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A shocking return leads to new Champs
December 30, 2005
Batista & Rey Mysterio already had a lot on their plates as they had to face MNM in a rematch for the WWE Tag Team
Championship, but The Animal also had to deal with some issues that go beyond the ring. Before the WWE Tag Team Championship
Match, Melina came to the ring, accompanied by her lawyer, and held a press conference. She claimed that two weeks ago, prior
to MNMs title defense against Batista & Mysterio, Batista sexually harassed her. She accused the World Heavyweight Champion
of being a sexual predator and using his power and influence as Champion to get whatever he wants. She claimed that he forced
her to have sexual relations, and now she is suing him for sexual harassment and all of this came out prior to Batistas WWE
Tag Team Champioship defense.
But to his credit, when talking to Josh Mathews before his match, Batista seemed unphased by the accusations. His carefree
attitude appeared to follow him inside the squared circle as well. Mysterio and Batista got off to a quick start utilizing
their unique combination of speed and power to overwhelm MNM. But a miscue by Mysterio led to him injuring his right knee.
Nitro and Mercury were like sharks smelling blood and pounced on Mysterios knee. They relentlessly attacked his injury to
the point where Mysterio could hardly stand. But Mysterio refused to give up, and his quickness overcame the injury, allowing
him to make the tag to Batista.
Batista started cleaning house and had Mercury up for the Batista Bomb. Nitro broke up the attempt, but Mysterio came
back and took Nitro to the outside with a hurricanrana. Batista hoisted Mercury up for a powerslam, but Mercurys legs took
down the ref. With the referee down, it was revealed that Melina had a secret ally. The Worlds Strongest Man, Mark Henry,
made his WWE return, and he made it in a big way. With Batistas back turned, Hendy leveled the Animal with a thunderous clothesline.
He then hoisted the World Heavyweight Champion over his head and brought him down with a monstrous powerslam the Worlds Strongest
Slam. The ref began to come to, unaware of what had transpired, and Batista was ripe for the pickings. The 1-2-3 was academic,
and MNM became WWE Tag Team Champions for the third time in less than a year.
While new WWE Tag Team Champions were crowned, there was also a chance that a new United States Champion could be crowned
as well. Booker T was ahead of Chris Benoit 3-1 in their Best of Seven Series. Booker T had taken an early 3-0 lead, but Benoit
kept his hopes alive with a huge win at Armageddon. Booker T still had the huge advantage, but he suffered an injured groin
at a live event Monday night in White Plains, NY. Due to doctors orders, Booker T was unable to compete. General Manager Theodore
Long said that due to the circumstances, Booker T would have to forfeit the fifth match in the series. Booker T was irate
at this decision, but so was Benoit. Benoit wanted to win the United States Championship, but he didnt want to take the easy
way out. They all agreed that Booker T could pick anyone on the roster to take his place in the match. If the replacement
won, then Booker T would be the new Untied States Champion. If the replacement lost, then Benoit would be right back in the
hunt, narrowing the gap to 3-2.
After dismissing Orlando Jordans request to be the replacement, Booker T found a dejected Randy Orton by himself in the
locker room. Booker motivated Orton to prove to the world that despite losing to Undertaker in Hell in a Cell hes still the
Legend Killer. Orton took Booker Ts words to heart and was confident he could take down the Rabid Wolverine.
Booker T and Sharmell joined Michael Cole and Tazz for commentary. After some back and forth action, Benoit was able to
lock in the Crossface. Orton was able to get to the ropes and escaped to the outside for a breather. Benoit wouldnt allow
it, though, and soared through the air with a suicide plancha. Back inside, Benoit went for the rolling Germans, but Orton
blocked it. Benoit came back with an ode to Eddie Guerrero and connected with the Three Amigos. He went up top, but Orton
telegraphed the diving headbutt. Benoit recovered and went for the Sharpshooter, but Orton was able to roll through it. The
Legend Killer went the RKO, but Benoit was able to reverse it into another Crossface. With Orton in trouble, Sharmell jumped
into the ring and hit Benoit with one of Booker Ts crutches, causing a disqualification. Not realizing what she had done,
Benoit was now one step closer to becoming United States Champion. Booker T still leads the series, though, 3-2. Benoits celebration
was very short-lived, as Orton laid out the Rabid Wolverine with an RKO.
Earlier in the evening, JBL came to the ring and said that he no longer has matches he just sends messages. He said that
he would send a message regardless of who the opponent was. Matt Hardy answered the challenge, hungry for revenge from Armageddon.
Hardy was able to connect with a top rope leg drop, but had a twist of Fate blocked. JBL looked primed for a comeback but
was distracted when The Boogeyman made a surprise appearance. JBL and Jillian cowered from the bizarre newcomer, as he chomped
on a fresh batch of worms. The self-proclaimed Wrestling God and his image consultant retreated through the crowd, giving
Matt Hardy a win via disqualification.
Lashley continued his path of destruction on SmackDown as well. Lashley squared off against Sylvan, and after an offensive
flurry, Sylvan retreated in fear that he would be hit in his beautiful face again causing him to lose via countout.
Plus, Psicosis & Super Crazy of The Mexicools picked up huge win over The Dicks. SmackDowns No. 1 announcer Funaki
also interviewed Cruiserweight Champion Kid Kash. Kash said that he was the greatest Cruiserweight Champion of all time and
left Funaki laying on the stage after the Dead Level.
WWE Smackdown Results
Chris Benoit Def. Randy Orton (Via DQ)
The Mexicools Def. The Dicks (Via Pin Fall)
MNM Def. Batista and Rey Mysterio (Via Pin Fall-New Tag Team Chamions)
Bobby Lashley Def. Sylvan (Via Count Out
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