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 Velocity (11/2/02)

Van Andel Arena

Grand Rapids, Michigan

November 2, 2002

Commentators: Mark Lloyd and Michael Cole

Its another edition of Velocity and there's a lot to do on Smackdown these days. Unfortunately this episode I found doesn't have the Smackdown recaps so we're just getting straight matches. Also unfortunately its almost the exact same guys from last week. But first....since this was taped on the same night as Smackdown, we have some dark matches.

Dark Match 1

Bull Buchanan vs Shelton Benjamin

This was a dark match that wasn't aired on Smackdown or Velocity. It was pretty much a tryout for the ultra athletic Benjamin to see what he could do. WWE definitely liked what they saw because they signed him to a contract not long after. He got the win over Buchanan.

Winner: Benjamin

Dark Match 2

Val Venis vs Ernest Miller

Ernest "The Cat" Miller made his WWE debut on a dark match on the last Sunday Night Heat and here he gets a second look against Val Venis. Unlike Shelton, Venis got the duke. Guess they felt Miller was already an established veteran and didn't need the rub.

Winner: Val Venis by pinfall

Now let's get to our first televised match.

Match 1

Reverend D'Von vs Chuck Palumbo

Palumbo gets bumrushed as soon as the bell starts and stomped on by D'Von.  Dudley pounds away on Palumbo as Michael Cole babbles on about Brock Lesnar with his partner joining in to talk about Big Show. Dudley taunts the crowd and rakes the face as Cole says Ron Simmons is behind the new aggression. Cole then talks about Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit as D'Von gets a nerve hold on Palumbo. The crowd chants "we want tables" as Palumbo powers out of it with fists. He drops D'Von with an elbow and a hiptoss before delivering shoulderblocks in the corner. D'Von counters with a knee to the face and a hotshot off the top turnbuckle. D'Von chokes Chuck on the second rope then locks in a chinlock. D'Von shouts "get up boy" but walks into an inside cradle for a deuce. D'Von pounds away on Chuck and delivers a sidewalk slam as the announcers babble on about Big Show again. D'Von goes up to the second rope but gets caught mid-air in a belly to belly suplex. Cole talks over Mark and continues to babble on about Brock Lesnar. Palumbo rallies with a series of clotheslines and a backdrop on D'Von. Chuck blocks a hiptoss and turns it into a flapjack. He covers for 1..2....nope. Palumbo decks D'Von with a right hand and sends him into the corner. A charge eats boot but Chuck still hits an overhead suplex. He covers for 1...2....nooooo. Palumbo goes for the superkick but D'Von catches the leg and hits a DDT. D'Von covers for 1...2....noooooo. D'Von admomishes the ref then sends Chuck off the ropes. Palumbo ducks the line and nails D'Von with the superkick. He covers for 1....2....3 to win the match. D'von took his eye off the ball for one second and Palumbo made him pay. Serviceable and safe match from both guys, it definitely didn't suck.

Time of match: 5:41

Winner: Palumbo by pinfall

We were supposed to get a recap from the last episode of Tough Enough but its cut out from this upload. Instead we get hype for the main event tag match featuring Crusierweight champion Jamie Noble teaming with Crash Holly against Billy Kidman and Funaki. Onto the next match.

Match 2

Chavo Guerrero Jr vs Tyson Dux

As mentioned on the Raw review, Dux was a Canadian local who was doing house shows and TV tapings. At least he gets his TV match here. Bell's gone and Tyson starts strutting around causing Michael to say "What is that kid doing?" hahahaha. Chavo tells Tyson to get out of the ring and Tyson does it again causing Mark to say "What the hell is this?"  Chavo starts with a scoop slam and tells Tyson to leave the ring. Tyson responds with a dropkick as Mark on commentary brings up Stephanie McMahon kissing Eric Bischoff on Smackdown.....which was never mentioned again. Tyson arm drags Chavo a few times and drops him with a heel kick. Chavo bails as Tyson dances around again. Michael says somebody needs to tell Tyson to take some Ritalin. Chavo takes over with strikes and a european uppercut. He kicks away at Tyson in the corner as referee Jimmy Korderas tells Chavo to get off. Chavo delivers a back suplex and covers for a deuce. Chavo continues to pound away on Dux when Tyson is sent into the corner. Chavo looks like he's going for shattered dreams and instead dropkicks Dux. He snapmares and covers for 1...2...nope. The announcers continue to make fun of Dux but Tyson catches him in a backslide for 1...2..nope. Cole continues to make heel comments which was out of place eight years before he was doing it to Daniel Bryan but Dux catches Chavo with a head scissors. Tyson drops Chavo with a clothesline and goes for a suplex but Chavo blocks it, Tyson settles for a reverse DDT instead. He covers for a deuce and Chavo begs off in the corner. Tyson goes for 10 punches in the corner but Chavo hotshots him off the top rope. Chavo hits a brainbuster and covers for 1..2....3 to win the match. Chavo wins but what's with the announcers heeling on the kid? Little bit out of place but oh well, Chavo gets the duke.

Time of match: 4:28

Winner: Chavo Guerrero Jr by pinfall

We go to highlights of the Rebellion tour over in Europe including the ppv. Ironically it would be the last Smackdown ppv ever held in the UK, the last Raw one would be in May. We get a graphic showing our main event as we go to commercial. Onto the next match.

Match 3

Albert vs Mark Bartolucci

If you don't remember, Bartolucci was a Canadian local brought in to make a few tapings to see what he could do. Before the match Albert gets on the mic and says he saw all the stares from the people. He says he knows what they were thinking "Albert, is he sexy or what?" Albert continues to put over his looks as the crowd chants "Shave your back". Albert "Jealousy will get you nowhere. Ladies, all this hair is 100% natural. All these men can't be getting the job done, ladies can run their hands through his man-fur". It definitely is working to draw heat. Bell's gone and Mark Lloyd says he feels sorry for Bartolucci. Albert levels Bartolucci with a clothesline then gorilla presses him off the top rope. Albert sends him off the ropes and Mark goes for a sunset flip, but Albert blocks it with a leg drop. He covers for a deuce then sends him into the corner. Mark gets the foot up but Albert blocks a crossbody and powerslams him in the other corner. Mark is in the tree of woe and Albert stomps away at him. The announcers start babbling on about Brock Lesnar and Big Show again as Albert continues to stomp away at Bartolucci in the corner. Albert invites the ladies into the ring then continues to punch at Mark. Mark tries to fight back with right hands and a dropkick. Bartolucci runs right into the bicycle kick and slingshots him into the second rope. Albert hits the Baldo Bomb and covers for 1....2....3...to win the match. Total squash by Albert although he'd be getting a new name soon. Not much to say apart from Albert is a mean looking fella.

Time of match: 2:42

Winner: Albert by pinfall

We're shown a graphic saying the main event is coming up next....yippie.

Match 4

Crash Holly and WWE Cruiserweight Champion Jamie Noble (with Nidia) vs Funaki and Billy Kidman

Finally some Cruiserweight action. Cole brings up the actually funny situation at the Halloween party where Noble and Nidia dressed as each other as Crash makes his entrance. Cole calls Crash "an absolute goof" and an "idiot". Cole must be in a bad mood tonight. Bell's gone and Kidman starts with Noble. Kidman eats a knee to the mid-section but head scissors Noble down. Kidman tags in Funaki and they double hiptoss & dropkick Noble. Crash gets in and gets double dropkicked as well. The announcers speculate who's coming to Raw with Big Show coming to Smackdown and the answer will be revealed on TV shortly. Both faces hit baseball slides on the heels before Funaki throws Noble inside. Noble begs off but catches Funaki with a boot. Noble kicks away at Funaki in the corner then backdrops Funaki on the apron. Funaki fights off Crash but Nidia pulls his ankles and he lands face first on the apron. The numbers game catches up to the faces as Crash and Nidia stomp on Funaki while the ref is busy inside. Crash throws Funaki inside and Crash tags in to land a forearm on the back of Funaki. Crash hits a delayed suplex on Funaki an covers for 1...2...nope. Crash gets a series of near falls on Funaki then forearms him in the back. Funaki fights back but Crash hits a drop toe hold before tagging Noble back in. Mark Lloyd keeps babbling about Stephanie and Eric Bischoff kissing and Cole tells him to shut up. Noble gets a chinlock on Funaki as Cole says Funaki had never wrestled in England before. Was he not on any European tour the last four years? Funaki catches Noble with a backslide for a deuce but Jamie hits a clothesline. Noble sends Funaki into his corner where Crash tags in and hits a dropkick to the back of the head. Crash covers for a deuce and tags in Noble. Cole says Crash is an idiot and a goof but is still the most prolific hardcore champion of all time. Funaki tries to fight back in the corner but Noble misses a charge. Funaki drives Noble down with a bulldog and Crash tags in, but Kidman gets the hot tag. Kidman goes to town on Crash and Noble then does a reverse neckbreaker to Crash while holding Noble for a ddt. He covers Crash for 1...2....nope. Crash hits a tornado bulldog on Kidman and covers but Funaki pulls Crash off.  Funaki throws Noble outside and hits a plancha but the ref turns his back on the ring. Nidia goes upstairs but Kidman moves, Nidia hitting Crash with a crossbody. Funaki pulls Nidia out as Kidman hits a sitdown powerbomb on Crash. Kidman covers for 1...2....nooooo. Kidman and Funaki hit a double dropkick inside the ring but Noble pulls Funaki out. Kidman hits an enziguiri on Crash and pulls him to the corner. Kidman hits the 7 Year Itch and covers for 1...2...3 to win the match. Kidman and Funaki celebrate after the match as Nidia and Noble are irate outside. Cole goes to the replay of Kidman hitting the 7 Year Itch. That was a damn good match for what it was, its too bad they only got a little over 6 minutes.

Time of match: 6:39

Winners: Kidman and Funaki by pinfall

Its a shame C shows were only designed to get the A & B shows over because they could have had a chance to do something special, featuring guys in OVW and what not. Unfortunately the NXT as we know it wouldn't be around for another 10 years. Still, the Chavo match was entertaining and the tag match was great. Smackdown was the place to be at the time and even though these were the mid-carders, it was still better than most of what Raw was doing. Tomorrow the stars of Raw were in New Brunswick, Canada while the stars of Smackdown would be in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Also tomorrow night is Sunday Night Heat. I'll see you in New Brunswick.

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 (10/26/02)

Pyramid Arena

Memphis, TN

Aired October 26, 2002

Commentators: Michael Cole & Tazz

This is going to be an interesting Velocity because later on tonight is the British pay-per-view Rebellion featuring the stars of Smackdown. This was shown an hour early for whatever reason. This was also taped before Smackdown despite not airing until this date. We got a main event of Nidia vs Torrie Wilson in a bikini match.....great. We also have Crash Holly vs Funaki, Albert vs Chuck Palumbo and a tag match with Reverand D-Von and Ron Simmons against Chase Sevens and Big Bully Douglas. Let's get to our dark matches first.

Dark Match 1

Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas vs Val Venis and Bill Demott

The future meets the past as Ohio Valley Wrestling stars Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin continue to get tryout matches, this one against the two veterans Venis and Demott. Shelton Benjamin was a track and wrestling star at the University of Minnesota and actually mentored Brock Lesnar when Lesnar joined the wrestling team. Benjamin and Lesnar were a tag team in OVW but Lesnar got the call first. They stuck Charlie with Shelton and they just clicked. Venis pinned Haas with the Money Shot but the good news was WWE brass liked what they saw from Shelton & Charlie.

Winners: Demott and Venis by pinfall

Dark Match 2

Jerry "The King" Lawler vs Redd Dogg

Another tryout match only with Redd Dogg. Dogg had worked the Kansas show the day before and here is taking on Jerry. Lawler won the match with his signature fist drop but WWE brass liked what they saw from Dogg, he'd be getting the call eventually.

Winner: Jerry Lawler

Now let's get to the show.

Match 1 (3rd overall)

Crash Holly vs Funaki

Ironically these two would be meeting at the Rebellion pay-per-view but this was obviously taped in advance. They lock up to start and Funaki starts with an arm-ringer but Crash reverses it. Funaki and Crash trade headlock takeovers and Funaki wants a handshake. Crash shakes it then stops everything to pull a Japanese headband out. He mocks Funaki with mock karate moves and Funaki punches him in the face. Funaki dropkicks Crash and chases him outside. Funaki beats him back into the ring then kicks Crash in the gut. Crash hits a stun gun on Funaki then ditches the headband. Crash slams Funaki but eats a sunset flip for a two. Crash nails Funaki through the ropes to the outside as Crash goes outside to retrieve him. Back inside Crash covers for a two then kicks Funaki in the back after applying a surf-board. Crash lands a forearm to the back but misses a charge in the corner. Funaki lands a bulldog then a drop toe hold. Funaki hits a dropkick to the face and covers for 1...2...nope. Funaki goes upstairs and hits a crossbody, but Crash rolls through for 1.....2..nope. Crash kicks away at the back of Funaki then blocks a victory roll for 1...2...., no Funaki rolls through into a victory roll for 1...2...3 that's it. Crash goes nuts in the ring as Funaki slides out the winner. Tazz says Funaki isn't just Smackdown's number one announcer but also has great skills. Good opener even if it was short.

Time of match: 4:19

Winner: Funaki by pinfall

Cole and Tazz hype up the bikini match as we go to commercial.

Match 2 (4th overall)

Albert vs Chuck Palumbo

Time for a hoss fight as Palumbo comes out with short hair now that Billy Gunn is on the shelf with a separated shoulder. As Albert makes his entrance, Cole and Tazz plug the Jackass movie coming out. Cole jokes he should dress as Albert for Halloween and Tazz says Albert eats meals bigger than Cole. They lock up to start and they roll into the corner. Palumbo ducks under a punch and unloads with right hands of his own. Albert whips him into a corner and hits two consecutive avalanches. Albert hits a big splash to the back, rolls him over and covers for 1. Albert clotheslines Palumbo and taunts the crowd. Palumbo rallies with right hands but Albert rams his head in the buckle and fights back with strikes. Albert manhandles Palumbo and chases referee Brian Hebner away. Tazz "While he shaves his back, he should shave his chest too." Albert slingshots Palumbo under the second rope and covers for 1.....2...nope. Albert locks in a chinlock as Cole asks Tazz about Brock Lesnar vs Undertaker in Hell in A Cell last Sunday. Who the hell told them to talk about THAT in the middle of the hoss fight? Cole says up next they'll be taking a look at Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle, that's better. Palumbo fights out of it with right hands then sends Albert into the corner. Albert counters with a bicycle kicks and covers for a deuce then drags Palumbo into the corner. Albert hits a Vader bomb and covers for 1..2...,Palumbo grabs the bottom rope. Albert misses a charge and Palumbo goes back to the right hands. Palumbo hits a belly to belly suplex and a superkick. He covers for 1.....2...nope, Albert grabs the rope this time. Palumbo fires away with right hands and goes for the Razor Punch but Albert pulls Hebner in the way. Hebner moves and Albert gets a thumb to the eye before hotshotting Palumbo off the top turnbuckle. Palumbo staggers into the Baldo Bomb and he covers for 1...2.....3 to win the match. That was a solid effort by Albert but holy crap does Palumbo know how to do anything else but punch? I know he can do better but that was terrible strategy. Still, not much you can expect out of a hoss fight but at least it was entertaining.

Time of match: 5:05

Winner: Albert by pinfall

Up next is the recap portion with highlight's of Smackdown. We get the love/hate relationship between Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle as in they love to hate each other. Cole and Tazz also hype up the Bikini Match later....yippie. We're shown highlights of the number 1 contender match for the tag straps where Edge & Mysterio defeated Los Guerreros in a damn good match to become the top contenders for Benoit & Angle. Speaking of which, we segue into them not getting along on Smackdown, fighting over the trophy and facing each other in the main event. After the highlights we go to commercial hyping up the Undertaker/Lesnar confrontation and the damn bikini conest. Back from commercial we get a 90 second video package of the post Hell In a Cell video between Taker and Lesnar, so much for the Smackdown confrontation. What was the point of that? Onto the next match.

Match 3 (5th overall)

Reverand D-Von and Ron Simmons vs Chase Stevens and "Big" Bully Douglas

No idea why Faarooq went back to being Ron Simmons for no rhyme or reason but that's okay. Who are the job guys? "The Natural" Chase Stevens was trained by Tracy Smothers after being a former Golden Gloves boxing champion. He made his TNA debut earlier this year and now he's on WWE television. Bully Douglas was a local guy who was 6'6 300. Simmons starts with Bully as Tazz reminisces of the APA with Bradshaw. Cole calls Douglas a "Will Sasso lookalike" and Simmons stuns him with a shoulderblock. Douglas walks into a big boot but counters with a jawbreaker. Stevens tags in with right hands but misses a dropkick. Simmons goes for the Dominator but Stevens slides out into forearms to the back. Simmons kicks him in the ribs and tags in D'Von. D'Von continues the onslaught with right hands in the corner as referee Jimmy Korderas tells him to get out of the corner. D'von chops Stevens in the corner and delivers a back elbow smash. D'Von knocks Douglas off the apron and tags in Simmons. Ron slams Stevens and delivers a falling headbutt. He covers but stops the count himself at two twice. D'von tags in and knocks Douglas off again before slapping Stevens. Stevens tries to rallies with right hands and a crossbody for 1...2...nope. D'Von damn near takes Chase's head off with a lariat and hits a powerslam. D'Von tags in Simmons who covers for 1...2..he stops it again. Simmons hits a spinebuster and tags in D'Von for the flying headbutt. Simmons nails Douglas as D'Von covers for 1..2....3 that's it. Total squash by D'Von and Simmons and these two did work together well, but something was missing clearly. D'Von delivers last rites as Simmons stomps the poor guy for good measure.

Time of match: 4:04

Winners: D'Von and Simmons

As we got to commercial we get another hype clip for the Bikini match. We come back to a Smackdown Your Vote ad highlighted by Chuck Palumbo saying "vote to end discrimination". We are then shown highlights of Smackdown of Big Show being traded there although no one knows who went to Raw in return. Then we get the Undertaker/Brock confrontation where Lesnar and Taker basically respect each other. We go to commercial with one last hype video for Nidia vs Torrie Wilson. When we come back from commercial we get highlights of the latest Tough Enough where "Jill" quit the first day. I know its just a reality show but good lord what a waste of time. FINALLY let's get to the main event.

Match 4 (6th overall)

Torrie Wilson vs Nidia in a Bikini Match

So this is not a bikini contest, only that they're going to wrestle in bikinis. The Divas era was notorious for this kind of stuff. Nidia has on a polka dot bikini but Torrie has a golden one. Nidia starts with an arm-ringer before switching to a headlock takwndown. Torrie counters with a headscissors and Nidia slaps her. Torrie slingshots Nidia into the ringpost then rolls her up for a two count. Torrie cradles Nidia for a two count then clotheslines Nidia down twice. Torrie hits an inverted neckbreaker but Nidia gets the upperhand with knees to the ribs. Nidia hits a snap suplex and covers for a two count. Nidia whips Torrie into the corner and hits a shoulderblock before snapmaring Torrie down. Nidia stomps between the legs but Torrie drop toe holds to the bottom rope. Torrie slaps her but runs into a lariat. Nidia covers for 1....2...nope. Nidia gets kicked in the head and chopped by Torrie before Wilson kicks her in the corner. Nidia whips Torrie into the other corner but Torrie rolls over Nidia and rolling prawns her for 1..2.....3 that's it. Torrie wins it as Cole & Tazz sign off, telling us to join us for Smackdown this Thursday. Wasn't the worst match I've seen but definitely "divas" style. Torrie had only been in the business for 3 years and Nidia about a year, can't really judge too harsh for the inexperience.

Time of match: 3:03

Winner: Torrie Wilson by pinfall

Pretty standard Velocity which once again ends with a divas match hyped up all night shades of the debut episode. At least if if you watched this through to the end you got caught up on some of Smackdown's events. Brock Lesnar is still your WWE champ with Big Show hot on his trail and Benoit can't get along with Angle. As for the matches on this show, not much to whine about. Palumbo needs to do more than just punch but that's about it. Like I mentioned earlier, Rebellion was that night so I'll see you there.

WWE at John Labatt Centre (10/14/02)

John Labatt Centre

London, Ontario

October 14, 2002

While the stars of Raw were in Montreal, the stars of Smackdown were in London....Ontario that is. The John Labatt Centre opened literally two days earlier so the venue is brand new. Last week's Smackdown was lackluster but this Canada run has produced some high quality house shows. Unfortunately they don't have the services of Christian and Lance Storm who had to report back to Raw in Montreal. Let's see what they come up with tonight.

Match 1

Crash Holly vs Tajiri

We open things up with Cruiserweight action as Crash takes on the Japanase buzz-saw. Tajiri wins it with the buzz kick.

Winner: Tajiri by pinfall

Match 2

John Cena and Shannon Moore vs Bull Buchanan and Shelton Benjamin

This match had been part of the circuit for a week as Shelton continues his tryout run. In the ancient days of yore before NXT was invented, guys like Shelton had to have their run on the houses before getting put on TV. Benjamin pinned Moore with the spinebuster.

Winners: Benjamin and Buchanan by pinfall

Match 3

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

You know the drill, Mysterio was having wins on TV but putting over Noble on the houses. Nidia held the foot of Mysterio during the 619 and Noble rolled up him for the pin.

Winner: Noble by pinfall (still Cruiserweight champion)

Match 4

Billy & Chuck vs Los Guerreros (Eddie and Chavo Jr)

With 3 Minute Warning busy on Raw, Billy and Chuck took on the Guerreros. Unfortunately Billy Gunn legitimately injured his shoulder and would be out until next June. Palumbo took the El Paso Lasso instead. Bye bye Billy.

Winners: Los Guerreros by submission

Match 5

Edge vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship

Edge had been facing Brock on the houses until they got to Canada when Chris Jericho or Chris Benoit would get the matches. Finally in Ontario, Edge gets his shot at Brock. Eddie Guerrero costs Edge the victory as Brock uses the distraction to hit the F-5.

Winner: Lesnar by pinfall (still WWE Champion)

Match 6

Dawn Marie vs Torrie Wilson in a Bra & Panties Match

Funaki was the special guest referee for this nonsense and as usual, Torrie wins.

Winner: Wilson

Match 7

Val Venis and Billy Kidman vs Reverend D'Von and Ron Simmons

Just to get booked, they put Kidman and Val together as a makeshift tag team against D'Von and Ron. D'Von wins it with Saving Grace on Kidman.

Winners: D'Von and Simmons

Match 8

Matt Hardy vs Chris Benoit

Mattitude was in full effect but Chris Benoit was not amused. Benoit wins it with the Crippler Crossface.

Winner: Benoit by submission

Match 9

Rikishi vs Kurt Angle in a Kiss My Ass Match

This had been on the houses with different endings every night. This time Rikishi wins the match with the Rikishi driver but Bull Buchanan and Nidia of all people come in to attack. Rey Mysterio Jr (??) runs in to save Rikishi from the 3 on 1 beat down. Kind of a hodge podge for the finish but Rikishi still gets the duke.

Winner: Rikishi by pinfall

With both shows in Canada, Smackdown went back to normal without the Raw guys. This had been the card the past week but its also the last time we'll see Billy Gunn for awhile. Chuck would be on his own for about 3 months. No Mercy was just 6 days away but apart from HHH vs Kane, the finals of the WWE Tag Team Championship tournament and Brock Lesnar vs Undertaker, we have no card. This week should fill it out. Raw is coming up live from Montreal so I'll see you there.

WWE at the Calgary Saddledome (10/13/02)

Calgary Saddledome

Calgary, Alberta

October 13, 2002

We are deep in Hart territory as the WWE heads to Calgary, Alberta. Lance Storm, Christian and Chris Jericho were on loan from Raw so this is going to be a heavy Canadian card. They'll all be working babyface as well so let's see how this turns out.

Match 1

Funaki vs Tajiri

The battle for Japan as Tokyo battles Kyushu. Tajiri wins it with the Buzz Kick.

Winner: Tajiri by pinfall

Match 2

Teddy Hart vs Harry Smith

This was definitely for the home crowd. Harry Smith is the son of the late British Bulldog and was last seen in the ring with the rest of the Hart Family at the end of In Your House: Canadian Stampede when he was 12 years old. Harry would have been just 17 years old here. His opponent is sadly one of the biggest wastes of talent in wrestling history. Born Ed Annis, Teddy is the son of wrestler BJ Annis and Georgia Hart of the Hart family. He was 22 at this time and would have been a lot bigger star if he didn't have poison between the ears. He actually signed a developmental deal in 1998 at 18 years old but got released because he was too arrogant when he had accomplished nothing yet. Harry was a lot more professional and had a good career not only in WWE but in Japan as well. 17 year old Harry wins it with his dad's running powerslam.

Winner: Harry Smith by pinfall

Match 3

Bull Buchanan vs Val Venis

Ontario's own Val Venis faces Bull Buchanan in front of his home country. Val wins it with a reverse figure four.

Winner: Venis by pubmission

Match 4

Shelton Benjamin and John Cena vs Billy Kidman and Shannon Moore

OVW vs WCW as Cena and Shelton take on Kidman and Moore. Shelton was on the cusp of being on TV and his tryout run was going very well. Moore wins it by pinning Shelton.

Winners: Moore and Kidman by pinfall

Match 5

Reverend D'Von vs Lance Storm

Hometown hero Lance Storm returns to a massive ovation as he faces D'Von Dudley. As a tip of the hat to his mentor, Bret "The Hitman" Hart, Storm wins it with the sharpshooter.

Winner: Storm by submission

Match 6

Chris Jericho vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship

Even though he's from Winnipeg (or New York depending on what day it is), Jericho was one of the last of the Hart Dungeon grads. He gets the title shot against Lesnar tonight. Unfortunately the pain in the ass Matt Hardy distracted Jericho allowing Lesnar to hit the F-5 and get the pin.

Winner: Lesnar by pinfall (still WWE Champion)

Match 7

Rey Mysterio Jr vs Jamie Noble for the WWE Cruiserweight championship

You know the drill by now. Rey had been winning on TV but jobbing on the houses. Noble wins it with a roll up and Flair pin.

Winner: Noble by pinfall (still Cruiserweight champion)

Match 8

Matt Hardy vs Chris Benoit

The other Dungeon grad, Edmonton's Chris Benoit, gets his hands on Matt Hardy after Matt screwed Y2J earlier. Benoit gets him with the Crippler Crossface.

Winner: Benoit by submission

Match 9

Dawn Marie vs Torrie Wilson in a Bra & Panties Match

So rather than have 20 year old Nattie Niedhart aka Natalya wrestle Torrie or Dawn in a competitive match, they still put on a Bra & Panties match. Oh well, Torrie wins it...hooray.

Winner: Torrie Wilson

Match 10

Edge & Christian vs Los Guerreros (Eddie and Chavo)

Here's a treat for the home crowd. The reuniting of Edge and Christian for one night only to take on Los Guerreros. This match on paper should have been awesome. Edge and Christian win it with a double spear.

Winners: Edge and Christian by pinfall

Too bad this was only a house show lost to time. This sounded like an epic card worthy of a pay-per-view. To have even the kids Teddy and Harry work was special enough, but to have Edge & Christian reunite also sounded badass. Edge & Christian vs Los Guerreros was something we truly never got with Christian on Raw and Eddie never leaving Smackdown up until his death. The rest of the card looked great too, a shame this was never recorded. We got Sunday Night Heat next, I'll see you there.

WWE at Skyreach Centre (10/12/02)

Skyreach Centre

Edmonton, Alberta

October 12, 2002

The stars of Smackdown and some from Raw came to Canada for a brief tour. We're in Chris Benoit's hometown and tonight he goes one on one with the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar. The Canadian stars of Raw Chris Jericho, Christian and Lance Storm are here as well so this should be a memorable show. Let's get to it.

Match 1

Billy Kidman and Shannon Moore vs Chavo Guerrero Jr and Tajiri

We start out with cruiserweight tag team action with Chavo and Tajiri taking on Kidman and Moore. Chavo pins Moore with the brainbuster.

Winners: Guerrero and Tajiri by pinfall

Match 2

Albert vs Funaki

Big man vs little man match with Albert playing the role of the bully against SMACKDOWN NUMBA WUN ANNOUNCA! Funaki gets the pin with a roll up.

Winner: Funaki by pinfall

Match 3

Shelton Benjamin vs Val Venis

Benjamin's trial run was going very well as he was being featured on just about every house show and dark match at this point. Venis won it with a reverse figure four.

Winner: Venis by submission

Match 4

Rey Mysterio Jr vs Jamie Noble for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship

Once again, Rey was getting win after win on TV but on the houses, he just couldn't beat Noble. Noble hit Rey with the tiger bomb then used the Flair Pin for the win.

Winner: Noble by pinfall (Still Cruiserweight champion)

Match 5

Reverend D'Von vs Christian

Oh look its Christian on loan from Raw. Christian must have worked as the defacto babyface because he gets the pin with the Unprettier.

Winner: Christian by pinfall

Match 6

Chris Benoit vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship

Benoit getting the title shot in his home town makes sense. Having it be in the middle of the card and not the main event doesn't. Lesnar gets the pin after an F-5.

Winner: Lesnar by pinfall (Still WWE Champion)

Match 7

John Cena vs Lance Storm

Once again, the Canadian star of Raw takes on a mid-carder from Smackdown. Storm beats Cena with the superkick....imagine THAT just two years later.

Winner: Storm by pinfall

Match 8

Matt Hardy vs Chris Jericho

WWE was definitely trying for the home run show with all the Canadians appearing. Y2J works as the defacto babyface against Mattitude. Jericho wins it with the Walls of Jericho.

Time of match: 12:00

Winner: Jericho by submission

Match 9

Dawn Marie vs Torrie Wilson in a Bra and Panties Match

Guess this kind of garbage was inevitable since these two were feuding on TV. Torrie wins by stripping Dawn...yippie. Moving on.

Winner: Torrie Wilson

Match 10

Eddie Guerrero vs Edge in a No Disqualification Match

Well this would explain why this was the main event. A repeat of their Smackdown match only with a bit of a twist. Chavo Guerrero hit the ring to help out Eddie but hometown hero Chris Benoit ran in to even the odds. Edge hit the spear on Eddie and got the pin with the Canadians standing tall at the end.

Winner: Edge by pinfall

Too bad this show has been lost to time because this would have been fun to see. The three heels on Raw working babyface in front of the home crowd along with some of the matches sounding good on paper. They went for the home run show and this could have been epic watching it live. Makes up for the god awful Raw and Smackdowns this week. Coming up next is this week's Velocity, I'll see you there.

WWE at Tucson Convention Center (10/7/02)

Tucson Convention Center

Tucson, Arizona

October 7, 2002

On the same night as Monday Night Raw, the stars of Smackdown were in Tucson for a house show running the same card they had been for a few weeks. Brock Lesnar defends the WWE Championship against Edge. Rikishi takes on Kurt Angle in a Kiss My Ass match while Billy and Chuck take on Reverend D'Von and Faarooq. Exactly the same card they've been presenting on the circuit. Let's get right to it.

Match 1

Funaki vs Matt Hardy

Opening things up is a cruiserweight contest between SMACKDOWN NUMBA WUN ANNOUNCA Funaki and Matt Hardy. They traded victories on the circuit and this time Funaki gets the duke.

Winner: Funaki

Match 2

Bull Buchanan and Shelton Benjamin vs Crash Holly and Bill Demott

The same match that's been presented for a week now with Shelton getting looked at. Holly and Demott won the match.

Winners: Holly and Demott

Match 3

Albert vs John Cena

The rematch from Velocity and on the house show circuit. Cena wins again.

Winner: Cena

Match 4

Tajiri and Chavo Guerrero Jr vs Billy Kidman and Shannon Moore

Cruiserweight tag team action once again has Tajiri tagging with Chavo instead of Eddie Guerrero. Kidman and Moore get the win.

Winner: Kidman and Moore by pinfall

Match 5

Edge vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship

This match had been on the houses with The Undertaker not available either due to his wife having a baby or the storyline hand injury. Edge has been gaining steam with back to back awesome matches on Smackdown but he takes the fall here. Lesnar retains.

Winner: Lesnar (still WWE Champion)

Match 6

Rey Mysterio Jr vs Jamie Noble for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship

As mentioned several times in the past, Mysterio had been getting big wins over Chris Benoit on television but had been doing the job for Noble on the houses. Sure enough, Noble retains again.

Winners: Noble (Still Cruiserweight champion)

Match 7

Val Venis vs Chris Benoit

Benoit had lost twice to Rey Mysterio on television two weeks in a row. He was working the house shows with Val for god knows what reason other than to establish him as a mean looking fella. Benoit wins it.

Winner: Benoit

Match 8

Reverend D'Von and Faarooq vs Billy and Chuck

As usual, this match had been on the houses the past week or so. Billy and Chuck win this time.

Winners: Billy and Chuck

Match 9

Kurt Angle vs Rikishi in a Kiss My Ass match

This match has been going through the circuit with some twists and turns along the way. Rikishi wins and gives Angle the stinkface.

Winner: Rikishi

This was the same card that had been going about the past week or so and it did look like a good one. We're heading toward No Mercy without two big guns on the houses in Eddie and Undertaker. At least they're making the best of it by plugging in Tajiri with Chavo and Edge in the main events with Brock. Smackdown was on fire on television and hopefully the houses were just as good. The next show is tonight's Monday Night Raw in Las Vegas. Raw Roulette....god help us.