WWE at Baltimore Arena (11/16/02)

Baltimore Arena

Baltimore, MD

November 16, 2002

One day out from Survivor Series and the stars of Smackdown are in Baltimore. Unlike the past week we got all new house show matches. Either this is going to be the circuit matches for the next week or this was a one night thing with Survivor Series tomorrow. Either way let's get to the action.

Match 1

Billy Kidman vs Jamie Noble (with Nidia) for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship

A Survivor Series preview as the number one contender for the Cruiserweight title gets a title shot the night before. Kidman's had his number on TV but Noble got the win after Nidia interfered.

Winner: Noble by pinfall (still Cruiserweight champion)

Match 2

Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin vs Redd Dogg and Doug Basham

Its the birth of the world's greatest tag team. Unbeknownst to anyone watching on TV, Haas and Benjamin were put together as a tag team for a future run on TV. For what? I'll reveal another time. They take on Dogg and Basham from OVW here. Haas forced Dogg to submit to win the match.

Winners: Haas and Benjamin by submission

Match 3

Funaki vs Chavo Guerrero Jr

One half of Los Guerreros takes on SMACKDOWN NUMBA WUN ANNOUNCA Funaki. Guerrero wins it with the brainbuster.

Winner: Chavo by pinfall

Match 4

D'von Dudley, Bull Buchanan and Sean O'Haire vs Chuck Palumbo, Crash Holly and Shannon Moore

Talk about a hodge podge of randomness. O'Haire hadn't been on TV in a year but D'Von and Bull weren't really partners. Same with Crash and the others. You could have had any random drawing of these six and no one would have known the difference. Palumbo got the pin on Buchanan though.

Winners: Palumbo, Holly and Moore by pinfall

Match 5

Val Venis vs Albert

This match may seem random but it was done with purpose. Big Show came out and laid out both guys then demanded Brock Lesnar face him. Lesnar ran out and they had to be separated. They had been doing this on the circuit for a week now.

Winner: No one (no contest)

Match 6

Matt Hardy vs Rikishi in a Kiss My Ass Match

Same match for weeks now. Rikishi wins and hits the stinkface on Matt, next.

Winner: Rikishi by pinfall

Match 7

John Cena and Dawn Marie vs Tajiri and Torrie Wilson

Mixed tag action but....wait a minute. I thought Torrie and Tajiri hate each other after Tajiri started mistreating her in the Spring. Guess she forgives him just enough to team with him against Cena and Dawn. Torrie pinned Dawn to win the match.

Winners: Tajiri and Torrie by pinfall

Match 8

Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle vs Edge and Rey Mysterio Jr for the WWE Tag Team Championship

One day before the triple threat tag match, Kurt and Benoit ends the show with a title shot against the champs. Mysterio hit Angle with the 619 and Edge hit the spear to get the pin to win the match. Champs retain and send the fans home happy.

Winners: Edge and Rey Mysterio by pinfall (Still tag team champs)

A little bit of some new matches with some standard like the Kiss My Ass match. Watch for Haas and Benjamin in the future and the other OVW guys who were on the verge of getting the call. As some of the Velocity and Heat jobbers start to faze out, you'll be seeing new guys soon. As for the rest of the card, it definitely sounded interesting on paper. Chavo vs Funaki could have been a sleeper and Edge & Rey vs Angle & Benoit was always good. We're inching closer and closer to Survivor Series but we have one last piece of business first....tonight's Velocity. I'll see you there.

WWE at Wheeling Civic Center (11/11/02)

Wheeling Civic Center

Wheeling, WV

November 11, 2002

Never understood why Vince McMahon decided to hold house shows for Smackdown on the same night Raw was broadcasting. Not to mention tonight they're in West Virginia of all places. Still, Vince wanted to make sure every small town in the US had a chance to see guys live, which is the double edged sword. We're running the same card tonight as they've run all weekend so let's get to it.

Match 1

Val Venis, Eric Angle and Shelton Benjamin vs D'Von Dudley, Ron Simmons and Bull Buchanan

Same match as all weekend with the same exact result. Val Venis takes it with the Money Shot.

Winners: Venis, Angle and Benjamin by pinfall

Match 2

Tajiri vs Crash Holly vs Jamie Noble for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in a 3 Way Dance

Tajiri pinned Crash Holly with the buzz kick but Noble rolled up Tajiri and hooked the tights to win the match.

Winner: Noble by pinfall (still Cruiserweight champion)

Match 3

John Cena and Doug Basham vs Billy Kidman and Chuck Palumbo

Cena and Kidman had a falling out after their loss in the tag title tournament which led to Cena's heel turn. Here, he's got OVW alumni Doug Basham and Kidman teams with Chuck Palumbo, who's lost without Billy Gunn. Palumbo pinned Basham here.

Winners: Kidman and Palumbo by pinfall

Match 4

Matt Hardy vs Rikishi in a Kiss My Ass match

Here we go again with another Kiss My Ass match. Rikishi wins and hits Matt with the stinkface after, next.

Winner: Rikishi by pinfall

Match 5

Albert vs Chris Benoit

Same thing from yesterday. Big Show comes out, lays out both guys, calls out Brock Lesnar, Lesnar runs out and starts a fight. Everyone breaks them up. 6 more days till Survivor Series.

Winner: No one (no contest)

Match 6

Dawn Marie vs Torrie Wilson in a Bra & Panties Match

Same match from yesterday with the same result, Torrie wins.

Winner: Torrie

Match 7

Los Guerreros (Eddie and Chavo Jr) vs Edge and Rey Mysterio for the WWE Tag Team Championship

Same match as the entire weekend with the same result, the faces get the double pin to retain.

Winners: Edge and Mysterio by pinfall

Survivor Series was just six days away and there's still no matches signed apart from Lesnar vs Big Show. Raw had the Elimination Chamber and Trish vs Victoria, maybe this week will shed some light on the subject. Too bad the gimmick matches like Kiss My Ass and Bra & Panties had to take center stage with Kurt Angle and others not wrestling. Tonight's Raw is next so I'll see you there.

WWE at Carver Arena (11/10/02)

 

Carver Arena

Peoria, IL

November 10, 2002

The stars of Smackdown head to Peoria, Illinois for a Sunday house show one week before Survivor Series. Thankfully this show seems to be different than last night's one. That's definitely a good thing. So let's get right to it.

Match 1

D'Von Dudley, Ron Simmons and Bull Buchanan vs Eric Angle, Shelton Benjamin and Val Venis

Six man tag action to start with Kurt's older brother Eric teaming with the rookie Shelton and the veteran Val against the mean looking fellas. Venis pinned Buchanan after a money shot.

Winners: Shelton, Angle and Venis by pinfall

Match 2

Crash Holly vs Nathan Jones

The monster from Australia gets Crash Holly on this house show. Jones crushes Holly with the full nelson slam for the win.

Winner: Jones by pinfall

Match 3

Tajiri vs Jamie Noble for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship

Billy Kidman seemed to be next in line for a Cruiserweight title shot but they're gonna run this Tajiri feud into the ground first. You know the drill, Noble hooks the tights to get the pin.

Winner: Noble by pinfall (still Cruiserweight champion)

Match 4

Billy Kidman and Chuck Palumbo vs Doug Basham and John Cena

The OVW stars Basham and Cena team up to face Kidman and Palumbo. Kidman takes it with the 7 Year Itch on Cena.

Winners: Kidman and Palumbo by pinfall

Match 5

Matt Hardy vs Rikishi in a Kiss My Ass Match

Wonder who Matt pissed off to draw this assignment again and again. Still, Rikishi wins with the banzai drop and gives Matt the stinkface after.

Winner: Rikishi by pinfall

Match 6

Albert vs Chris Benoit

Now this looks interesting. The big bad Albert finally meets someone he can't intimidate, Benoit.....too bad the match is a no contest. Why? Big Show came in, laid out both guys and demanded Brock Lesnar to come out. Lesnar ran out but everyone held back the two men.

Winner: No one (no contest)

Match 7

Dawn Marie vs Torrie Wilson in a Bra & Panties Match

Standard diva trope of the time which sees Torrie "win" by stripping Dawn Marie down. Wonder if Al Wilson was watching.

Winner: Wilson

Match 8

Los Guerreros (Eddie and Chavo Jr) vs Edge and Rey Mysterio Jr for the WWE Tag Team Championship

Our main event is the same as last night's with the exact same result. Edge and Rey get the double pin on Chavo and Eddie to retain.

Winners: Edge and Mysterio by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)

Kind of sad how Kurt Angle didn't work on this card with Eric on it. House shows were usually a waste of time at this point so they could have had Eric and Kurt face Ron Simmons and D'Von for all anyone cared. Lesnar didn't face Big Show in the ring apart from the scrum in the middle so maybe Vince came to his senses to save the match for Survivor Series. The next show after this is tonight's Sunday Night Heat so I'll see you there.

WWE at Champaign Assembly Hall (11/9/02)

Champaign Assembly Hall

Champaign, IL

November 9, 2002

The stars of Smackdown have come to Champaign, Illinois for a special house show just eight days before Survivor Series. Brock Lesnar got manhandled by Big Show who also squashed Matt Hardy that night. Let's see if the storylines on the house show cards have changed or if its the same old matches.

Match 1

Albert vs Rikishi in a Kiss My Ass Match

Right off the bat the answer is NO as we get yet another Kiss My Ass match featuring Albert and Rikishi. Naturally Rikishi hits the superkick, gets the pin and hits the stinkface on Albert.

Winner: Rikishi by pinfall

Match 2

Doug Basham and Bull Buchanan vs Eric Angle and Shelton Benjamin

Yes, you read that right, ERIC Angle got some work in on this OVW match. For those that don't know, Eric is one of Kurt Angle's older brothers although he's the closest in age. He wrestled for Waynesburg University after high school. Eric was still hanging around as Buchanan was due to get a repackage. Basham and Benjamin are the prospects so to speak. Benjamin pinned Basham after a tornado DDT.

Winners: Angle and Benjamin by pinfall

Match 3

Val Venis vs Nathan Jones

The beast from Australia faces the veteran Venis here. Venis missed the money shot and Jones pinned him after a full nelson slam.

Winner: Jones by pinfall

Match 4

Tajiri vs Jamie Noble for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship

Same old shit here as Noble defends against Tajiri for the one millionth time. Noble gets the pin using the tights to retain.

Winner: Noble by pinfall (Still Cruiserweight champion)

Match 5

Big Show vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship

I'll never understand why Vince McMahon insisted on house show matches featuring your upcoming main events. This was never intended to be televised but they had a chance for a Hogan/Andre story here, could have at least held off. Worse, Lesnar gets the pin after cracking Show with a steel chair.

Winner: Lesnar by pinfall (still WWE Champion)

Match 6

D'Von Dudley and Ron Simmons vs Crash Holly and Chuck Palumbo

Palumbo was completely lost without Billy Gunn at this time so they threw Holly in there to give him a partner against D'Von and Simmons. D'Von pinned Crash to win the match.

Winners: Simmons and Dudley by pinfall

Match 7

John Cena and Dawn Marie vs Billy Kidman and Torrie Wilson

The same match from Rebellion was going around the house show circuit. Marie had an inside cradle on Wilson but Kidman reversed it to win the match.

Winners: Kidman and Wilson by pinfall

Match 8

Chris Benoit vs Matt Hardy

Then now ex-tag team champion faces Mattitude on this house show. Benoit rolled through the twist of fate and won it with the crippler crossface.

Winner: Benoit by submission

Match 9

Los Guerreros (Eddie and Chavo Jr) vs Edge and Rey Mysterio Jr for the WWE Tag Team Championship

Los Guerreros get their title shot on a house show against the new champions. The ref counted a double pin when Edge hit the spear on Eddie and Rey hit the springboard legdrop after the 619 on Chavo.

Winners: Edge and Mysterio by pinfall (still Tag Team Champions)

This show definitely varied in quality depending on the match for sure. Rikishi vs Albert doesn't sound appealing and anytime Dawn Marie and Torrie have to wrestle, its a chore. Tajiri vs Noble had gotten old but Benoit vs Hardy sounds fun along with the double main event. We're 8 days out from Survivor Series and apart from Lesnar vs Big Show, there aren't any Smackdown matches announced yet. Hopefully tonight's Velocity will give some answers. Before that, we have the Raw Saturday house show in Philadelphia at the First Union Center. I'll see you there.

WWE at Bangor Auditorium (11/4/02)

Bangor Auditorium

Bangor, Maine

November 4, 2002

For some stupid reason Vince McMahon decided to have his Smackdown crew do a live show the same night as Raw was on. Smackdown shows had been damn good but what was the harm in giving the crew a day off and come back on Tuesday? But, that's Vince for you. So many lives and careers ended prematurely due to the stress of the road schedule. Despite all that, this looks to be a great show with most of the same card they had been running in Pennsylvania the last two days.

Match 1

Doug Basham and Bull Buchanan vs Sean O'Haire and Crash Holly

No Shelton Benjamin this time as Crash Holly takes his place against Basham and Buchanan. The office was taking a look at Basham and O'Haire and liked what they saw. Holly and O'Haire got the duke.

Winners: O'Haire and Holly

Match 2

Shelton Benjamin vs Val Venis

Val had been Nathan Jones' punching bag during the Pennsylvania trip so here he's matched up with another OVW prospect, Shelton Benjamin. Val won the match over the newcomer with the Money Shot.

Winner: Venis by pinfall

Match 3

Albert vs Rikishi

Albert had been receiving a lot of stinkfaces lately when matched up against Rikishi in Kiss My Ass matches. This time Albert gets the win with a big kick to the face.

Winner: Albert by pinfall

Match 4

D'Von Dudley and Ron Simmons vs Sho Funaki and Chuck Palumbo

Like I said in yesterday's writeup, why they didn't just stick Palumbo and O'Haire together with Billy Gunn injured I'll never know. Either way D'Von pinned Funaki to give the win to him and Simmons.

Winners: Dudley and Simmons by pinfall

Match 5

Big Show vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship

With the writing on the wall these two were going to meet at Survivor Series, Vince brought the match to the house show circuit to build some chemistry. Lesnar pinned Show after the F-5....good thing that wasn't on TV.

Winner: Lesnar by pinfall (Still WWE Champion)

Match 6

Tajiri vs Jamie Noble for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship

Once again Tajiri gets a crack at the Cruiserweight championship and once again Jamie Noble pins him to keep the title.

Winner: Noble by pinfall (Still Cruiserweight champion)

Match 7

Billy Kidman and Torrie Wilson vs John Cena and Dawn Marie

Just like in PA, the mixed tag match came to Bangor, Maine as well. Getting close to Cena's home town but still can't get a win as Wilson pins Marie after a swinging neckbreaker.

Winners: Wilson and Kidman by pinfall

Match 8

Matt Hardy vs Chris Benoit

Once again, no Kurt Angle as Benoit goes solo against V1. Once again Benoit countered the Twist of Fate with the Crippler Crossface to win the match.

Winner: Benoit by submission

Match 9

Los Guerreros (Chavo and Eddie) vs Edge and Rey Mysterio Jr

The main event remains the same with Los Guerreros taking on Edge and Mysterio. Edge won the match by hitting the spear on Chavo.

Winners: Edge and Mysterio by pinfall

This sounds like a great show and too bad house shows weren't televised or recorded at the time. Lesnar vs Big Show was being groomed for the Smackdown main event for Survivor Series and the OVW guys were about to be brought up at some point or another. The next show is tonight's Monday Night Raw. Can this one not suck for once? Let's find out, I'll see you there.

WWE at Stabler Arena (11/3/02)

Stabler Arena

Bethlehem, PA

November 3, 2002

While the stars of Raw were galivanting around Canada, the stars of Smackdown were booked on a tour of Pennsylvania. On television, Smackdown was number one in the world with incredible talent and great matches going on every week. The house shows may not have been drawing very well but the action must have been great. Let's see what this one had to offer.

Match 1

Albert vs Rikishi in a Kiss My Ass match

Poor Albert. He had been booked in these kind of matches with Rikishi for months and ended up taking the stink face every time. Rikishi once admitted in a shoot interview that he had two separate pairs of tights. One he'd wear against guys he was friends with or just happened to be working with that he'd wash out of respect, and a different pair he'd reserve for someone he didn't like or Vince wanted punished. I'm hoping Albert got the washed ones because Rikishi won the match with a superkick and gave him the stinkface after.

Winner: Rikishi by pinfall.

Match 2

Sean O'Haire and Shelton Benjamin vs Bull Buchanan and Doug Basham

Its an OVW showcase match as top prospects Shelton Benjamin and Doug Basham were paired with WCW veteran Sean O'Haire and WWE vet Buchanan in a rematch from yesterday's show. This time Basham and Buchanan takes it when Basham pinned Benjamin.

Winners: Basham & Buchanan by pinfall

Match 3

Val Venis vs Nathan Jones

Another rematch from yesterday with the 6'11 behemoth taking on the veteran Val Venis. Nathan won it with a full nelson slam.

Winner: Jones by pinfall

Match 4

Billy Kidman and Torrie Wilson vs John Cena and Dawn Marie

Real life husband and wife Kidman and Torrie once again face the team of Cena and Dawn. Knowing what's to come for Cena makes this even funnier. Luckily his performance on Halloween Smackdown had him destined for better things. Unfortunately for him, Kidman takes it with a shooting star press.

Winners: Kidman and Wilson by pinfall

Match 5

Big Show vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship

As mentioned yesterday, before the internet got advanced and smart phones were invented, WWE would have main event matches on the house show circuit as previews for their big ppv matches. The only ones who saw them were the people there live so they didn't have to worry about anything spoiled on TV. Lesnar retained the title with an inside cradle.

Winner: Lesnar by pinfall (still WWE Champion)

Match 6

D'Von Dudley and Ron Simmons vs Chuck Palumbo and Sho Funaki

Yet another rematch from yesterday where Smackdown was trying to establish a tag team of Simmons and Dudley against the makeshift team of Palumbo and Funaki. Why WWE didn't want Palumbo and O'Haire together like in WCW I'll never know. Unlike yesterday, D'Von got the pin on Funaki.

Winners: Dudley and Simmons by pinfall

Match 7

Crash Holly vs Tajiri vs Jamie Noble for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in a 3 Way Dance

If you're not familiar with ECW. They had 3 way matches but elimination style known as 3 Way Dance. WWE incorporated triple threat matches in 1998 and this one is elimination style. Noble took Crash Holly out with a Tiger Bomb and hooked the tights on Tajiri on a pin attempt to keep his title.

Winner: Noble by pinfall

Match 8

Chris Benoit vs Matt Hardy

Kurt Angle had the night off apparently as one half of the tag champs, Benoit gets his hand on V1 Matt Hardy. Benoit countered the Twist of Fate with the crippler crossface to win the match.

Winner: Benoit by submission

Match 9

Los Guerreros (Eddie and Chavo) vs Edge and Rey Mysterio Jr

Just like yesterday, the main event would be arguably the best match of the night. Edge & Mysterio had developed good chemistry together and of course the Guerreros had been together since childhood. Mysterio got the duke when he took out Chavo with the West Coast Pop.

Winners: Edge and Mysterio by pinfall

Pretty much the same show from yesterday which was common on the house show circuit leading up to a ppv. Lesnar vs Big Show was clearly going to be the main event of Survivor Series (Smackdown side anyway) so they had them work together here to get the bugs out. Nathan Jones was going to be Smackdown's answer to Batista so they had him start out strong. All in all it was a solid card for a solid group that was putting on great shows together. The next show after this would be Sunday Night Heat so I'll see you there.

WWE at First Union Arena (11/2/02)

First Union Arena

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

November 2, 2002

With the stars of Raw up in Halifax, Nova Scotia on this Saturday night, the stars of Smackdown were in Wilkes-Barre for tonight's house show. Smackdown was on fire with several great feuds and top tier talent so this show should rock the house. WWE Champion Brock Lesnar defends against Big Show as a preview of their upcoming Survivor Series match, WWE Cruiserweight Champion Jamie Noble defends in a triple threat against Crash Holly and Tajiri, one half of the Tag Team champs Chris Benoit faces Matt Hardy in singles action and in the main event, Edge & Rey Mysterio Jr take on Los Guerreros. Let's get to the action.

Match 1

Chuck Palumbo and Funaki vs D'Von Dudley and Ron Simmons

Kind of a weird opener but as mentioned before, Billy Gunn was on the shelf and Palumbo was left on his own while D'Von was ditching the Reverend gimmick. Ron Simmons also ditched the Faarooq name 4 years too late so everyone was in some form of transition. Funaki got the pin on D'Von to win the match.

Winners: Palumbo and Funaki by pinfall

Match 2

Val Venis vs Nathan Jones

Its the WWE debut for the one and only Nathan Jones. Who is Nathan Jones? He was a convicted armed robber in Australia who learned how to powerlift while in prison. After competing in Strongman competitions after he got out of the clink, he became a pro wrestler in 2001. He was originally courted by WWE in 2001 but his criminal history gave him visa issues that weren't resolved until now. Now, the legit 6 foot 11 monster is unleashed. He pinned Val Venis to win the match.

Winner: Nathan Jones by pinfall

Match 3

Doug Basham and Bull Buchanan vs Sean O'Haire and Shelton Benjamin

Its an OVW explosion as some of the top stars from OVW get showcased on this house show. For those that don't know, Sean O'Haire was a WCW star before coming to WWF in the Invasion. He'd been in OVW since just looking for the right gimmick. We've already established Shelton Benjamin as one half of the Minnesota Wrecking Crew in OVW with Brock Lesnar and obviously Bull is a WWE guy and Basham we've already established. O'Haire and Bull won the match. It was only a matter of time before O'Haire, Shelton and Doug got the call.

Winners: O'Haire and Benjamin.

Match 4

Crash Holly vs Tajiri vs Jamie Noble for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in a triple threat match

Double the trouble for Noble as he has to face Holly and Tajiri in this one. Tajiri hit the buzz kick on Holly but Noble threw him out of the ring and got the pin on Crash to retain.

Winner: Noble by pinfall (still Cruiserweight champion)

Match 5

Big Show vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship

It was pretty common to have ppv main events on house shows for a test run so to speak, also to make sure they have enough chemistry for when they go at it on ppv. Back then there were no smart phones and internet was in its infancy so for a match not seen before like this, it wouldn't be ruined unless you watched the ppv after going to this show in Wilkes-Barre. Lesnar won but it doesn't say how.

Winner: Lesnar (still WWE Champion)

Match 6

Matt Hardy vs Chris Benoit

V1 walks smack into the rabid wolverine in a one on one encounter with Kurt Angle not on the card. Hardy went for Twist of Fate but Chris countered with the crossface for the submission victory.

Winner: Benoit by submission

Match 7

John Cena and Dawn Marie vs Billy Kidman and Torrie Wilson

The same exact match from Rebellion with only a bit of difference. Cena started his rapping gimmick on Smackdown and now he was basically playing Eminem from now on. Speaking of which, 8 Mile was coming out in six days from this date. Kidman and Torrie won the match.

Winners: Kidman and Wilson

Match 8

Albert vs Rikishi in a Kiss My Ass Match

Another match from Rebellion. Same result, Rikishi wins and hits the stinkface on Albert.

Winner: Rikishi

Match 9

Edge and Rey Mysterio Jr vs Los Guerreros (Eddie and Chavo Jr)

Edge and Rey got the win when both men pinned both opponents at the same time.

Winners: Mysterio and Edge by pinfall

Smackdown was about to debut a generational gimmick and showcase a match never seen before in Lesnar and Big Show. Also having the ongoing Benoit vs Angle feud and the Guerreros doing their best to be pests. It was all adding up to must see TV. Shelton Benjamin was also about to make his debut as well. Smackdown was definitely the place to be even if their only weakness was women's wrestling. Oh well, nothing is perfect. Up next is this week's Velocity so I'll see you there.

WWE Velocity (10/5/02)

WWE Velocity

Cajundome

Lafayette, Louisiana

October 5, 2002

Commentators: Mark "Dorkus Malorkus" Lloyd and Michael Cole

Ring Announcer: Tony Chimel

Before I get anywhere, there will be no recaps this week because they've been lost to time. We start with a promo from Funaki, SMACKDOWN NUMBA WUN ANNOUNCA, 2 weeks ago he got beat up by Albert after Funaki beat him. We see a highlight of that match then back to Funaki who's with John Cena now. Funaki calls Albert a bully and Cena says he's the only bully who would steal lunch money and actually use it for lunch. Cena then says Albert hit puberty differently as his body grew hair before his head did (har de har har). Cena says nobody bullies John Cena and he's taking Albert out tonight. Funaki sends us to our intro. Now, THAT is what I'm talking about. Sunday Night Heat in 2000 would have mini one night storylines with the B show guys, they should do this more often for Velocity and Heat rather than straight cold matches. We go right to the match.

Match 1

Albert vs John Cena

Its the battle for Boston with Cena from West Newburyport and Albert from Peabody, Massachusetts. Cena comes out with gold tights that would have been perfect for Shelton Benjamin years later. They circle to start and Cena gets thrown down to start. Albert sends Cena off and drops him with a shoulderblock. Cena gets in an arm ringer as Cole and Lloyd start babbling about Brock Lesnar and Undertaker. Cena rallies with right hands in the corner and executes a drop toe hold. Albert is frustrated and takes over with right hands and a whip into the other corner. Albert works over Cena with knees and strikes as Cole and Lloyd are STILL babbling about it. Albert covers for a two count and Albert gives him an Indian burn...ouch.  Cena rallies with right hands but Albert counters with an avalanche in the corner. Albert covers for a deuce and Albert is mad at the ref. Albert clotheslines Cena and covers

for another two count. Albert places Cena horizontally across the top rope and clubs with forearms. Cena gets up and dropkicks Albert down, but Albert continues to slug away. Cena gets the upperhand, reverses a powerslam into a back suplex and covers for 1...2....noooo. More right hands by Cena ends with Albert hitting the bicycle kick. Albert covers for 1..2......nooooo, Cena got the shoulder up at the last second. Cena hits a back sidewalk slam and covers for 1...2....3 to win the match. Cena does the Word Life pose without that being the name yet. Kind of a slog until the very end, Cena definitely paid his dues along the way.

Time of match: 5:20

Winner: Cena by pinfall

Lloyd hypes up the upcoming Cruiserweight match between Shannon Moore and Tajiri before we go to break. Back from break we get a recap of the bikini contest between Torrie Wilson and Dawn Marie....only because Michael Cole alluded to it before the end of the Cena match. Torrie wins and Dawn heaves her outside. We go to break again and back from break is our next match.

Match 2

Billy Kidman vs Doug Basham

This should be a better match than the first. Bell's gone and Basham starts with forearms but eats a hurracarana by Kidman. Basham sends him up and over but Kidman flips in only to get a thumb to the eye. Basham slingshots Kidman over the top rope to the floor. Outside Basham sends Kidman into the barricade and rolls him back inside. Basham covers for a deuce and stomps away at him. Basham hits a snap suplex then a second one. He covers for a deuce then locks in a camel clutch. Basham rakes the eyes and somehow turns it into a pinning combo. Kidman hits a backslide for a deuce then Basham hits a sidewalk slam but the cover only gets a near fall. Basham locks in a bow and arrow for a second then let's go. Basham stomps on Kidman in the corner and whips him back first into the buckle. Basham does a bow and arrow against the ring post and breaks it off before the five count. Doug scoop slams Kidman then goes upstairs. Doug goes for the axehandle smash but Kidman dropkicks him down. Kidman rallies with a forearm, a dropkick and a bulldog. Billy covers for a deuce but runs into a spinebuster. He covers for 1...2...nope. Basham ducks under a lariat and hits a flying legline. He covers for two then goes for a powerbomb. Kidman counters with an enziguiri and covers for 1....2...nope. Basham recovers to hit a Russian leg sweep then goes back upstairs. Basham hits the guillotine legdrop and covers for 1....2...NOOOOO, Cole is stunned that Kidman kicked out. Basham sets up Kidman on the top rope and goes for the superplex but Kidman hits the X-Factor from off the top rope. He puts Basham in position and hits the Seven Year Itch. He covers for 1...2...3...to win the match. Dorkus Malorkus says Kidman beat the "rookie" Basham even though Doug started wrestling a full year (1993) before Kidman did (1994). That was a damn good match for what it was, Basham deserved better.

Time of match: 6:36

Winner: Kidman by pinfall

Since we have no recaps in this recording I found of Velocity, we just go to the main event.

Match 3

Shannon Moore vs Tajiri

Shannon actually gets a nice pop during his entrance and they circle to start. Shannon and Tajiri exchange go-behinds and a chain sequence to start. Lloyd says Matt Hardy wants to be number one contender as Matt's real life friend Shannon gets kicked by Tajiri for his troubles. Tajiri puts the boots to Shannon in the corner as Shannon tries to fight back. Tajiri starts working the right leg of Shannon and taunts the crowd, reminding them he's the heel. Tajiri kicks away at the right leg and locks in a leg lock. Cole and Lloyd babble on about Brock Lesnar and Undertaker....I know they're being instructed to do it but its still annoying. Shannon hits a sunset flip out of nowhere and Cole literally has to ignore it to finish his chain of thought about Undertaker's broken hand. Tajiri then starts working over the left leg and does a dragon screw. Tajiri tells the crowd to stick it then continues to work over the left leg. Shannon hits a dropkick and ignores his "injury". He clothesline's Tajiri twice and scoop slams him. Shannon hits a running blockbuster and covers for a deuce. Shannon hits a hurracarana and covers for a deuce. Tajiri goes for the handstand elbow but Shannon counters with a dropkick to the back. Moore covers for 1...2...nope. Moore goes for the Halo but misses. Tajiri loads up for the Buzz Kick but Shannon ducks, Tajiri counters a hurricarana and knocks Shannon cold with a savate kick. Tajiri covers for 1..2....3 to win the match. Not as good as the previous match mostly due to they wasted too much time with the alternating leg spot. Still a good match though.

Time of match: 5:15

Winner: Tajiri by pinfall

We don't even get final thoughts from Cole and Lloyd, they just send us straight to WWE Confidential. If you don't remember what that was, it was "Mean" Gene Okerlund hosting a 60 Minutes like show for a while. As for Velocity, two of the three matches were good and the Boston battle may not have been good, but fun for personal reasons. Tomorrow is another double shot with the stars of Raw in Reno, Nevada with Smackdown heading to San Angelo, Texas. See you all in San Angelo.

WWE at Monroe Civic Center (9/30/02)

Monroe Civic Center

Monroe, Louisiana

September 30, 2002

While the stars of Raw were preparing for Monday Night Raw in Houston, the stars of Smackdown had a house show in Monroe, Louisiana for some stupid reason. Wouldn't Vince want more people to watch Raw? Why run a house show on the same night? Either way, let's get to the matches.

Match 1

Shannon Moore vs Chavo Guerrero Jr

Cruiserweight action from ex-WCW stars to start this one. Chavo wins the match.

Winner: Chavo Guerrero Jr

Match 2

Albert, Bull Buchanan and Shelton Benjamin vs John Cena, Batista and Doug Basham

Talk about a hodge podge of veterans and Ohio Valley Wrestling alumni. Batista, Cena and Basham were considered future studs and its a shame only two got their proper chance. Shelton Benjamin was destined for good things as well. Cena's team wins it.

Winners: Cena, Batista and Basham

Match 3

Rey Mysterio Jr vs Jamie Noble (with Nidia) for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship

Two more ex-WCW cruiserweights in Mysterio and Jamie-san. Mysterio went for the hip hop drop but Nidia held the leg, allowing Noble to lay on top for the three count, retaining the title.

Winner: Noble by pinfall (still Cruiserweight champion)

Match 4

Reverend D'Von and Faarooq vs Billy and Chuck

Faarooq and D'Von had been teaming lately in house shows to develop some chemistry for some on-screen matches. Billy and Chuck got the win though.

Winners: Billy and Chuck

Match 5

Torrie Wilson vs Dawn Marie in a Bra & Panties Match with Val Venis as guest referee

Since neither Wilson or Dawn could wrestle, they had a Bra & Panties match. Naturally Torrie won.

Winner: Torrie Wilson

Match 6

Kurt Angle vs Edge

The big hair vs hair rematch between Kurt and Edge ends how the last one did, with Edge coming out on top.

Winner: Edge

Match 7

Matt Hardy vs Rikishi in a Kiss My Ass match

Don't even have to begin to pretend who was going to win this one. Rikishi wins the match and hits Matt with the stink face.

Winner: Rikishi by pinfall

Match 8

Chris Benoit vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship

Usually it was Edge to get the title shot but tonight its Chris Benoit's turn. Lesnar wins with the F-5 to retain the championship.

Winner: Lesnar by pinfall (still WWE Champion)

Another standard Smackdown card although some of the heavy hitters like Eddie Guerrero and The Undertaker aren't there. Taker had a baby on the way and had been there long enough for Vince to give him some leeway. Either way the rest of the card looked good. Edge vs Angle probably delivered the goods and Benoit vs Lesnar would have been interesting. Like mentioned earlier, while this show was going on Monday Night Raw was being held in Houston. I'll see yall there.

WWE Velocity (9/28/02)

September 28, 2002

San Diego Sports Center

San Diego, CA

Commentators: Mark "Dorkus Malorkus" Lloyd and Tazz

Ring announcer: Tony Chimel

This week's velocity was taped Tuesday night before Smackdown and we got three matches. Billy Kidman vs Crash Holly, Shannon Moore vs Doug Basham and Reverend D'Von vs John Cena. No Albert this week? What is this herecy? The recaps should be fun as well since we had one of the best Smackdowns of all time on Thursday. Dorkus Malorkus and Tazz welcome us before sending us to our first match.

Match 1

Crash Holly vs Billy Kidman

We start the night with cruiserweight action between Kidman and Crash. They shake hands to start and they chain wrestle while the crowd chants "Let's go Elroy!" Crash goes up and over in the corner but Kidman fakes him out when he does it. Kidman hits a flying back elbow smash then sends Crash through the ropes to the outside with a head scissors. Kidman misses a baseball slide to the floor and Crash powerbombs him against the barricade. Tazz is trying to babble on about Brock Lesnar as he's instructed to do by whoever is in his ear, but he gets distracted by the cool looking powerbomb. This is why I hate C shows. Tazz wants to enjoy the match but they're instructed to promote Smackdown, Unforgiven, No Mercy and the upcoming presidential election if Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunn tell them to. Back inside Crash covers for a deuce and hits a scoop slam. Another cover gets only a 1 and Crash locks in a surfboard. Dorkus Malorkus and Tazz continue to yap about Lesnar and Taker. A backbreaker by Crash also gets a two count and locks in a camel clutch. Crash lets him go and jumps on his back then re-applies it. Kidman powers out if it and catches Crash with an inside cradle for a two count. Kidman rallies with a series of clotheslines but misses a charge in the corner. Crash rolls him up and puts his feet on the ropes for 1...2....no. Tazz says referee Jimmy Korderas can't use the excuse his hair got in his eyes because he doesn't have any. Kidman counters a scoop slam with a sit down powerbomb for 1...2...noooo. Crash counters a bulldog and hits one of his own before covering for 1...2....noooo. Crash gets frustrated and Kidman hits an enziguiri. Kidman goes upstairs for the Seven Year Itch but Crash counters and does the Crash Landing for 1...2.....3 to win the match. Solid effort by both men including some good high spots to tell a story. Crash gets the duke as Dorkus Malorkus says Crash has been on a roll on Velocity lately.

Time of match: 4:34

Winner: Crash Holly by pinfall

Before we go to commercial we go to our recap portion and naturally its the amazing No DQ match between Edge and Eddie Guerrero that was half-ladder match. Too bad Edge legitimately injured his neck because to this day that was one of the best Smackdown matches ever. We also get more highlights of the Wrestlemania 19 press conference before we get to our next match.

Match 2

Shannon Moore vs Doug Basham

Moore was making a name of himself on Smackdown as Matt Hardy's lackey but Basham was just waiting for a spot to open up. Basham was one of those guys that spent way too long in the indies/developmental as he was already 31 by this point, which isn't his fault since WCW and ECW bit the dust a year earlier. Like I mentioned in another review, Doug had an incredible match with Chris Benoit a few weeks earlier so all eyes were on him. Tazz gives a shout out to Ohio Valley Wrestling as Dorkus Malorkus says "rookies" like Basham ask Tazz for advice. HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Basham was a 9 year veteran at this point, mentored by "Nitro" Danny davis and Jim Cornette. With all due respect, what the hell could Tazz tell him? Moore gets in an arm-ringer and Basham misses a charge in the corner. Moore hits a dropkick and a hurricarana but the cover only gets two. Moore's charge eats ring post and Basham hits a drop toe hold into the second rope. Basham covers for a two and he rams Shannon's head into the corner. Doug hits a clothesline in the corner as Dorkus correctly tells us Moore trained with the Hardy boys (so did Hurricane). Basham locks in a neck lock as the crowd chants "You suck" at Basham. Tazz says both his grandfather and father were named Tazz but his real life father stole the show on Before They Were Superstars. Mr. Senerchia said "I tell my son in high school NO DRUGS! You do drugs, I break your legs, you don't go out! No drugs!" To my knowledge Tazz was never involved in any shenanigans in the ECW locker room so heeded his father's words. Basham takes Matt down and they kind of botch an inverted power bomb into a bulldog spot causing the crowd to boo loudly. A charge by Basham in the corner eats boot and Shannon rallies with forearms. Shannon goes up and over and hits a bodypress for 1...2..no. Shannon hits a spinning heel kick and a rolling neckbreaker. Shannon covers for 1...2...nope. Shannon comes off the ropes and Basham counters with a jumping leg drop....nice. Basham covers and gets 2 and 3/4 before setting Shannon up on the top rope. Shannon elbows Doug off and hits a Halo (modified whil-o-whisp) then covers for 1...2....3 to win the match. Kind of a sloppy match but they only had four minutes and probably called it on the fly. Still, some of the spots worked. Tazz says "shades of Jeff Hardy" which is what Dorkus alluded to earlier.

Time of match: 4:12

Winner: Moore by pinfall

Our next recap is the brilliant main event from Smackdown where Rey Mysterio Jr defeated Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit in a triple threat match. Benoit and Angle were so bloodthirsty to destroy each other Rey snuck in and stole the victory. If it wasn't for Eddie vs Edge, that would have been the talk of the week. After that Tazz says our main event will be John Cena against Reverand D'Von. Back from break we get a recap of Brock Lesnar taking out Funaki and busting open The Undertaker after Taker beats up the "ingrate" Matt Hardy. Again, one of the best Smackdown's of all time so I can see why this episode dedicated so much time to the recaps. Let's get to our main event.

Match 3

Reverand D'Von vs John Cena

Where have we seen this before? Cena does the "Word Life" pose despite not having the gimmick yet. They lock up to start and Cena gets the upper hand in the corner. Tazz brings up what I mentioned earlier that the triple threat got overshadowed by Edge vs Eddie Guerrero. Its funny how this Velocity was taped before the very same Smackdown they're mentioning in past tense, gotta love syndication. D'Von misses a line in the corner and eats an armdrag. Cena hits a hiptoss and another arm drag as the announcers mention "ruthless aggression". Cena hits a body press for a two count and another arm drag. The crowd chants "we want tables" as Cena rolls up D'Von for another two count. D'Von sends Cena ass over tea kettle to the outside. Cena gets on the apron and does a face plant to the floor when D'Von hits a forearm. D'Von rolls him inside and puts the boots to him. Some dude in the crowd chants "Cena sucks!" as D'Von rakes the eyes. Cena rallies with strikes and a clothesline, covering for a two count. D'Von hits a lariat on Cena and puts the boots to him again. A cover gets a deuce as Dorkus Malorkus starts babbling about Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker again (I'd love for Lloyd to tell whoever is in his ear to stick it). The crowd chants "boring" as D'Von misses a second rope elbow. Cena hits a series of clotheslines and an atomic drop. A dropkick by Cena gets 1...2....nope. Cena hits a spinning fisherman's suplex (!) and covers for a deuce. Cena goes for the 10 punches in the corner but makes it to four before D'Von slides under and hits a second rope neckbreaker. D'Von covers for 1...2....nope. D'Von goes for a Saving Grace but Cena rolls through. Cena sends D'Von off but the reverend throws Cena over the top rope. Cena catches himself, hits a shoulderblock and sunset flips D'Von for 1...2....3 to win the match. Cena wins the match as Malorkus calls it an upset. D'Von hits Saving Grace after the bell to get some heat back. D'Von hits the wazzup headbutt as Malorkus says "Geeeeeez." D'Von leaves Cena sprawling as we sign off. Decent match for what it was as some of Cena's spots were hilarious. You could tell Cena was due to break out but just needed the right gimmick.

Time of match: 5:11

Winner: Cena by pinfall

Mostly by proxy, this was probably one of the best Velocity's of all time. The recaps were fun because of the great matches and Crash vs Kidman was great for the time frame given. Smackdown was definitely the place to be at the time and good times were coming for sure. As for this show, the opener was great, the second match was meh and the main event was okay. Least there was no Albert this time, right? We got three shows tomorrow with the Raw crew in Beaumont, Texas, Smackdown in Bossier City, Louisiana and Sunday Night Heat. I'll see you in Bossier City.

WWE at UC Santa Barbara Events Center (9/23/02)

UC Santa Barbara Events Center

Santa Barbara, California

September 23, 2002

The stars of WWE were in California this week with Raw coming from Anaheim and Smackdown doing a house show in Santa Barbara. The fallout from Unforgiven starts now as we start the lead up to No Mercy. With The Undertaker busy, Edge steps up to face WWE Champion Brock Lesnar for the house shows. Smackdown was burying Raw in terms of quality so this sets up to be a good show. Let's get to it.

Match 1

D'Von Dudley vs Sho Funaki

WWE writers finally pulled the plug on the Reverand D'Von gimmick and it was for the best. D'Von went back to being regular D'Von Dudley and Deacon Bautista was about to get a big gimmick change. D'Von beats Funaki with a DDT to open the show.

Winner: Dudley by pinfall

Match 2

Billy & Chuck vs Val Venis and Doug Basham 

Who is Doug Basham? Arguably one of the most underrated wrestlers at the time. He was OVW founder "Nitro" Danny Davis' first student and real life nephew that started in 1993. He had been putting on fantastic matches in the indies and in OVW where he had a damn good match with Chris Benoit on September 7th. He teams with the veteran Val against Billy Gunn and Chuck Palumbo. Billy and Chuck got the win.

Winners: Billy and Chuck by pinfall

Match 3

John Cena vs Matt Hardy

V1 gets the rising Cena here although Cena hadn't accomplished much since his debut match with Kurt Angle. Hardy wins it with a low blow and twist of fate.

Winner: Hardy by pinfall

Match 4

WWE Cruiserweight Champion Jamie Noble and Nidia vs Billy Kidman and Torrie Wilson.

Fake couple vs real couple as Noble and Nidia take on Kidman and Wilson. Kidman beats the champ with a powerbomb.

Winners: Kidman and Wilson by pinfall

Match 5

Edge vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship

Lesnar had fought to a draw with The Undertaker the night before at Unforgiven so Edge draws the assignment tonight to face him. Keeping with the theme of the current feud going on, Eddie Guerrero interferes and throws Edge off the top rope right into the F-5 to give Lesnar the W.

Winner: Brock Lesnar by pinfall (still WWE Champion)

Match 6

Bull Buchanan vs Batista

Remember how I said they had BIG plans for Batista? Well he pretty much rips Bull's asshole inside out in this match and wins it with a sit down powerbomb.

Winner: Batista by pinfall

Match 7

Kurt Angle vs Rikishi in a Kiss My Ass match

The rematch from the 2000 King of The Ring Finals two years later! Despite being groomed for a main event run, Rikishi actually wins the match and gives Kurt the stink face after.

Winner: Rikishi by pinfall

Match 8

Tajiri vs Shannon Moore

Another cruiserweight match with Shannon taking on the Japanese buzzsaw. Shannon wins it with a sunset flip.

Winner: Shannon Moore by pinfall

Match 9

Chris Benoit and Chavo Guerrero Jr vs Crash Holly and Rey Mysterio Jr

Kind of a bizarre hodge podge to end the night but ex-WCW alumnists Chavo and Chris team up to face Rey and Crash. Eddie Guerrero was on the card earlier, maybe there was a house show storyline going on that's been lost to time. Either way Mysterio takes it with the 619 and springboard leg drop on Chavo.

Winners: Crash and Rey by pinfall

Kind of a weird show with the last match being a hodge podge of a tag team match and the main event being in the middle of the card like it was out of 1978. Not to mention Angle taking a loss to Rikishi of all people. Still, what separated Smackdown from Raw was the incredible in ring matches going on so this show must have been fun to see live. Up next is Monday Night Raw coming from Anaheim, California so I'll see you there.

WWE at Compaq Center (9/21/02)

Compaq Center

San Jose, CA

September 21, 2002

We're just one day away from Unforgiven and there's one last house show before it. The stars of Smackdown have made their way to San Jose for tonight's house show at the Compaq Center. Let's see what happens here.

Match 1

Rey Mysterio Jr vs Billy Kidman vs Jamie Noble for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship in a 3 Way Dance

Again, its always funny how Rey was getting the big pushes on TV and jobbing to Noble on the houses. Noble pinned Kidman with his feet on the ropes during a backslide then pinned Mysterio after the Tiger Bomb. Torrie Wilson was the guest ring announcer but it didn't help Kidman.

Winner: Noble (still Cruiserweight Champion)

Match 2

Bull Buchanan vs John Cena

Talk about filler as Cena is in the second match against Buchanan here. Cena wins it.

Winner: Cena

Match 3

Mark Henry & Crash Holly vs Billy & Chuck

Why in the hell would you put Palumbo and Billy Gunn against a makeshift team that has no connection at all? Palumbo pinned Henry after a superkick.

Winners: Billy and Chuck by pinfall

Match 4

Randy Orton vs Reverend D'Von

They put over the rookie Cena in the second match but Orton isn't so lucky here. D'Von wins it with Saving Grace.

Winner: D'Von by pinfall

Match 5

Tajiri and Doug Basham vs Shannon Moore and The Hurricane

Kind of an odd hodge podge with Tajiri and OVW's Doug Basham against 2/3 of Three Count. Hurricane pinned Basham after the Shining Wizard.

Winners: Moore and Hurricane by pinfall

Match 6

Kane vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship

What? Kane?? Believe it or not, these two did go one on one at least on a house show. With the ppv being a joint production, made sense to boost ticket sales by having an interpromotional showdown. Kane got disqualified after using a chair.

Winner: Lesnar by DQ (still WWE Champion)

Match 7

Val Venis vs Matt Hardy

Guy on the rise against guy on the way down, I'll give you three guesses to what happened. That's right, Matt wins with Twist of Fate.

Winner: Hardy by pinfall

Match 8

Chris Benoit vs Kurt Angle

An Unforgiven preview with Benoit and Angle going one on one. Angle wins this one.

Winner: Angle by pinfall

Match 9

Edge and Rikishi vs Los Guerreros (Eddie and Chavo Jr)

A Smackdown rematch with Rikishi gaining revenge by pinning Chavo with the Rikishi Driver.

Winners: Edge and Rikishi by pinfall

Kind of a weird show with OVW guys out of place and Kane instead of The Undertaker taking on Brock. Still, the ppv was tomorrow night so no sense doing anything crazy with the show already booked. Still, John Cena and Randy Orton have come a long way since curtain jerking as rookies. We still got one operation to go before Unforgiven and that is tonight's Velocity. I'll see you there.