opponent seriously damaged from the brutal kick, Orton seized the opportunity and connected with an RKO for the win.

Despite the loss, Kingston displayed a fighting spirit that can't be denied. Few Superstars have brought the fight to Orton the way Kofi has and the victories he chalked up over The Viper will remain in the record books.

The question now is, will this second pinfall victory over Kofi be enough for Orton? Or will The Viper have more in store for Kingston on Raw? Tune in Monday night to find out.

Christian's championship climb

SAN ANTONIO – It’s impossible to fully prepare one’s self for a match type as punishing as a Ladder Match – much less when the ECW Championship hangs in the balance. But at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs, Christian proved that experience can count for quite a lot when duking it out high above the ring, perched precariously on a steel ladder. The Land of the Extreme’s favorite son successfully grasped the ECW Title, defeating Shelton Benjamin and defending his reputation as a Ladder Match luminary in the process.

Though Christian is rightfully honored for competing and making history in the very first TLC match, his opponent Shelton Benjamin is no slouch when it comes to scaling a perilously-high ladder, having taken part in a record four Money in the Bank Ladder Matches. The WWE Universe was delighted as these risk-taking Superstars made use of all the ladder-wielding attacks, sky-high brawling and daredevil dives that Ladder Match enthusiasts would expect from such a dream match-up.

However, if fans expected the match to be nothing more than a reheating of prior contests, they were in for quite a surprise, as evidenced by a series of death-defying dives that left Captain Charisma busted open and in need of medical attention. Though both ring warriors put life and limb on the line in pursuit of the ECW Title, it was Christian who ultimately reached the championship after putting his opponent through a ladder outside the ring. Barely able to stand after the punishing match, Christian unhooked the Land of the Extreme’s top prize to retain his championship.

Since returning to WWE and capturing the ECW Championship, Christian has been no stranger to challengers intent on relieving him of his coveted title. But in a move that was unusual, yet still befitting this fighting champion, Captain Charisma confronted the No. 1 contender, Shelton Benjamin, challenging the Superstar to a match that both were more than familiar with: A Ladder Match. Though The Gold Standard was at first taken aback by the proposal, after hearing of Christian’s intention to “steal the show” at the first-ever WWE TLC Benjamin eagerly accepted.

Though Christian will return to Tuesday nights still the proud ECW Champion, he will no doubt be feeling the effects of this match-up for some time to come. And just as Captain Charisma will remember the duress Shelton Benjamin and he subjected their bodies to, the WWE Universe will fondly recall the night these two Superstars stole the show at the first-ever WWE TLC.

McCruel" retains

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SAN ANTONIO - It seems as though the mind games Women’s Champion Michelle McCool has been playing as of late, including that of Layla coming to ringside wearing a “Piggie James” T-shirt , paid off with her outmatching Mickie James to retain the Women’s Title at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs.

Several weeks ago during a match between Mickie and Natalya, Michelle played a disgustingly cruel video which referred to Mickie as “Piggie James” with the distraction not only costing Mickie the match, but also causing a great deal of emotional pain as well.

After winning a Triple Threat Match to become the No. 1 contender to McCool’s Women's Title, it looked like karma was coming into play with Mickie now having the opportunity to put an end to McCool’s torment, while taking her championship in the process.

That was not to be at WWE TLC, as the cruelty continued and Michelle retained the Women’s Championship. Mickie’s tormentors came to ringside with Layla wearing their special-made “Piggie James” T-shirt, and though it seemed to infuriate the No. 1 contender, it also took her head out of the match.

Thanks to that, Michelle had the upper hand. And even though it was a tightly contested match, she came away with the win, becoming the longest reigning current champion in WWE. One thing is for sure though, if the Women’s Champion continues the cruelty, things are far from over between these two smart, sexy and powerful Divas.

The party's just begun

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SAN ANTONIO - At WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, Drew McIntyre stunned the WWE Universe, overcoming Intercontinental Champion John Morrison to capture his coveted title and cementing his reputation as a dominant force to be reckoned with throughout WWE.

In a high-octane battle of sheer emotion that pitted the merciless against the magnificent, the unrelenting ruthlessness of McIntyre ultimately prevailed.

The Shaman of Sexy used his acrobatic moves on the Scottish Superstar on numerous near-pinfall attempts, including taking the action outside the confines of the ring. The two Friday night Superstars battled back and forth in a display of unrelenting young prowess and athletic ability. However, McIntyre woud not let up, with timely maneuvers of his own and intestinal fortitude against Morrison, a proven champion. Ultimately, the Scottish Superstar used the devastating Double Underhook DDT to put away Morrison and earn his first sweet taste of one of the most storied championships in WWE.

From the moment he set foot on SmackDown, McIntyre’s brutal drive and untamed ability seemed to serve as an intense prophecy to his imminent championship success. “The Chosen One,” personally signed by WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon, has run rickshaw over numerous top Friday night Superstars such as Finlay and R-Truth and fought his way to victory in an explosive Elimination Match at Survivor Series. However, it was his monumental non-title win over The Guru of Greatness on SmackDown that helped bring him into the title picture.

Walking into WWE TLC, John Morrison stood as the prime example of everything the Intercontinental Title represents. A dynamic, ultra-athletic Superstar as outspoken as he was talented, The Friday Night Delight upheld his growing reputation as the “A-Lister” when he triumphed over Rey Mysterio in an explosive match to win the title. The Friday Night Delight picked up the prominent championship and ran with it, meeting every challenge head-on; rising to the top time and time again as he defied his challengers who tried to knock him off the mountain. But, at WWE TLC, it would be McIntyre who climbed to new heights, hurling the high-flying Superstar on a tremendous descent from glory.

Drew McIntyre will return to SmackDown with the spoils of his squared circle success. But, with John Morrison and several other Superstars undoubtedly ready to take the much-desired title away from him, will The Scottish Superstar’s unrelenting brutality be enough to keep it around his waist in the weeks to come?

Deadman lays Batista to rest

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SAN ANTONIO – With a bone-jarring Tombstone, World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker stopped the raging Batista inside the packed AT&T Center. (PHOTOS)

But the victory was not without controversy.

With chairs scattered about the outside of the ring from the start – and entirely legal to use against the opponent – the match could only end in pinfall or submission.

After exchanging chair shots throughout the brutal encounter, The Animal appeared to have captured the World Title after capitalizing on an ugly low blow he delivered to the champion. With The Phenom dazed from the dastardly deed, Batista struck with a chair shot to the head, followed up with the apparent pinfall.

However, SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long ordered the match to be restarted, after explaining that although chairs were legal, low blows were not.

An angry Deadman seized the opportunity, stopping The Animal cold with the Tombstone.

Ever since regaining the World Heavyweight Title earlier this year at Hell in a Cell, The Undertaker has shown no signs of accepting anything but victory. The Phenom chalked up subsequent wins at WWE Bragging Rights, Survivor Series, and tonight at WWE TLC.

As 2009 comes to a close and Royal Rumble looms, The Phenom appears to be on course to successfully defend his inhuman 17-0 record at WrestleMania XXVI.

To find out if The Animal – or any Superstar – will try to derail the champion as 2010 approaches, don’t miss the next edition of SmackDown this Friday at 8/7 CT on MyNetworkTV.

Climb is of the essence for DX

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SAN ANTONIO — Just when it appeared as if the iconic pairing of Shawn Michaels and Triple H couldn’t ascend any higher in WWE, D-Generation X climbed to a new pinnacle in a Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match against Unified Tag Champions Jeri-Show. Capturing their first and only taste of tag titles together, DX thus established themselves as the holders of the glistening gold prizes.

Appropriately enough at the inaugural WWE TLC pay-per-view, The Game & HBK competed in their first TLC Match together – united – and prevailed despite the 7-foot leviathan, Big Show, swinging weapons of aluminum, steel and wood in their general direction. Thwarting Chris Jericho’s equally unrelenting defense as well in a match where virtually anything goes, Michaels scaled the rungs of fortune to not only clinch Jeri-Show’s titles, but also to vanquish Jericho from Monday Night Raw. (PHOTOS)

After chair jousting, ladder suplexes, tabletop combat, DX’s two-man, Texas-sized Pedigree on The World’s Largest Athlete, and a Jeri-Show headstand, the more cohesive team rose to the occasion. Utilizing a halved ladder previously dismantled by Big Show, The Cerebral Assassin bolstered the hardware upright for HBK to climb and reach the championships dangling overhead in his hometown of San Antonio.

The keepers of the tag titles are empowered (and also more susceptible to challenge) in their ability to compete on any WWE brand, despite their assigned roster. Defeated and devoid of the championships, Jericho & Big Show’s association comes to a most probable conclusion. More importantly, SmackDown’s Jericho is now without his golden inter-brand passport, thus liberating Raw from his insults, vainglory and smug grimace beside his towering tag partner.

Just eight months after the birth of the prestigious Unified WWE Tag Team Championship crown at The 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania, The King of Kings & The Showstopper have initiated a new legacy in WWE’s tag team lineage at the close of the year.

With two top-tier foes in Jeri-Show now fallen, the DX army marches onward into 2010 for perhaps even bigger wars for the lustrous Unified WWE Tag Team Titles.

Tables turn on Cena

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SAN ANTONIO - Every second seemed like the most important tick in squared circle history during Sunday’s epic Tables Match for the WWE Championship at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs. In the end in San Antonio, however, it was Sheamus who utilized the timber to defeat John Cena to capture the WWE Title for the first time in his career and stun the WWE Universe.

From bone-crushing blows to each competitor’s extreme passion, John Cena and Sheamus delivered a battle for the ages as each gladiator in this blockbuster bout aimed to slam their adversary through a table. In the closing moments of the collision, it appeared Cena was ready to suplex Sheamus onto a table from the top rope. But Sheamus used his raw power to shove the former champion off the top and through the table to claim shocking victory.

Similar to his violent outbursts on Raw recently when he smashed Cena and guest host Mark Cuban through lumber, The Celtic Warrior capitalized on the opportunity to become one of the fastest rising Superstars to earn the WWE Title in WWE history.

Just less than two months after debuting on Monday Night Raw, the vicious Irishman proved he is as dominant as he has alleged to be. The ferocious warrior never backed down from the renowned Cena, and showed that even an inexperienced Superstar can pull off the unexpected.

In the Tables Match fallout, a rare look of disappointment in the eyes of the former WWE Champion told a tale of a defeated warrior, but don’t expect this to last long. This year alone, Cena has been involved in some of the memorable matches including ones against Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Edge, Randy Orton, Big Show and now Sheamus – the new WWE Champion.

The WWE Universe may clamor for Sheamus and Cena’s paths to once again intersect. But now that even John Cena has been unseated by The Celtic Warrior for the title, can he (or anyone) possibly stop the uncontrollable Irish champion?

ECW Champion Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin (Ladder Match)

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ECW Champion Christian will return to the match that made him famous when he defends his title against Shelton Benjamin in a Ladder Match at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs.

These two Superstars are no strangers to this dangerous bout. Christian built his reputation competing in high-risk Ladder Matches, including the first-ever Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match at SummerSlam 2000, a grueling contest many fans considered to be one of the greatest WWE matches of all time.

Benjamin, perhaps the finest athlete in all of WWE, has competed in a record four Money in the Bank Ladder Matches. While The Gold Standard has never walked away with the coveted briefcase, his amazing feats of athleticism have wowed the WWE Universe year in and year out. At the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania, Benjamin’s memorable dive off the top of a 20-foot ladder became an immediate fixture of WWE highlight reels.

Knowing full well what they are capable of in this environment, Christian challenged Benjamin to a Ladder Match. Not only was the ECW Champion looking to test himself, but he wanted to compete in a bout that would steal the show. Benjamin, riding a wave of confidence after defeating Zack Ryder to become the No. 1 Contender for the ECW Championship, was more than up for it.

With Christian’s ECW Championship hanging high above the ring at WWE TLC, these two fearless competitors will pull out all the stops for the opportunity to grasp it. Anyone in the WWE Universe with a fear of heights will want to close their eyes when Captain Charisma and The Gold Standard meet on Dec. 13, live on pay-per-view.

Unified Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho & Big Show vs. D-Generation X (Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match)

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At WWE: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, Unified Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho & Big Show will face their greatest challenge since forming their golden alliance, putting their titles on the line against D-Generation X in a TLC Match.

Although the innovative, new WWE pay-per-view will feature matches utilizing ladders, tables and chairs, the Unified Tag Team Title Match will be the one battle that will incorporate all three.

The TLC is a notorious, career-threatening match like no other in which tables, ladders and chairs are all legal. The object – to ascend and grab the championship gold that is hanging above the ring before your opponents can – becomes even more daunting once the two additional elements of mass mayhem are thrown into the mix.

Ever since Chris Jericho literally handed Big Show tag team gold - using a special clause in his championship contract to replace an injured Edge with The World’s Largest Athlete - the dominant duo has successfully defended their championship against the likes of Batista & Rey Mysterio, The Legacy and Cryme Tyme. With every new challenge that has presented itself, the combined skills of this elite tour de force has continued to rise above, helping to establish them as one of the greatest tag team champions in the majestic annals of WWE.

But this time around, they will be facing more than just a tag team. They will be taking on a squared circle institution. Both together and as individuals, The Game and The Showstopper have proven themselves, time and time again, to be two of the most dangerous Superstars in WWE history. Rather than conform to WWE over the years, their uncanny abilities and charismatic attitude has forced WWE to shape itself around them. In addition to having their reputation of rebellion, anarchy, and sheer will on their side, they also seem to have the reigning champions’ number. In recent months, they have scored two non-title victories over Big Show & Jericho on Monday Night Raw. Could TLC bring them the third? Break it down!

When it comes to TLC, the hardware in the ring is almost as dangerous as the four Superstars who will be wielding it. All of them have seen just about everything there is to see over the years. All of them have proven themselves to be as tough as they are determined. And absolutely all of them have demonstrated exceptional ability in a wide variety of specialty matches. No matter what the outcome, one thing is for certain: The WWE Universe is in for one wild ride from start to finish.

Will Jeri-Show once again prove they are the crème de la crème of tag team excellence? Or will they “bow to the masters?” Find out at WWE: Tables, Ladders and Chairs, Sunday, Dec. 13 at 8/7 CT, only on pay-per-vie

Kofi Kingston vs. Randy Orton

The Kofi Kingston-Randy Orton rivalry has seen nearly everything.

Numerous blindsided attacks: Check
Vicious taunts and terrorization: Check
Defacing of a personalized NASCAR: Check (WATCH)
Execution of a Boom Drop in the stands: Check (WATCH)

Expect this list to grow, nonetheless, when two of the most ferocious combatants and impassioned rivals collide once again at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.

In addition to it being extraordinarily intense, Kingston and The Viper’s confrontation has also been very competitive. At Survivor Series, Kingston was the sole survivor when he pinned Orton to finish off The Viper’s troop. A couple weeks later on Raw, the former WWE Champion got some much-desired revenge when his cohorts, The Legacy, deviously assaulted their animated enemy to help Orton secure a victory.

AT WWE TLC, however, the vivacious Superstar should be completely aware of the kind of conniving tactics The Viper is capable of achieving. From watching out for interference from Cody Rhodes or Ted DiBiase to safeguarding against other crafty maneuvers from his opponent, Kingston appears fully prepared for this highly anticipated bout.

The winner of this contest, moreover, will almost certainly raise their stock in their respective quests to become the No. 1 contender for the WWE Title. Orton, for one, has already made several demands to recent special guest hosts on Raw, including Gov. Jesse Ventura, that he deserves another opportunity at the gold. His WWE TLC adversary, meanwhile, has battled his way to the top of the rankings.

It remains to be seen what new drama will be added to this riveting rivalry, but one thing is for sure, the WWE Universe does not want to miss this match, or any of the highly coveted contests at WWE TLC.

Be sure to watch all the action at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 8/5 PT, exclusively on pay-per-view.

Intercontinental Champion John Morrison vs. Drew McIntyre - Intercontinental Championship Match

At WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, Intercontinental Champion John Morrison will put his title on the line against the ruthless Drew McIntyre.

Since the moment he set foot on SmackDown, McIntyre’s brutal drive and untamed ability have given the WWE Universe no alternative but to stand up and take notice. The Scottish Superstar was personally signed by WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon, who called McIntyre a future World Champion. He battled his way to victory at Survivor Series, in an all-out explosive Elimination Match. But the biggest highlight of his career came when he pinned The Guru of Greatness on Friday night, just two weeks before the WWE TLC pay-per-view. Without a doubt, McIntyre has showed that he has what it takes to possess the gold and that he will do whatever it takes to make it happen.

But at WWE TLC, if McIntyre hopes to be triumphant, he will have to overcome his toughest opponent to date. The Shaman of Sexy is truly the essence of everything the Intercontinental Championship stands for; a dynamic, ultra-athletic Superstar who is as outspoken as he is talented. Since coming to SmackDown, he has cemented his “A-Lister” reputation as an elite singles competitor, which culminated in the capture of the Intercontinental Title in an explosive match with Rey Mysterio. The Friday Night Delight has met every challenge head-on and risen to the top time and time again. And with the gold on the line, the high-flying Morrison is sure to rise to new heights to keep the coveted symbol of excellence around his waist.

WWE Champion John Cena vs. Sheamus (Tables Match)

These Irish eyes aren’t exactly smiling, but rather, they are directly fixed on the WWE Championship.

In a hazardous Tables Match, Sheamus, the Raw roster’s most recent acquisition, competes for his first major title against WWE Champion John Cena at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs.

One-third of the weaponry described in the namesake of the first-ever pay-per-view event of this kind, a Tables Match is designed for the most aggressive Superstars, using their might to drive one another through the unforgiving pine. The first man to force his opponent through a table will be awarded the match and the WWE Championship.

Rare is it for a Superstar to attain a title match of such magnitude so early in his career, let alone within mere weeks after arriving on the scene of the Monday night juggernaut, Raw. Then again, Sheamus – whose WWE career will peak at roughly six months by the time he steps into the ring with Cena – is a rare warrior of a uniquely fierce breed.

In a match designed to afford opportunity to Superstars who’ve never held the WWE or World Heavyweight Title, The Celtic Warrior earned No. 1 contendership in a most impressive manner, prevailing against Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry and others in a revolutionary Breakthrough Battle Royal.

And while The Champ’s most recent conquests include victories over Randy Orton and even both members of D-Generation X in a single bout, perhaps even Cena is not prepared for the unstoppable wrath of this baleful Irishman.

The Celtic Warrior has recklessly torn through anyone in plain sight, from a WWE timekeeper to a Hall of Famer in Jerry Lawler. Now retired from ring action, veteran Jamie Noble also suffered an unforgettably grisly physical mauling by Sheamus in perhaps the most convincing display of the pale plunderer’s ruthlessness.

The fiery haired Irish Superstar has sworn to surpass the thrashing delivered to Noble when he battles The Champ. Will Sheamus make good on this vow or will Cena, a man known for persevering in the face of the most difficult challenges, find a way to serve defeat to Monday Night Raw’s greatest menace?

Find out who will prevail at the very first WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs event, live on pay-per-view on Sunday, Dec. 13.

Batista vs. World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker (Chair Match)

At WWE Tables Ladders & Chairs, familiar foes will once again clash, as World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker will take on longtime adversary Batista for the World Title in a Chair Match. And both the ominous World Champion and his furious No. 1 Contender will enter the squared circle with a new-found level of intensity.

Just five days after The Animal annihilated his former comrade-in-arms, Rey Mysterio, at Survivor Series, Batista overcame The Undertaker’s brother Kane in a brutal No. 1 Contender’s Match for the World Heavyweight Championship. The hard-fought victory propels The Animal into a sure-fire showdown of destiny with the ominous World Champion.

The Undertaker’s history of legendary battles with Batista has been nothing short of epic. But, with The Phenom’s most recent acquisition of the gold, he has arguably transcended other SmackDown Superstars to reach a plateau of competition all his own. His list of conquests is long and his reputation has become as intimidating as his deadly arsenal of weapons. And now that he holds the World Title as his “holy grail,” is it conceivable that any Superstar will ever be able to overcome his wrath?

SmackDown’s “blue chip acquisition” Batista has shown no sign that he is in any way intimidated by his WWE: TLC nemesis. Since moving from Monday Night Raw, The Animal has been more ferocious than ever, scoring monumental victories over the likes of Matt Hardy and Unified Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho & Big Show, respectively. He unleashed such a merciless attack on his former friend Mysterio that the official was forced to stop the match. His new-found ruthlessness has fused with outrageous momentum to drive this fierce competitor like never before. The rage-filled Superstar claims that nothing would come between himself and the World Championship and on any given day, he is capable of knocking anyone off the mountain so that he can have it all to himself.

Of all the memorable encounters that have taken place between the two mighty Superstars over the years, it was the earth-shattering circumstances of their recent WWE Bragging Rights Fatal Four Way Championship Match that truly demonstrated how close they are as competitors. Golden fate seemed to be in Batista’s corner as he came within a millisecond of pinning The Phenom. If not for The Master of the 619, The Demon of Death Valley may be challenging him for the gold in two weeks. Instead, The Undertaker finished that match with a devastating Tombstone. Could he call on his lethal finish twice in a row? Or is The Animal just a Batista Bomb away from immortality?

Ex-WWE star Umaga dead at 36

WRESTLING superstar Umaga has died, aged just 36

WRESTLING superstar Umaga has died, aged just 36.

The former WWE intercontinental champion was killed by a heart attack, his family have confirmed.

The Wrestling Observer reported that the Samoan-American star, real name Edward Fatu, fell asleep while watching television in his Houston home on Thursday night.

He was found several hours later by his wife, not breathing and with blood coming out of his nose. He was immediately rushed to a local hospital.

There he was put on life support and his family told to come to Texas as quickly as possible.

Tributes have poured in from around the wrestling world for the man who headlined WrestleMania 23 in 2007 - the biggest selling PPV event in the history of the sport.

On that night he lost to Bobby Lashley, a result that meant billionaire reality TV star Donald Trump got to shave WWE boss Vince McMahon's head.

Lashley has posted a message on his Facebook saying: "Very sad day today. A good friend is gone."

WWE released a statement reading: "WWE would like to express its deepest condolences to Mr Fatu's family, friends and fans on his tragic passing.

"Mr Fatu was under contract with WWE at various time periods and most recently performed under the name Umaga. Mr Fatu's contract was terminated on June 11, 2009."

Former ECW owner and SunSport columnist Paul Heyman said: "The world is minus one very cool Samoan tonight. We offer our most profound condolences to the Fatu Family."

Fatu - trained by his famous uncles, the Wild Samoans Afa and Sika - first wrestled for WWE between 2002 and 2003 under the name of Jamal as part of the 3-Minute Warning tag team with his cousin Matt Anoa'i, aka Rosey.

After being released from his contract, reportedly as a result of getting into a bar fight, he had stints in rival groups TNA and All Japan before returning to the WWE in 2005.

During that time he won the IC title twice and enjoyed memorable feuds with Lashley, Jeff Hardy and John Cena, who he challenged for the company's world championship.

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He was fired again by the WWE this June after violating their drug-testing policy for a second time and then refusing to go to rehab.

Umaga most recently competed on the Hulkamania tour of Australia, where he was said to be happy and healthy, amid rumours he was set to return to WWE.

Ken Anderson, better known as Mr Kennedy, was his opponent Down Under and Tweeted: "I'm very thankful to have had a private closed-door conversation with Ecki prior to our match a few days ago in Sydney.

"He insisted that we go out and tear the house down. We both had something to prove that night and in my opinion: Mission Accomplished!

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Fatu family. Ecki absolutely adored his wife and was extremely proud of his children.

"I have so many amazing, funny, and heartwarming (sometimes gut wrenching belly-laughing) memories."

Fatu is the latest in a long line of wrestlers to pass away at a young age.

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/2759556/Umaga-has-died-aged-36-Friends-and-family-pay-tribute-to-former-WWE-WrestleMania-headliner.html#ixzz0YqeIIwIp

Mixed emotions

WASHINGTON D.C. - Mickie James, on one hand, escaped the Verizon Center a searing survivor. The smart, sexy and powerful Diva, on the other hand, left yearning for further retribution.

Captain James, along with her partner and Divas Champion Melina, prevailed in Sunday’s Divas Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match despite Beth Phoenix not accepting her elimination. The Glamazon assaulted Mickie before the official finally forced her to exit. (PHOTOS)

In the preceding weeks, Beth, along with Layla and team captain and Women’s Champion Michelle McCool, affronted James with vicious insults. The devious trio, in fact, labeled her a “pig,” causing the former four-time Women’s Champ to cry on SmackDown. (WATCH)

Despite it being a bittersweet triumph for the two awesome in-ring performers, Mickie and The Red Carpet Diva demonstrated why they are each top-ranked Divas.

Melina, for one, showed how versatile she can be when she pulled off an incredibly acrobatic sunset flip on Michelle to conclude the match. Mickie, meanwhile, can certainly expect a crack at the Women’s Title at some point soon after her impressive performance, which included eliminating Beth and Alicia.

The two dazzling Divas, nevertheless, will likely employ action against their bullies in the upcoming weeks to get some extra desired revenge.

Miz-ery loves company

WASHINGTON, D.C. — To the surprise of many in the WWE Universe, United States Champion The Miz, Drew McIntyre, Jack Swagger, Sheamus & Dolph Ziggler were able to put their major egos aside and work together to take down the explosive squad of Intercontinental Champion John Morrison, Matt Hardy, Finlay, Evan Bourne & Shelton Benjamin in the opening bout of Survivor Series. (PHOTOS)

The match began with Raw rivals Evan Bourne and Jack Swagger squaring off in the center of the ring and quickly turned to chaos from there. Pinfalls quickly piled up as Superstars from each brand clashed, including a showdown between the tough Irishmen Sheamus and Finlay, which The Celtic Warrior won with a devastating front kick.

When the dust began to settle, John Morrison found himself alone and outnumbered against the seriously terrifying triumvirate of The Miz, Sheamus and Drew McIntyre. Throwing caution to the wind, The Shaman of Sexy attempted to overcome the odds with his explosive offense, but he simply couldn’t handle three vicious competitors at once. In the end, Morrison was slammed to the mat by The Celtic Warrior and pinned, giving Team Miz the victory.

The Miz has now racked up two consecutive pay-per-view victories over his former tag team partner. Obviously, this does not sit well with The Guru of Greatness and you can expect these two talented young Superstars to meet again.

Animalistic fury runs wild on Rey

WASHINGTON, D.C. - At Survivor Series, Batista unleashed the full extent of his unrelenting fury on his former friend Rey Mysterio, administering a merciless attack that left the official no choice but to stop the match. Match photos

Though the high-octane Mysterio showed the WWE Universe every bit of his heart from the opening bell, battling for the offensive with everything he had, the enraged Animal would eventually descend upon his prey with absolute havoc. In the final moments of the match, the fans erupted as Mysterio looked to be heading to a huge victory of redemption with the 619. However, as Mysterio attempted to channel the late Eddie Guerrero with a follow up frog splash, Batista’s raised knees signaled the beginning of a shocking end.

The vicious Animal proceeded to level Mysterio with an earth-shattering spear, a thunderous spinebuster and three devastating Batista Bombs, never once going for a cover. It was clear that he had no interest in simply winning. He wanted Mysterio to be humiliated. Even after the official attempted to end the relentless punishment by signaling for the bell, Batista’s rampage continued with the execution of a post match spinebuster onto an unforgiving steel chair. Mysterio was left in agonizing pain at the hands of a Superstar that once meant everything to him.

Standing side by side, the two former World Champions have won tag team gold (Watch), grieved the loss of a “family member” (Watch Eddie Guerrero Tribute), and forged a powerful bond in numerous squared circle battles. But when both Superstars, along with CM Punk, were selected to challenge World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker at WWE Bragging Rights in a Fatal Four Way Match, the fuse was lit for an explosive parting of ways.

In a match where every Superstar would be for himself, Mysterio stopped Batista from a possible pin over The Deadman. The Undertaker went on to triumph, pinning Batista with a devastating Tombstone. Only seconds later, in a horrific moment that the WWE Universe will never forget, The Animal suddenly snapped, attacking the stunned Master of the 619 with an indescribable assault.

Five days later on SmackDown, Mysterio tried to mend the mighty rip in their heartfelt alliance, but Batista would have none of it. Convinced his closest ally cost him the World Title, the stone-faced Superstar walked out of the ring with more rage in his eyes than ever before.

When SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long made a match between the two former friends at Survivor Series, things went from bad to worse. At the official contract signing, The Animal demanded that Mysterio sign a “Hold Harmless Agreement,” preventing legal action against him for anything he might do to his opponent at the pay-per-view. After reluctantly signing it, The Ultimate Underdog proceeded to humiliate his newfound adversary, flipping the signing table onto him, adding insult to injury as he stepped onto it while making his exit.

Two days before their pay-per-view showdown, after Batista cost Mysterio his match with Tyson Kidd by disqualification, the masked Superstar found an opening to dish out another embarrassing hit-and-run attack on the man he once called a brother. An irate Batista failed to catch Mysterio and was left with nothing but egg on his face for the second week in a row.

Though Mysterio was bound and determined to show Batista a side of him he has never seen before at Survivor Series, in the end, his heart was not enough to overcome the furious bite of The Animal. And now that Batista has released his insane wrath upon a Superstar he once called family, no one on SmackDown is safe.

Tick-tick-BOOM!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Matches are always competitive, but rarely are they as closely contested as the epic battle between Team Kingston and Team Orton. Though each of the 10 competitors fought hard, ultimately, it was Team Captain Kofi Kingston himself that carried the day, pinning his nemesis, and last remaining competitor, Randy Orton to win the match for his team.

Team Kingston and Team Orton had a lot going for them heading into their Elimination Tag Team Match, as both squads were comprised of some of the most talented Superstars that SmackDown, Raw and ECW had to offer. Just how evenly-matched the contest was became clear as the night progressed, with each team losing a member one by one until only Kingston was left on his side. Suddenly, however, the situation had swung firmly in his opponents’ favor, as Team Orton boasted two eligible competitors: CM Punk and The Viper himself.

Not one to be deterred by stiff odds, Kingston fought onward against SmackDown’s CM Punk, pinning The Straightedge Superstar after a hard-fought series of near-falls for both competitors. As soon as Punk was vanquished however, Orton was ready to spring into action. Though The Viper might have boasted more in-ring experience than Kingston, the athletic young Superstar showed that he has just what it takes to compete on WWE’s highest level. Leaping into the air and immediately connecting with Trouble in Paradise, the rising star defeated Orton to win the match for his team, pinning two former World Champions in the span of six seconds.

Undertaker's eternal force

WASHINGTON, D.C. – World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker defeated Unified Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho & Big Show in a Triple Threat Match, marking another significant victory at the pay-per-view where The Phenom unleashed hell on WWE nearly 20 years ago. (PHOTOS)

Despite a cohesive onslaught from the Unified Tag Team Champions to start, things broke down when Big Show assaulted his own partner, who had The Deadman locked in the Walls of Jericho.

From that point on, it was a free-for-all for the World Title. During the frenzy, Big Show knocked out Jericho with a brutal right to the head.

In the end, The Deadman reigned supreme by locking Big Show in Hell's Gate, forcing him to submit.

With the victory, The Deadman simultaneously defended his World Title and put the entire SmackDown roster on notice. If The World's Largest Athlete can’t stop him, who can?

When the dark force known as “The Undertaker” debuted at Survivor Series in 1990, no one knew quite what to expect. Fast forward to 2009, and the entire WWE Universe is well aware of what The Phenom is capable of – including an outstanding 17-0 record at WrestleMania! (Undertaker’s WrestleMania Legacy)

Ever since regaining the Heavyweight Title earlier this year at Hell in a Cell (PHOTOS), The Undertaker has showed no signs of letting up. At WWE Bragging Rights, the champion overcame the odds and successfully defended his gold against CM Punk, Batista and Rey Mysterio in a Fatal Four Way Match. (PHOTOS) And tonight at Survivor Series, he beat the odds once again in a Triple Threat Match.

To find out if any Superstar is bold enough to step up and challenge The Phenom, don’t miss the next edition of SmackDown this Friday at 8/7 CT on MyNetworkTV.

DX-ploited by The Champ

WASHINGTON D.C. - When it comes to claiming WWE’s most coveted title, loyalty remains an expense some Superstars simply cannot afford.

While Triple H and Shawn Michaels insisted that competing in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship would do little to sever the deep bond between them, the allure of gold proved too much for the DX cohorts, who quickly turned on one another. As their alliance frayed, WWE Champion John Cena eagerly leveraged his opponents’ betrayal into an intensely fought victory. (PHOTOS | WATCH: Post-match interview)

Things started out amicably enough. The Game and HBK even greeted the crowd together as DX’s entrance music pervaded the arena. Seconds after the opening bell, however, Michaels unexpectedly lulled his associate to sleep with Sweet Chin Music. With Triple H out cold, HBK and The Champ exchanged strikes.

As any member of the WWE Universe can tell you, though, never count out Triple H. The King of Kings rallied and the three-man clash took on a different, and dangerous, dynamic as the action moved outside the ring. It was there that The Game smashed HBK through the announcers’ table with a spine buster, leaving Triple H to contend with the WWE Champion. While the match nearly ended with several two-counts, in the end a fatigued Cena refused to quit against his equally exhausted rivals and managed to pin Triple H to retain his title.

While it remains to be seen whether or not DX will survive this latest chapter, WWE Champion John Cena appeared more than happy to close the book on Survivor Series 2009 with his title intact.

Team Mickie vs. Team Michelle (Traditional Survivor Series Tag Team Elimination Match)

At Survivor Series, the smart, sexy, and powerful Divas of WWE will mix it up in a Divas Traditional Survivor Series Tag Team Elimination Match, captained on one side by ruthless Women’s Champion Michelle McCool and on the other by the dynamic Mickie James.

Mickie will lead her team, consisting of Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Divas Champion Melina, and Gail Kim.

While Michelle will captain Jillian Hall, Beth Phoenix, Layla and Alicia Fox.

Since coming to SmackDown as one of the feature players of a major Divas trade between WWE TV shows, Mickie has been waiting for a chance to get her hands on Michelle’s gold. But the merciless Michelle, exhibiting an instant dislike for the new arrival from day one, has shown time and time again that she will do anything she can to stay ahead of the pack.

With unrelenting aggression clashing head-on with electrifying determination, the Divas match is sure to be an explosive encounter from the opening bell. But, in a tag team match where elimination is the name of the game and every competitor must be capable of carrying their weight, which Divas will be good enough to fill the other crucial spots on each side of the trenches?

WWE Champion John Cena vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (Triple Threat Match)

WWE Champion John Cena delivered a memorable performance against Randy Orton at WWE Bragging Rights to capture his seventh World Title. The Champ, however, will have no time to rest or celebrate as he will have to defend his gold against a pair of allies, DX’s Shawn Michaels and Triple H, in a Triple Threat Match at Survivor Series.

Unlike most Triple Threat Matches which generally feature three existing foes, this extraordinary contest carries a much different outlook.

Cena, for one, will be forced to resist punishment from two former World Champions and future WWE Hall of Famers. The Game and HBK are two of WWE’s most illustrious all-time ring warriors, and unquestionably, each expect to reclaim the title.

The prominent question, though, will relate to Triple H and Michaels’ motives. Will the effervescent duo work as a team to ravage The Champ? Or, in contrast, will each DX Superstar focus on their individual quests to repossess the WWE Championship?

The WWE Universe has witnessed many allies throughout WWE’s storied history get into scuffles when the title is on the line. Most recently, for example, even longtime friends Batista and Rey Mysterio divided at WWE Bragging Rights during their Fatal Four Way Match when The Animal blamed his former buddy for his own defeat.

While DX asks Cena if he will be ready for Survivor Series, it’s also imperative for The Cerebral Assassin and The Showstopper to ask themselves if they will be ready. It will be uncustomary for the two partners to be opponents – something they haven’t done since DX’s fallout earlier this decade.

Cena, meanwhile, has stepped up to every challenge throughout his career, including proving he was the ultimate champion in his unforgettable rivalry with The Viper. The esteemed gladiator also has plenty of experience battling Triple H and Michaels. In fact, the 12 Rounds star defeated The Game and HBK, respectively, at back-to-back WrestleManias in 2006 and 2007.

Retaining the gold, however, may not be in The Champ’s control. The first man to pin one of their opponents will be the champion.

All three combatants realize what they are up against, and it will be up to each of them at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. to show to the WWE Universe that they are Monday Night Raw’s most electrifying champion.

Be sure to catch this awe-inspiring title match at Survivor Series on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 8/5 PT, exclusively on pay-per-view.

Team Morrison vs. Team Miz (Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match)

It wasn’t long ago that John Morrison and The Miz were inseparable, the best of buds, the cutups in the back of class making fun of all the other students. That bond, however, snapped like a No. 2 pencil when their record as a tag team began to slide.

Now, the former friends will settle the score as captains of their respective teams in a Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match. Morrison’s squad consists of Matt Hardy, Evan Bourne, Shelton Benjamin & Finlay, while Miz will command Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger

At WWE Bragging Rights, Intercontinental Champion Morrison faced off against his nemesis, United States Champion Miz, in singles action. While the Shaman of Sexy dominated the bout early, the self-proclaimed Awesome One managed to counter Morrison’s devastating Starship Pain maneuver and captured the victory with a clean pin.

As generals leading their troops to battle, however, there are myriad variables that may affect the outcome. Can either Superstar really control the men they’ve been tasked to command? Will either team find a cohesive connection to overcome their opponents?

To find out, catch all the action as Team Morrison (John Morrison, Matt Hardy, Evan Bourne, Shelton Benjamin & Finlay) square off against Team Miz (The Miz, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger) at the 23rd annual Survivor Series on Nov. 22 at 8/7 CT, live on pay-per-view.

Team Kingston vs. Team Orton (Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match)

On Raw, Kofi Kingston has proven time and time again that he is one of the most exciting young ring warriors in WWE, and is truly a Superstar to watch. But in our nation’s capital, he’ll have one of the biggest matches of his career as he and his team go up against the squad of Randy Orton in a Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match.

Though Orton may be more experienced than Kingston, the athletic Superstar has shown in recent weeks that he has exactly what it takes to hit The Viper where it hurts. As retaliation for Orton viciously attacking him after a match, Kingston sought out his nemesis’ personalized NASCAR racer and defaced it while The Legend Killer looked on, helpless to stop the automotive carnage. The two’s rivalry then expanded during a Six-Man Tag Team Match on Raw when Kingston and Orton were joined by fellow Survivor Series combatants, MVP & Mark Henry and Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase, respectively.

In addition to R-Truth on the side of Kingston and the devious CM Punk teaming up with Orton, two of the top competitors in the Land of the Extreme, ECW Champion Christian and William Regal are also joining the fray. For months, The British Brawler has struggled to get the upperhand against Captain Charisma, and he might just have that chance when he joins up with Team Orton to face the ECW Champion and the rest of Team Kingston in a 10-Man Tag Team Match.

Don’t miss the epic confrontation between Team Kingston (Kofi Kingston, MVP, Mark Henry, ECW Champion Christian & R-Truth) and Team Orton (Randy Orton, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase & William Regal)

Batista vs. Rey Mysterio

Standing side by side, Rey Mysterio and Batista have won tag team gold (Watch), grieved the loss of a “family member” (Watch Eddie Guerrero Tribute), and forged a powerful bond in numerous squared circle battles. But at Survivor Series, these two former World Champions – once as close as brothers – will become the most dangerous of adversaries.

Just one week after being named as two of the Superstars, along with CM Punk, that would challenge World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker at WWE Bragging Rights in a Fatal Four Way Match, The Master of the 619 and The Animal were forced to go head-to-head with each other on SmackDown. The hard-fought match ultimately ended in controversy when the official missed Batista’s shoulder leaving the canvas as he made a three-count, resulting in a victory for Mysterio. Despite the questionable outcome, the friendship between the two tremendous competitors emerged unscathed. However, greater tests would lay on the horizon.

Two days before WWE Bragging Rights, while joining forces to face Kane & Unified Tag Team Champion Chris Jericho, Mysterio sacrificed himself for Batista, walking into The Big Red Machine’s brutal chokeslam. This selfless act allowed The Animal to pick up the tag team triumph for the determined duo. But more importantly, it demonstrated Mysterio’s unparalleled heart and the deep devotion he had for his friend.

When the fateful pay-per-view finally arrived, both Mysterio and Batista gave everything they had in a whirlwind match where every man had no choice but to fight for himself. However, when Mysterio stopped The Animal from a possible pin over The Deadman, Batista became enraged. The Undertaker went on to win the match, pinning Batista with a devastating Tombstone. Only seconds later, in a horrific moment that the WWE Universe will never forget, Batista suddenly snapped, ferociously attacking his stunned comrade-in-arms.

Five days later on SmackDown, Mysterio tried to mend the mighty rip in their heartfelt alliance, but Batista would have none of it. After demanding that Mysterio get out of his ring, the seething, stone-faced Batista chose to leave himself, literally turning his back on his closest ally with more rage in his eyes then ever before.

Batista believes Mysterio cost him the World Title. And after completely casting aside their longstanding friendship, there is little doubt that he will be heading to Survivor Series hell-bent on destroying his former ring companion the moment he steps in the squared circle.

Though no doubt shocked by the aggressive actions of a man he considered a brother, Mysterio’s resolve is clear. He is bound and determined to show Batista a side of him he has never seen before. And once the high-octane, masked Superstar sets his sights on a target, few can outmatch him.

World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker vs. Big Show vs. Chris Jericho (Triple Threat Match)

Although Big Show and Chris Jericho both hold Unified Tag Team Championship gold, they want something more – Undertaker’s World Heavyweight Title.

At WWE Bragging Rights, Big Show started laying the foundation for his quest by turning his back on Team Raw. (PHOTOS). And although he suffered the wrath of fellow Raw members just a day later (PHOTOS), by Friday Night SmackDown, The World’s Largest Athlete had already secured a signed contract to face The Undertaker at Survivor Series. (WATCH)

On that same edition of SmackDown, Chris Jericho defeated Kane to also qualify to face The Phenom – officially making it a Triple Threat Match. (PHOTOS)

Since winning the Unified Title at Night of Champions, the tag team champs have been on a roll, tearing through a slew of formidable opponents. But now, they must face not only each other, but their greatest challenge of all – The Demon of Death Valley.

Ever since winning the Heavyweight Title at Hell in a Cell, The Undertaker has showed no signs of letting up. At WWE Bragging Rights, the champion overcame the odds and successfully defended his gold against CM Punk, Batista & Rey Mysterio in a Fatal Four Way Match. (PHOTOS)

If The Phenom can take on three opponents and win, surely he can do the same against two. But, at 485-plus-pounds, one could argue that Big Show counts as two Superstars.

Can Jericho or Big Show find a way to topple The Undertaker? Or, will The Phenom make his opponents regret even stepping in the ring with him?

To find out, tune-in to Survivor Series on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 8/5 PT, exclusively on pay-per-view.

Phenom wins, Animal turns rabid

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PITTSBURGH - At WWE Bragging Rights, World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker emerged from the fast-paced fury of a championship Fatal Four Way with the gold, reigning supreme over three former World Champions – Batista, Rey Mysterio and CM Punk. But, in a match where every Superstar was in it for himself, it was the unsuspected bite of an infuriated Animal that left the WWE Universe absolutely awestruck.

Match photos

From the opening bell, the unpredictable mayhem of the Fatal Four Way threw the WWE Universe into an absolute frenzy. And after the changing tide of furious bedlam hurled the advantage back and forth from one Superstar to another like a tornado, it was Batista that looked to emerge from the storm with a victory over The Deadman. But, in the true spirit of the free-for-all match, the highly-competitive Rey Mysterio powered back into action, ultimately preventing his comrade-in-arms from triumphing in the last second. Later, just moments after Batista threw Mysterio out of the ring and onto CM Punk, The Undertaker took his golden opportunity, hitting The Animal with the dreaded Tombstone for the victory.

But after the bell, Undertaker's championship celebration suddenly turned to darkness as the unspeakable happened. Not able to deal with the emotions of his championship loss, an irate Batista announced that he was "sick of his best friend stabbing him in the back." After stunning both Mysterio and the WWE Universe by proclaiming he was going to "rip his head off," Batista snapped, decimating the Superstar that he claimed to be “as close as a brother.”

Weeks before, The Deadman defeated CM Punk inside The Devil’s Playground at Hell in a Cell to win his seventh World Title. Five days later on SmackDown, Mr. McMahon emerged to “help” SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long make “his” monumental announcement – that The Straightedge Superstar’s rematch would be a Fatal Four Way at WWE Bragging Rights, and it would also include The Master of the 619 and The Animal.

With his most recent acquisition of the gold, The Phenom has arguably transcended other SmackDown Superstars to reach a level of competition all his own. Never was this more evident than two days before WWE Bragging Rights, when he defended his self-proclaimed “holy grail” in a submission rematch against Punk, against incredible odds.

Despite losing the title to The Demon from Death Valley, Punk has continued to show his ability to emerge as a strong competitor for any type of match thrown at him, no matter the odds. His A-list skills, fused with an anything-to-win attitude made for a dangerous threat to The Undertaker’s gold.

The Deadman’s history of battle with Batista has been nothing short of epic. Since moving from Monday Night Raw, The Animal has been more ferocious than ever. But his momentum came to a screeching halt nine days before the Fatal Four Way when a “questionable” pin by a WWE official led Batista to lose a Friday night match against his comrade-in-arms, Mysterio.

The TNT-like assault of the ultra-athletic Rey Mysterio has been undeniable. The Master of the 619 has refused to be denied as one of the top Superstars in WWE. And though he has always considered Batista as close as a “brother” – evident two days before WWE Bragging Rights when the masked Superstar sacrificed himself for The Animal in tag team action - he made it clear from the start that he would be going for gold this Sunday. But nothing would prepare him for the madness that would ensue after the Fatal Four Way would come to a close.

Batista has turned against Rey Mysterio. And as the smoke of WWE Bragging Rights clears, one thing is certain: The two explosive Superstars could shake SmackDown and a close friendship to its very foundations.

SmackDown curses Raw

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PITTSBURGH – In the first-ever WWE Bragging Rights Tag Team Match, Team SmackDown emerged victorious when co-captain and Unified Tag Team Champion Chris Jericho pinned Kofi Kingston. (PHOTOS)

The tag team victory proved to be pivotal for SmackDown, allowing the blue brand to break the 1-1 tie with Raw on the night and take home the coveted WWE Bragging Rights trophy. (Earlier matches: The Miz def. John Morrison | SmackDown Divas def. Raw Divas)

But, the tag team victory came via perhaps one of the biggest betrayals in WWE history when Unified Tag Team Champion Big Show turned his back on Team Raw by chokeslamming Kingston, setting him up for the pinfall by Jericho. The World's Largest Athlete also turned the tables on Triple H by dropping him with a brutal punch to the head.

Earlier in the night, Raw co-captain Triple H said point blank to his teammates: “We have to win tonight.” The Game appeared to have the armaments he needed to fulfill his goal including co-captain Shawn Michaels, Big Show, Mark Henry, Cody Rhodes, Jack Swagger and Kofi Kingston.

Representing team SmackDown in the seven-on-seven encounter were co-captains Chris Jericho and Kane, along with Finlay, R-Truth, Matt Hardy & The Hart Dynasty. However, just two nights before the massive pay-per-view encounter, the makeup of Team SmackDown changed drastically when five of its original seven members were replaced in a Nine-Man Tag Team Match orchestrated by the co-captains. (PHOTOS)

With the win, SmackDown will go in the annals of WWE history as the first brand to win the WWE Bragging Rights trophy. But, the controversial win begs the question: Is SmackDown really the superior brand?

The fall-out from this epic encounter is sure to be felt for weeks to come on both Raw and SmackDown.

To witness the ramifications, don’t miss Raw this Monday at 9/8 CT on USA Network, and catch the next edition of Friday Night SmackDown at 8/7 CT on MyNetworkTV.

Iron will in the Steel City

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The Viper's Championship Legacy


PITTSBURGH—It took 60 strenuous minutes and a combined 11 falls in the Steel City for John Cena to triumphantly culminate his vile rivalry with Randy Orton, as The Champ recaptured the WWE Championship in a One Hour, Anything Goes WWE Iron Man Match at WWE Bragging Rights.

In an effort that would easily make Tony Stark envious, Cena earned six decisions to Orton’s five in this extreme variation of a WWE Iron Man Match. The Champ’s conquest not only commenced his seventh World Title reign but also preserved his exclusive residence on Monday Night Raw. (Match scorecard)

The sands of an all-important hourglass trickling away, both champion and challenger distributed assaults as vicious as they could conjure – particularly, Orton – between glances at the diminishing clock.

Leveraging the rules to his advantage, The Viper unleashed craven attacks with a TV monitor and microphone to draw blood from Cena’s skull. Despite the drip of the scarlet fluid from his forehead, the No. 1 contender fought onward, sustained only by medical technicians’ superglue which kept the wound sealed for the 40 remaining minutes of battle.

Even The Legacy emerged, damaging Cena enough for Orton to attain an additional pinfall before Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes were chased from the Mellon Arena by a chair-wielding Kofi Kingston.

When The Legend Killer discovered the pyrotechnics controls, it appeared that Cena might not even make it out of WWE Bragging Rights. Fortunately for the West Newbury warrior, he moved out of fiery harm’s way just in time before feeling the fireworks blasts on the stage.

All the heavily inflicted torture came full circle for Orton, though. Incensed and somehow still stalking the WWE Champion, Cena ravaged through his foe and mustered the gumption to collect The Viper’s scaled body for an Attitude Adjustment through the announce table.

But even that wouldn’t be the sealing blow. The seconds rapidly descending, Cena clutched The Legend Killer within the STF for a tie-breaking, final fall that crowned a new WWE Champion.

The climax of this bout puts to rest a tumultuous quest by both Orton and Cena, who’ve spent the last several months dueling for the WWE Title. One-on-one, “I Quit” Match, Hell in a Cell. They’ve traded some of the fiercest onslaughts seen in the squared circle in 2009. But, with one single hour of punishment, the 12 Rounds star, who vowed to leave Raw if he lost in Pittsburgh, concluded his epic war with The Viper.

Despite the magnitude of his success at WWE Bragging Rights, the WWE Universe should expect no boasting from Cena. Instead, he will soldier into Monday Night Raw – his established home – as a humble, yet heavily decorated warrior ready to defend the gold and prepared to demonstrate why, once again, The Champ is here.

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Bragging Rights

SmackDown vs. Raw WWE Bragging Rights Tag Match

Just as the name of the first-ever WWE Bragging Rights implies, the Superstars of Friday Night SmackDown and Monday Night Raw will meet in a massive tag team confrontation designed to determine brand supremacy.

After being introduced by Monday Night Raw special guest host Nancy O’Dell, Triple H announced that he had set up five qualifying matches to determine who he and co-captain Shawn Michaels would unite with at this unprecedented event.

Raw can definitely say it has plenty to brag about after Monday night’s results as four of the show’s most electrifying Superstars joined DX, with the final team member to be determined on Thursday when Mark Henry squares off against Chris Masters on "WWE Superstars":

Triple H
Shawn Michaels
Big Show
Cody Rhodes
Jack Swagger
Kofi Kingston

Although it won’t be easy to assemble a squad that matches Raw’s, SmackDown team captain, WWE Unified Tag Team Champion Chris Jericho will attempt to amass a team on this Friday’s SmackDown that he expects to step up to the challenge.

Offering the opportunity of a lifetime for The WWE Universe to see their favorite members of the blue and red brands' rosters cross paths, this innovative multi-Superstar encounter is sure to make history in Pittsburgh's Mellon Arena.

Be sure to catch this inaugural event on Oct. 25 at 8/7 CT, live and only on pay-per-view.

World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker vs. CM Punk vs. Batista vs. Rey Mysterio (Fatal-4-Way Match)

At WWE Bragging Rights, new World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker will defend his title in a Fatal-4-Way Match against three former Word Champions: CM Punk, Rey Mysterio and Batista.

The Deadman defeated CM Punk inside The Devil’s Playground at Hell in a Cell to win his seventh World Title. (PHOTOS) Five days later, The Straightedge Superstar stormed his way into Friday night, demanding that SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long give him his mandatory rematch on his terms. But before the issue could be resolved, Mr. McMahon emerged to “help” Long make “his” monumental announcement – the former Straightedge Champion’s rematch would be a Fatal-4-Way at WWE Bragging Rights, and it would also include The Master of the 619 and The Animal.

With his most recent acquisition of the gold, The Phenom has arguably transcended other SmackDown Superstars to reach a level of competition all his own. The Undertaker’s reputation has become as intimidating as his deadly arsenal of weapons. And now that he holds the World Title as his “holy grail,” is it conceivable that any Superstar will ever overcome his wrath?

However, in a Fatal-4-Way the odds are against The Undertaker. And because he does not have to be pinned to lose his championship, the fate of the World Title could ultimately end up out of his control.

The Undertaker’s history of battle with Batista has been nothing short of epic, and SmackDown’s “blue chip acquisition” has shown no sign that WWE Bragging Rights will be any different. Since moving from Monday Night Raw, The Animal has been more ferocious than ever, scoring victories over the likes of United Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho & Big Show, respectively. With his outrageous momentum driving this fierce competitor like never before, Batista is capable of knocking anyone off the mountain so that he can have it all to himself.

Despite losing the title to The Demon from Death Valley, Punk’s aggressive performance at Hell in a Cell will stay etched in the minds of the WWE Universe forever. He has continued to show his ability to emerge as a strong competitor for any type of match thrown at him, no matter the odds. His A-list skills, fused with an anything-to-win attitude, make the three-time World Champion a very dangerous threat to the gold.

And if the match wasn’t explosive enough already, enter the TNT-like assault of the ultra-athletic Rey Mysterio. The Master of the 619 has refused to be denied as one of the top Superstars in WWE, as his high octane-offense has continued to propel him to new heights. Second only to his heart is his barrage of dangerous maneuvers that may allow him to walk out of WWE Bragging Rights with the gold around his waist.

The fast-paced fury and unpredictable mayhem of a championship Fatal-4-Way will test four of the most dominant Superstars on SmackDown. Who will emerge with the World Heavyweight Championship? Find out live at WWE Bragging Rights, Oct. 25 at 8/7 CT, only on pay-per-view.

WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. John Cena (One Hour, Anything Goes WWE Iron Man Match)

One night after Randy Orton won the WWE Championship back within Satan’s Structure at Hell in a Cell, The Viper accepted John Cena’s challenge to defend his gold at WWE Bragging Rights in a One Hour, Anything Goes WWE Iron Man Match.

With the modification that there will be no disqualifications and no count-outs in their WWE Bragging Rights bout, the two men will tear into each other trying to accumulate as many pinfalls and submissions in the allotted time. The man with the most decisions in the end will be declared the victor and walk out as WWE Champion in what both men have agreed to be their final battle – meaning no rematch for either man no matter what happens and if Cena loses, he must leave Raw.

For months, Cena and Orton have waged war, and what the WWE Iron Man Match will do is take the hatred both these men have for each other, and use it to determine a decisive winner between the two.

Already having faced one another in a series of bouts including an “I Quit” Match and a Hell in a Cell Match this year, these men have become quite familiar with one another in the ring. Though Orton has prevailed in three out of four of the aforementioned bouts, throughout their storied careers, the two men hold a 5-5 record against one another in all-time pay-per-view matches.

To date, the WWE Iron Man Match has only come into play a handful of times, including the classic match-up pitting Shawn Michaels against Bret Hart at WrestleMania XII. As any man who has done battle in one of these legendary bouts can tell you, this ultimate test of endurance is not for the faint of heart.

Who will stand maybe the truest test of time and walk out with the gold? Find out when the first-ever WWE Bragging Rights airs Sunday, Oct. 25 live on pay-per view.

Intercontinental Champion John Morrison vs. United States Champion The Miz

As announced by United States Champion The Miz on Raw, at WWE Bragging Rights he will square off against his former tag team partner & “Dirt Sheet” co-host, Intercontinental Champion John Morrison.

In a match that will surely give one of these two talented ring warriors bragging rights over their former cohort, the duo that one referred to themselves as “the greatest tag team of the 21st century” will do battle in singles action for the first time since they were drafted to separate brands.

Morrison has a little more on the line, however, as he likely hasn’t forgotten how their longstanding partnership ended with a vicious sneak-attack by The Miz. Perhaps this match-up will see the SmackDown Superstar obtain payback for Raw’s self-proclaimed “awesome” one’s betrayal.

After both Superstars went their separate ways, they have had great amounts of success as single competitors on their different brands as evidenced by the coveted singles titles each champion has around their waist. When they collide, fireworks will fly and in the end, the WWE Universe will know which of these former allies will truly have bragging rights.

Wonder which former “Dirt Sheet” star shines brightest? Find out when the first-ever WWE Bragging Rights airs Sunday, Oct. 25 live on Pay-Per View.