Posted in: Doctor's Orders
Doctor's Orders: The Road to Wrestlemania (Midwest Regional featuring Shawn Michaels vs. Eddie Guerrero; w/ Prediction Contest Standings)
By Dr. CMV1
Jan 30, 2011 - 10:34:59 AM

CMV1: Happy Royal Rumble 2011 Day. By request of a few readers, here are the current standings in the prediction contest...

Official Bracket Contest for RTWM
Pat B. - 57
G-Star - 57
Priest - 56
Mr. Starbuck - 55
Brandon - 55
Tom – 55
Mavsman - 55
Jay Atton - 55
Adam S. – 54
Jimmy - 54
Hurra Duff - 53
Howard – 53
David D. – 52
Paulthee - 52
Hitesh - 51
Azreal - 51
Jack Awe – 50
Adderly - 50
Ian - 49
Kafu – 49
Michael B. - 48
Andre – 46
Sean T. – 45
Mike D. - 44
Speyder - 43
Scott – 42

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Saturday, January 29, 2011: Midwest Regional Round 2

CMV1: Welcome back, wrestling fans, to another day of Road to Wrestlemania action. This is the final weekend of second round action, as next weekend begins the month long Sports Entertainment Sixteen saga. Today, we’ve got Michaels vs. Guerrero and Andre vs. Sid to determine two of those remaining four spots in the next round. Daniel, who wins these two matches and why?

Daniel Bryan: I think Guerrero is going to pull the upset against HBK. This tournament has been very predictable, in many ways, to this point. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but my point is that we’re due for a big upset. The top seed losing to the eighth seed would provide that upset. As for Andre vs. Sid, well I think we know it won’t be pretty, but Andre will win…he’s going to be a force in this tournament and he’ll show us today just why that is…

CMV1: Miz, what are the keys to victory for these two matches?

The Miz: With HBK vs. Eddie, it’s just going to be about luck. Both have skill that virtually goes unmatched in wrestling history, so it’s going to come down to timing and opportunism. With Andre vs. Sid, the key will be strength. Sid has it, but Andre is the immoveable object. Sid will have to call upon unheard of power to defeat the Giant.

Indianapolis, IN

Announcer: Lillian Garcia
Referee: Charles Robinson
Commentators: Bobby Heenan and Gene Okerlund

Match of the Round: 1 Shawn Michaels vs. 8 Eddie Guerrero

Lillian: The following contest, schedule for one fall, is for the double U double U EEEEEEE Champion CHE-IP!!!

Heenan: What?

Mean Gene: I think she must have misspoke. Look, there you have it…a representative is clarifying to our ring announcer that this is, indeed, not for the world crown.

Heenan: It takes a real moron to screw that up. All she has to do is read from the cue cards. This is the problem with hiring a Spanish speaking woman to speak English.

Mean Gene: Brain, that’s an American woman in that ring.

Heenan: She doesn’t talk like one.

Lillian (after clarifying to the crowd that this is a first round match-up): Introducing first from El Paso, Texas…Eddie GUUUUERR – EERRRR – OOO!

Heenan: See…

Mean Gene: Guerrero looks to be in great shape. This is going to be an amazing athletic contest between two of the most popular stars in the history of the WWE.

Heenan: You think he’s related to her? Guerrero…Garcia…

Mean Gene: It’s gonna be a long night, folks.

Lillian: And from San Antonio, Texas…The HEART-BREAK KIIIIID….SHAWN MIKE-ULLLLLLSSSS!!

Heenan: How did my ex-wife’s stripper outfit end up on this guy?

Mean Gene: Apparently, he likes to express himself.

Heenan: That’s one way to put it. Between the stripper outfits and the low riders, this is like a Friday night in south Texas.

Mean Gene: Ladies and gentlemen, my colleague is here all week…and we’re under way in this match-up. Guerrero and Michaels lock up in the center of the ring. HBK takes a headlock on Guerrero, but gets whipped into the ropes for his troubles. Michaels comes right back with a shoulder knock down and hits the ropes. He jumps over Guerrero and hits the ropes again. Eddie leap frogs over him and Michaels again bounces off the ropes. Guerrero catches him with an armdrag.

Heenan: Man, these guys are fast. I’ve not seen a Mexican that fast since that little mouse in the cartoons…you know, Quicky Rodriguez…

Mean Gene: Speedy Gonzalez?

Heenan: Yeah, what did I say?

Mean Gene: Meanwhile, folks, they lock up again and its Guerrero with a headlock. HBK whips him into the ropes, but gets knocked to his back after a shoulder knock down. Eddie runs over him and hits the ropes. HBK leap frogs him coming off the ropes and Eddie bounces off on the opposite side. Michaels with a beautiful arm drag. Guerrero gets back up and its Michaels who takes the arm drag. Now HBK is back to his feet and Guerrero takes the arm drag. And now they are taking a break…

Heenan: Will you listen to his crowd, Okerlund? This is special. This is a special match.

Mean Gene: They lock up again and Guerrero tries get the win with a quick roll up! He managed barely a near fall. Wait! Now’s it’s HBK going for the quick roll up! He barely got a two count! And the crowd is applauding these amazing athletes.

Heenan: Hey, Okerlund…you know why there were only 220 Mexicans at the Alamo? Because they only had one car…

Mean Gene: Are you serious? You’re really going to say something like that right now?

(Eddie goes for a backslide, but HBK counters with a back slide attempt of his own. Guerrero backdrops Michaels over the top rope and down to the floor)

Heenan: Hey! Someone told me to say that! Back off, will ya?

Mean Gene: For crying out loud, pay attention! Eddie Guerrero is now in full control, here! He slides Michaels back into the ring. He follows him with a beautiful leap over the top rope, crashing down on Michaels chest with his own back.

Heenan: It’s called a TOPE.

Mean Gene: Yeah, change to-pe to tu-pe and you get what’s on your head

Heenan: Nice one, cue ball

Mean Gene: Guerrero is really working on HBK’s left leg. Michaels must have injured when he flew over the top rope earlier and while my colleague was making inappropriate comments. And, Eddie Guerrero has now locked on a move that he, in tribute to his home town, calls the El Paso Lasso. Michaels, though, fairly quickly fights to his feet…and there’s a victory roll by Michaels!

Heenan: Oh, I thought he had him! My goodness, that was close!

Mean Gene: Eddie goes right back to the left leg with a knee breaker! He’s really wrenching and torquing on that leg now, Brain.

Heenan: Now he’s using a surfboard stretch. That’ll place a lot of pressure on the legs, back, and the arms. As my old colleague Gorilla Monsoon would say, the cervicus, devicals, arm-sah-what-chas.

Mene Gene: Maybe you should go down there and see if they need any help at ringside…

Heenan: But I’m needed, here!

Mene Gene: Eddie just rolled onto his back, with HBK still in the stretch. This just puts even more pressure on the opponent’s body. Great move!

(The referee counts one, two, but not three!)

Heenan: Unfortunately, he put his own shoulders on the mat and nearly got himself pinned. If by great move you meant stupid, then yeah I guess you’re right.

Mean Gene: Guerrero is forced to release the hold to avoid pinning himself, but he goes right back onto the offensive with a running chop block.

Heenan: Now, this is smart. You know, I know you don’t like me saying so, but this really is like the Battle of the Alamo, Okerlund. Shawn Michaels is from San Antonio. Guerrero is from Mexico.

Mean Gene: He’s from El Paso, Texas. Meanwhile, Guerrero measures HBK for another chop block, but HBK side steps him! Eddie just went crashing shoulder first into the ring post!

Heenan: This will buy Michaels some time. Look at him shaking that leg. I’ve got a cousin with a dog named after this man. This makes it look like Michaels was named after that dog!

Mean Gene: You know, if you didn’t talk then no one would know that you’re an idiot…Michaels is in agony and Guerrero is back in the ring. HBK, though, gives him a knife edge chop. And another. He picks him up and sets him on the top turnbuckle, now. Well, Michaels just pushed Guerrero off the top and to the hard floor below. That will leave a mark, folks.

Heenan: If he was smart, he’d just let Guerrero get counted out. I guess he’s not smart.

Mean Gene: Michaels just went out after Guerrero and is taking off the top part of the steel step structure. That’s a flat steel surface exposed, there. Michaels drags Guerrero over and pulls him up to the steel. HBK is going for a piledriver on that steel surface!

Heenan: Guerrero flips him! He flips him! You know, the guy that does my yard flipped his riding mower just like that…

Mean Gene: Well, I never! I’m not sure Michaels can take much more. Eddie tosses him back in the ring. Guerrero is going for another knee breaker. Michaels counters into a sunset flip. He doesn’t hang on for the pin attempt, though. Instead, he steps through and locks on a modified version of the Figure Four!

Heenan: Hey, that’s Flair’s move! Stop the match! That’s infringement! Call a lawyer!

Mean Gene: Modified! It’s a modified version! Either way, Guerrero is screaming in pain…but he reaches the ropes!

Heenan: Now, we’ve got two guys with one bad leg fighting each other. This could be a trailer for one of those pirate movies.

Mean Gene: What?

Heenan: Eh, anyway they’re back to their feet…

Mean Gene: Indeed they are…and they’re trading blows right in the center of the ring. It’s like Joe Louis vs. Max Schmelling in there.

Heenan: You mean Jim Louis?

Mean Gene: Who’s Jim Louis?

Heenan: Who’s Joe Louis?

Mean Gene (after a long sigh): It’s a good thing we never had to do this regularly. Michaels goes for an atomic drop, but Guerrero stays on his feet, turns around, and pokes him in the eye. Eddie takes advantage and gives him a vertical suplex. He swings his legs without breaking his hold on Michaels and brings both himself and HBK back to their feet. It’s another vertical suplex. He swings through again and there’s another vertical suplex. He calls that the Three Amigos, I believe…

Heenan: I know his three amigos…Cheech, Chong, and Tito Santana…

Mean Gene: I’m ignoring you from here on. Guerrero to the top rope. He leaps off for the Frog Splash, but HBK got his knees up! Eddie just splashed his own mid-section right across the knees of Shawn Michaels.

Heenan: I think it hurt Michaels, too. Remember he’s walking around a peg leg.

Mean Gene: Forget the pirates! HBK is, in fact, rolling around inside the ring clutching his injured left leg, which bore the brunt of the impact when he countered Guerrero’s Frog Splash. Latino Heat is starting to stir. He’s returning to his feet, slowly but surely.

Heenan: Who is Latino Heat?

Mean Gene: That’s Eddie Guerrero…

Heenan: How many pesos did he give you to call him THAT?

Mean Gene: Michaels is reaching his feet just as Guerrero has fully regained his base. Michaels goes for the super kick! Eddie catches his foot and wrestles him back down to the mat! He’s locked on the El Paso Lasso again! Michaels is screaming!

Heenan: Don’t tap! Don’t give up! Think of Elvis! Think of your fellow Americans! Think of the Alamo!

Mean Gene: Just stop it! HBK is trying to get to the ropes! He can’t get there!

Heenan: It’s over, now. This is gotta be over!

Mean Gene: Michaels looks like he’s about to give up! Wait! He throws his body forward and into a rolling motion and sends Guerrero sailing out of the ring! Guerrero lands with a hard thud on the outside!

Heenan: This is the most amazing match I’ve ever seen, Okerlund. I think I need to go to the hospital. I might have a heart attack!

Mean Gene: Michaels is desperately trying to shake out that injured leg. Guerrero is back up his feet and he sees Michaels is still very vulnerable. He’s looking at that leg like a shark smelling blood in the water. Eddie quickly gets back in the ring and goes right for the injured limb. Michaels beats him to the punch with a clothesline. Eddie gets back up, but Michaels puts him right back down with an atomic drop! There’s another clothesline…and there’s a body slam. Michaels is heading gingerly to the top rope.

Heenan: This man is on a roll! If we were playing craps, I’d follow this guy around the casino and make a fortune.

Mean Gene: He leaps off the top rope looking for an elbow drop…Eddie moves out of the way! Michaels just gave the mat an elbow drop!

Heenan: What an idiot!

Mean Gene: What an idiot?!

Heenan: So, you agree with me then…?

Mean Gene (frustrated): Now, it’s Guerrero to the top rope. Perhaps it’s time for the Frog Splash. Well, no…HBK is back to his feet. Eddie flies off the top anyway. OH! SWEET CHIN MUSIC! THE SUPER KICK to Guerrero!

Heenan: WOW!

Mean Gene: That’s one, two, and….three! Michaels beats Guerrero with the super kick out of nowhere! Guerrero was flying through the air, but Michaels recognized and got his foot up just at the right moment. The Heartbreak Kid moves on…


Chicago, IL

Announcer: Mr. Kennedy
Referee: Jack Doan
Commentators: Vince McMahon and Lord Alfred Hayes

Andre The Giant vs. Sycho Sid

Never before had Sid looked so small. The announcers noted how it would take two Sids to make an Andre (maybe more). Sid started off on the offensive, using his sizeable forearms to try and knock the breath out of Andre’s massive chest. Andre chopped right back at Sid, knocking him back toward the ropes. Sid leaned back on the ropes like a prize fighter getting pummeled with his eyes pleading for the referee to intervene. When the referee came to his rescue, Sid took the precious seconds to shake off the damage inflicted and mount a counteroffensive that sent Andre back toward the adjacent ropes. A running clothesline knocked the Giant back and onto wobbly legs. Another one got Andre off of his feet and tied up in the ropes. Sid took advantage and wailed away on Andre’s giant head. A kick to the jaw sent spit flying parallel to the ropes toward the turnbuckle. This time it was Andre who was saved by the referee. Once he was untied from the ropes, Andre approached Sid, who was at that point standing on the other side of the ring. Sid advanced as Andre got closer and they each raised their boot at the same time.

While Andre’s boot might have been larger than Sid’s, the two boots did equal damage to its targets. Sid fell first, but Andre did eventually fall. Sid got back to his feet first, though. Andre got to his knees. Noticing an opportunity, Sid moved swiftly toward Andre and set him up for a powerbomb. The Giant was too large to lift and Andre back dropped Sid over the top rope and to the floor below. Andre used the time alone in the ring to recover. Sid climbed back into the ring to be met with a clubbing blow from the Giant. Andre backed him into the corner and repeatedly head butted him. He went for one final headbutt, but Sid moved out of the way. With Andre having just head butted the turnbuckle (albeit padded), Sid was presented with yet another opportunity. He went for a back drop, but Andre was again too heavy to lift. Sid used a chop block to maintain momentum long enough for him to get to the top rope. He came flying off the top, landing with one foot on the mat and one high in the air. Sid’s boot caught Andre square in the nose, knocking him flat onto his back for the one and the two but not the three. A stunned Sid got back to his feet. His expression changed to a determined look at he tried to set up for the powerbomb again. Andre used a shot to the gut to back Sid off just a tad. The Giant gave Sid a massive chop that sent him onto his back. Andre dropped down on top of him and pinned him at 10:48.


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Sunday, January 30, 2011: Midwest Regional Round 2

CMV1: Sunday January 30th marks the final day of Round 2 action and only two spots remain in the SE16 that begins next weekend. Today, it’s Big Show vs. Batista and Undertaker vs. Chris Benoit. All four have main-evented a Wrestlemania. All four belong in the wrestling Hall of Fame. Which two make it to the next round?

The Miz: I’m going with the Animal and the Deadman. Taker is undefeated at Wrestlemania, which is why I have him pegged to go all the way to the final to face either the Rock or Stone Cold. Batista is just better than Show.

Daniel Bryan: There may never be a more accomplished star at Wrestlemania than the Deadman. That’s why I have him winning convincingly against Benoit. But I’m not so sure about Show and Batista. I think that Show could definitely win this match and keep going strong in this tournament, but I think Batista has the resume to support a deep run into the final weekends, as well. My gut says Batista, but my mind says Show. I’ll go with Batista.

CMV1: Let’s get out to Chicago and then Toronto for the action…

Chicago, IL

Announcer: Mr. Kennedy
Referee: Jack Doan
Commentators: Vince McMahon and Lord Alfred Hayes

Batista vs. Big Show

When Show and Batista locked horns and the big man threw Bats halfway across the ring, the crowd and the announcers took notice. Gasps could be heard from the upper decks, as Show closed in on Batista and threw him across the ring again. Show had become such a veteran over the years that expending so much energy on an early move – something often thought of us a rookie mistake, especially against a star the caliber of Batista – was a bit surprising. Batista looked like he had trained for a lengthier match, so he seemed content to try and get through the initial onslaught and tire out Big Show in the process. Eventually, Batista’s strategy paid off. Show went for the cover, but seemed a bit dejected and out of sorts when Bats kicked out. The Animal took advantage and gave Show a Spear that shook the ring upon impact. Batista went to the top rope and caught Show coming off with a diving shoulder tackle ala Mania 23. He went for the cover, but only earned a two count.

Phase two of the matches consisted of the two worn down stars trying to outfox each other. Show goaded Batista into jumping off the apron and trying to clobber him, allowing the big man to catch the Animal and toss him back first into the ring post. However, Batista would eventually come back with some display of guile all his own. He lay on the mat long enough that Show decided he could give him a modified Vader Bomb off the second rope. Batista quickly rolled out of the way before bracing any of the impact. Thus, Show hit the mat with a loud thud on his right side. Batista followed up with a spinebuster that nearly buckled the ring posts in toward the ring. He went for the cover again, but still could only manage a two count. A false finish wasn’t the victorious ending that Bats had hoped for. He looked around and took in the atmosphere, as if to help pump himself up for what he was about to do. He shook his head, almost as if he were trying to talk himself into something. He walked up to Show and tried to put him in position for the Batista Bomb. He found it very difficult to even position the World’s Largest Athlete, but when he finally did, he seemed to find renewed strength.

Batista hoisted Show upward, but the weight was just too great. On the second attempt, Show picked him up in counter and gave him the world’s largest Alabama Slam. 1…2…No! Batista kicked out! Big Show got back to his feet. Batista did, too. The Animal noticed that Big Show was staggering in the corner and went for another Spear, but Show side stepped and grabbed him by the throat. He lifted him in the air and gave him a thunderous chokeslam for the one, two, and the three! Big Show defeated Batista at 11:09.


Toronto, ONT

Announcer: Funaki
Referee: Jim Korderas
Commentators: Matt Striker and Todd Grisham

Undertaker vs. Chris Benoit

Matt Striker wondered aloud if it were possible for Benoit to defeat the Deadman and Benoit – seemingly wondering the same thing in his own mind – answered the question quickly when, as Taker was raising his arms to bring the lights back up during his entrance, the Canadian Crippler cracked a chair shot across the Taker’s shoulder that was so very loud that it echoed all the way back to the guy controlling the entrance music, which was promptly turned off. Benoit unleashed three more chair shots before a referee pried away the steel foreign object. Taker was quietly in agony, as Benoit grabbed him and tossed him into the ring. The referee was told to ring the bell and the match officially got underway. Benoit wasted little time and immediately locked on the Crossface! Taker strained his entire body to try and divert some of the pain away from his injured limb, but it reached a point where Taker’s screams could be heard throughout the arena. The crowd went deathly silent. It seemed impossible that Benoit could beat the Taker, but all signs were pointing to an unprecedented win for the Crippler. Taker surprised the announcers and startled the audience out of their stunned silence when he got to his knees and lifted Benoit up into the air before slamming him down with a side walk slam. Benoit, though, did not release the hold! The slam seemed only to increase his resolve.

At that point, for the first time, Taker raised his hand slightly off the mat as if to signal that he was going to tap out. The crowd gasped as Taker brought his hand down, but he didn’t allow it to fall all the way to the mat. Hovering inches above the canvas, Taker’s hand thrust down…but stayed down. Instead of tapping, he pushed with all his might and rolled into the happiest entanglement with the ropes that he had ever found himself wrapped up in. The referee was forced to attempt to break Benoit’s hold, but try as he might he could not get Benoit to let go. He eventually threw all his weight backward and tackled the Crippler. Benoit shouted obscenities at the ref and headed back in a now standing Deadman’s direction. Taker surprisingly scooped Benoit up and tried to put him in position for the Tombstone, but Benoit countered in mid-air and sent Taker crashing face first to the mat as he simultaneously reapplied the Crossface! Undertaker screamed in pain, but he was close enough to the ropes that it took only a brief struggle to inch over and grab the bottom rope. Benoit grabbed him by the hair after breaking the hold and dragged him toward the center of the ring. Just as he was about to force him down and re-apply the Crossface, though, Taker used whatever remaining strength he had to grab Benoit by the arm and pull him down across his shin. He pulled Benoit’s head down with all his might, crushing his throat along his leg until the Crippler passed out. Taker, thus, escaped – albeit with a severely injured shoulder – at the 10-minute mark.


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Friday, January 28th, 2011: Midwest Regional Round 1

Daniel Bryan: I am Daniel Bryan filling in for Dr. Chad Matthews today. He will be guest commentating for our Round 1 match of the week later on. I am by myself today, as Miz is out for personal reasons. We begin our day in Chicago, Illinois, where 4th seeded Batista battles Goldust and 5th seeded Big Show has to go up against former WCW Champion Lex Luger….

Chicago, IL

Announcer: Mr. Kennedy
Referee: Jack Doan
Commentators: Vince McMahon and Lord Alfred Hayes

4 Batista vs. 13 Goldust

This excellent contest began with Batista being surprised by Goldust’s ability to keep up with him in terms of strength. Goldust used his grappling experience to subdue a lot of his opponent’s usual heavy handed offensive maneuvers. Thus, Goldust took control and maintained momentum for the first four or so minutes. Batista turned the tide when caught Goldust in mid air as he went for a running rear end smash and then dropped him hard to the mat with a back suplex. Several power moves later, Goldust caught Big Dave off guard when he grabbed his butt cheeks and planted a big kiss on his lips. The controversial move enraged Batista, but gave Goldust the opening he needed to send him tumbling over the top rope and to the floor. Batista quickly came back, ramming Goldust spine-first into the steel post while still outside the ring. He proceeded to roll him back into the ring and drop him to the mat with a running powerslam. Batista then called for the finish, shoving his thumbs downward, but Marlena ran to the ring and jumped up on the apron. She teased removing her top, which got the big man’s attention. Batista surprised her by giving her a big smooch. Goldust, though, snuck up behind him and rolled him up for a close near fall. The crowd began chanting for Batista, who wasted little time in catching Goldust with a spear. Again, Batista signaled for the end, but this time Luna Vachon ran to the ring and hopped onto the apron. She snarled, which got Dave’s attention, but in a manner slightly different than before. As he approached, Luna lunged for his face with her nails. Batista evaded the contact, but backed right into Goldust, who hoisted him up and scored with the Curtain Call. 1…2…No! Batista kicked out! Undeterred, Goldust pushed him into the corner and draped each of his legs on the second ropes, leaving Batista in sitting position with his most sensitive area exposed for a running kick to the groin. Goldust stepped away, measured his shot, and ran forward, but Batista freed himself from the predicament at the same time and caught him with a spinebuster. He then lifted Goldust off the mat, got him in position, and delivered the Batista Bomb for the one, two, and three at 12:12.

5 Big Show vs. 12 Lex Luger

The Total Package wasted no time in attacking the Big Show’s knees. He knew that he needed to get the big man off of his feet and concentrated all of his early offense on trying to make it easier on himself. Show’s frying pan-sized hands combined with a lengthy reach make it pretty dangerous to try and get close to him. Thus, Luger did get beamed in the head a few times with some haymakers. It did not stop him from continuing his attack on the giant’s knees, though. Luger endured the shots to the head and managed to get Show’s legs wobbling. Lex then ran at him with his steel-plated forearm leading the way, but Show reached out his arm and grabbed Luger by the throat. He got back to his feet to deliver the chokeslam, but Luger kicked him in the knee. Lex went for a body slam, but he couldn’t lift him up. Show took advantage and used his Cobra Clutch into a modified backbreaker combination. Luger writhed in pain, as Show shook his legs to try and work out the kinks from those previous kicks. The big man went back on the offensive, picking up Luger for what looked like a powerbomb before he dropped backwards sending Lex crashing face first onto the mat. Show signaled for the choke slam. Luger stumbled back to his feet and got grabbed by the throat. Show lifted him up into the air, but Luger raked his eyes to before he got slammed. The man once made famous for the Lex Express by slamming a 500 pounder picked up another 500 pounder and shockingly slammed him to the mat. The crowd was somewhat stunned! Luger backed himself into one corner, exhausted, gasping for breath, and favoring his back. Show got as far as his knees when Luger drove his plated elbow into his face. It appeared to knock him out cold, but the cover that ensued only yielded a two count. The crowd chanted at him “Torture Rack!” Luger looked at them with a stunned look of his own. Show began to stir as Luger measured him for the seemingly impossible. When Show got to his knees, Luger moved in and tried to secure him on top of his shoulders. He then tried to lift him into the air, but he just could not find the strength. Show took advantage of Lex’s now weakened state and gave him a chokeslam for the pin and the win at 9:10.

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Daniel Bryan: Batista vs. Big Show in Round 2 should be interesting. Despite having been in the WWE together for roughly 8 years, they never faced each other one-on-one in a big time match. Sunday will provide them their setting. Who will also advance to Round 2? We head out to Toronto, Canada to find out…


Toronto, ONT

Announcer: Funaki
Referee: Jim Korderas
Commentators: Matt Striker and Todd Grisham

2 Undertaker vs. 15 British Bulldog

Toronto, Canada continued its history of having a mind all its own when it comes to its fans’ preference of their favorite wrestlers. Taker may be a legendary figure in the WWE, but it was the Bulldog that the crowd feverishly rooted for. Davey Boy seemed to feed off the energy, channeling his strength and power into a surprisingly dominant first few minutes of the match. He, quite frankly, bullied the Deadman around the ring. It was not always pretty, but the Bulldog’s offense could not be denied. Dropkicks, hard clotheslines, strong right handed shots to the face, and several bodyslams made the crowd nearly come unglued. They chanted “Bull-Dog” over and over, but the Taker came back with one of his old and signature finger-extended jabs to the throat. It completely threw off the Bulldog’s attack and had him gasping for air. He could not seem to catch his breath as a very old school style Deadman backed him into the corner and used his entire hand to cover Smith’s mouth and nostrils. At a count of five, Taker let go and allowed Bulldog to suck in the much needed oxygen. Right back on the attack, Taker slammed Bulldog into the mat and used a standing leg drop to further damage Smith’s now clearly injured windpipes. Try as he might, Bulldog crawled back to his feet to resume a fighting stance, but Taker delivered another stiff shot to the throat, sending Smith directly back to his knees, coughing and fighting for air. The Deadman did not let up. He backed Davey Boy back into the corner again and went straight to the opposite corner to measure him up. Taker came flying at the Bulldog running as fast as he could. When he got just inches from the Bulldog, he lifted his knee. At that moment, Davey moved out of the way and sent Taker crashing so that his leg hung over the top rope. Smith took advantage and used what little breath he had left in him to prop Taker onto his shoulder, get a running start, and drive him hard into the mat with his patented running powerslam. 1…2…No! Taker kicked out! Davey had little left in him to follow up, as he could just not seem to get his wind back. Taker sat up and immediately turned a furious look in Davey’s direction. Moments later, Taker ruled out there being another rendition of “Rule Britannia” on this night after delivering the Tombstone Piledriver and getting the victory at 9:01.

Match of the Week: 7 Chris Benoit vs. 10 Owen Hart

CMV1: Hello, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Match of the Week for the Midwest Regional first round. Tonight, it’s a match-up between two great friends and it should be interesting to, therefore, see who comes out on top. Two wrestlers that, putting it mildly, are astute in-ring tacticians…this is a recipe for a classic. I am Dr. CMV1 and I am honored to be on the announce team today with Todd Grisham and Matt Striker…

Todd Grisham: Thank you, Dr. CMV1. It is a pleasure to be here on this momentous occasion. We have the privilege of calling what should be a great match. My broadcast partner Matt Striker has the keys to the match…

Matt Striker: Well, there is no question that the strength advantage lay with the more muscularly built former World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Benoit. Yet, he is also quick, so Owen will have to try and find a way to do the one thing he possesses the clear advantage over Benoit in doing…and that’s take it to the skies. Owen MUST take chances and he must hope that at least a few of them work. Benoit simply needs to take advantage of the opportunities that he is given and he will be fine.

Funaki: Dis is Funaki…Smackdow numbah won ANNOUN-SAH!! Dis match is sched-oh-alled for won fall. Intrah-ducing first…The CRIPP-LAH Chris BEN-WAAAAHHHHHH. (Benoit makes his entrance). And his oppoh-nit…The RAW-KIT OWEN HAAAHHHH-T

CMV1: I miss Funaki…

Striker: Surely Funaki misses the electricity involved in being in that very ring

CMV1: Matt, anyone ever told you that you have tendency to over-exaggerate?

Striker: From time to time…

Todd: We’re about to get underway, here. Benoit and Hart shaking hands in the center of the ring in a nice show of respect, but there’s our first lock-up and I would imagine the pleasantries are now over. Benoit has an armbar locked in, but Owen reverses and locks in one of his own. Benoit counters right back and re-takes his bar of Hart’s arm. Owen rolls forward, though, and now backward and up to his feet. He does a front flip forward, lands on his feet, and now he re-applies the armbar on Benoit!!! Amazing move! Benoit counters with a drop toehold and now they are backing to opposite corners.

Striker: The crowd is absolutely loving the athletic display. This is what the Road to Wrestlemania is all about, am I right Chad?

CMV1: Well, that’s what I think you’ll see from these two for the entire match. What do you get when you put two friends against each other? You don’t look for blood and brawling, you look for a game of one-upsmanship. Thus far, that’s exactly what we’re seeing.

Todd: They lock up again and Owen AGAIN goes to the armbar on Benoit. He backs him into the corner and Irish whips him into the corner on the opposite side of the ring. Owen runs at him! Wow!

CMV1: Owen just tried for a monkey flip, but Benoit fully rotated and landed on his feet! He turns around and grabs Owen around the waist and tosses him back with a release German suplex! Nice move, Benoit. Hang on…Owen just kipped up while Benoit was pandering to the crowd and clotheslined him. Nice move, Hart.

Striker: Both of these men are really dialed into the others signature moves. It will be interesting as this match progresses to see who can finally gain the upper hand. Right now, this match is dead even.

CMV1: On what, points?

Striker: I’m keeping score…

CMV1: OK, Matt…

Todd: Turning our attention back to the match, they have now engaged in a test of strength. Benoit overpowers Owen and bends him backward. Owen stays on his feet, but has bridged himself to avoid his shoulders being pinned to the mat. He can’t hang on, though, and Owen is now on his back for the one, two…No! Owen gets his shoulder up.

CMV1: Owen Hart is showing that he’s deceptively strong despite slight of frame compared to his opponent. He just got back to the standing position and now he’s the one backing Benoit into a bridge…and now down with his shoulders on the mat. A near fall for Owen this go round.

Striker: I am reminded of the classic match that crowned the first ever WWE European Championship in 1997. That night, Owen and his brother-in-law the British Bulldog, who we saw in action a while ago, went toe-to-toe in much the same way that these two superstars are tonight.

Todd: Benoit is back to his feet, now, but Owen breaks the test of strength and holds onto Benoit’s right wrist. He runs toward the ropes, jumps up in an impressive show of agility to the top rope, and back flips to his feet!

CMV1: Yeah, but even more impressively he used the momentum from the flip to give Benoit an arm drag and subsequently catch him by surprise…not surprised enough to stay on his feet for more than a split second, though. Benoit is showing his resiliency, as he’s right back to his feet…

Todd: Owen runs at him and jumps up…OH! Benoit just drove him hard into the mat with a powerbomb!

Striker: Hart was going for a hurricanrana, I believe, but Benoit countered in mid-air to the powerbomb.

CMV1: Owen was smart enough to roll out of the ring, though, so that Benoit couldn’t go for the cover. Ladies and gentlemen, keep your eye on Benoit. I’ve seen that look many a time. He’s measuring Owen on the outside.

Striker: Don’t do it, Chris! Be conservative!

Todd: Benoit runs toward the ropes and DIVES through the middle and top. Ouch! Owen moved out of the way! Benoit will feel that in the morning.

Striker: There’s a reason that they call that move the Suicide Dive!

CMV1: Someone ought to tell that to Owen! Look at him! He’s going to try it!

Todd: Oh! Owen didn’t miss! Benoit is down and out on the outside floor as Owen Hart gets back into the ring and cockily gestures to the audience!

Striker: He has a chance to go for the kill, but he’s instead waiting patiently in the ring.

Todd: Benoit is now back to his feet and Owen is holding the ropes open for him. I guess the pleasantries continue amongst friends even in the heat of battle. Benoit – with a look of reluctance – re-enters the ring and the crowd is applauding the sportsmanship.

Striker: It’s much like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in a classic tennis match. They are competitors, but they respect each other.

CMV1: They lock up again and Benoit shrugs off the cob webs to grab a hammerlock.

Todd: Owen grabs Benoit in Stone Cold Stunner position and back flips over him. He goes for a quick roll-up, but Benoit rolls through it. They end up back on their feet with Owen in perfect position for a German suplex! And another! And another!

Striker: Patented rolling German suplexes from the Canadian Crippler!

CMV1: And in true Benoit form, the Crippler is heading to the top rope for the headbutt. Can he connect? What does Owen have left after that?

Todd: Enough to move out of the way! Owen Hart moved and sent Benoit crashing head-first into the mat!

Striker: Benoit is reeling! I think he might be out cold!

CMV1: Owen is no slouch when it comes to the diving headbutt, either. So, I guess it’s no surprise that he’s heading up to the top rope and he’s got a similar look that Benoit gets before risking it all off that top rope. I wouldn’t do it. Too much risk with, historically, too little reward…

Todd: I don’t think he heard you! Owen Hart dives! This time Benoit rolls out of the way! How DID he DO that?!

Striker: Just as we thought Benoit was out cold a moment ago, it is now Owen Hart laying face down in the center of the ring and he is NOT moving.

CMV1: As I said, the move just isn’t worth the risk. It takes just as much out of the wrestler performing it that it does the wrestler on the receiving end of it.

Todd: Benoit is up now and he’s noticed that Owen is out. He gives the cut throat sign and gets right on top of Owen. He’s trying to lock on the Crippler Crossface!

CMV1: That seems to have awakened him! Owen is scratching and clawing…doing whatever he can to escape before it’s fully locked on!

Striker: Beautiful counter! Hart desperately wiggled around until he managed to catch Benoit in a cradle. One…Two…

CMV1: He kicked out!

Striker: I thought it was over!

CMV1: Mr. Over exaggerate…

Todd: Benoit is right back on offense. He lifts Owen up for a vertical suplex, but Owen counters it into a small package! One…Two…

CMV1: He kicked out again! I could watch this all day! Keep going!

Todd: Owen quickly got back to his feet and dropped Benoit with a kick to the back of the head.

Striker: That same enziguiri put Shawn Michaels out of action for several months back in 1996!

Todd: Hart is heading back to the top rope. We talked earlier about how he had to take chances and he is taking another one right now.

CMV1: Flying dropkick! He connected! It could be over!

Striker: But he’s not going for the cover. What is Owen Hart doing?!

Todd: He’s, instead, going for the Sharpshooter! Benoit is using what fight he has left to try and squirm away from Owen…Benoit counters! He’s tripped Owen back to the mat! They are laying there on their backs, each with a firm hold on the others legs…Benoit has tied Owen Hart’s legs within in his own. He twists! Now they are on their stomachs…

CMV1: Incredible! Benoit just turned him over into perfect Sharpshooter position! All he has to do is sit up and lean back!

Striker: Summerslam 1991…Mr. Perfect vs. Bret “Hitman” Hart all over again!

Todd: Wait! Wait! Owen counters! He escapes! Owen has escaped!

Striker: Take a moment to breath in the atmosphere! We’ll never see these two wrestle each other again!

CMV1: You really have to see this to appreciate the back and forth game these two have going. Whatever one has tried, the other has tried. Sometimes it has been successful for one and other times it failed to work for the other, but this is about as even a wrestled match as I’ve seen in my life…

Todd: Both men are back to their feet, now. Owen tries for another enziguiri! He misses! Benoit ducked it! He grabs Owen for a German suplex! And another! And yet another!

CMV1: That’s six German suplexes…wait…that’s SEVEN German suplexes!

Striker: He’s going back to the top rope! He’s going for the head butt again! Will he connect on his second attempt!?

Todd: Yes he does! The diving headbutt DOES connect! Here’s the cover…ONE…TWO…

CMV1: Dear GOD he just…KICKED…OUT! Chris, it’s the Crossface or bust for you now…

Todd: Well, he may well go for it, but he’s looking for what appears to be ANOTHER German suplex! Owen counters!

CMV1: Owen Hart just did a standing switch and German suplexed Benoit into a bridged pin! This is it! One…TWO…AAHHHHHHH!!!

Striker: Benoit KICKED OUT! Owen is spent! Look at him!

CMV1: He may be fatigued, but he’s got more left in him. This is Owen Hart we’re talking about…

Todd: Owen is in control. Benoit seems rattled by that German suplex.

CMV1: I wouldn’t be surprised if Benoit is feeling it in his neck and upper extremities, especially with the spinal history that he has…

Todd: Owen hoists him up. He is going for a piledriver folks. If this weren’t the Road to Wrestlemania, he might be disqualified for such a move. He looks somewhat reluctant to execute!

Striker: Maybe he’s thinking back to Summerslam 1997 when he nearly killed Steve Austin with the same move. He doesn’t want to do that to his friend!

CMV1: Benoit counters! Benoit now has Owen in position for a piledriver! SHOULDER BREAKER instead!

Todd: Benoit drops right down on top of him and he’s got the Crossface locked in! It’s locked in! Owen is writing in pain! And he taps out! It’s over…

(As Benoit celebrates, Striker cues a replay of the final moments)

Striker: You can see how Owen hesitates to drop down with the piledriver. I’m not sure what his mindset was at that moment, but something caused him to pause. That moment of indecision allowed Benoit to change the momentum and use a shoulder breaker to set up the Crossface.

CMV1: A heck of an effort from both guys, but it will be Benoit facing Undertaker on Sunday. He better go see his chiropractor and rest up for the next two days…he’ll need to be healthy…


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Thursday, January 27th, 2011: Midwest Regional Round 1

CMV1: Round 1 and 2 are nearly in the books and we’ve got four spots remaining in the coveted Sports Entertainment 16. Last week, we ended things with some controversy. Randy Orton and Ric Flair wrestled to a 30-minute Broadway and both advanced to the SE 16 to face Hulk Hogan in a triple threat match. What do you guys think we can expect in the Midwest Regional?

Daniel Bryan: I think last week taught us that this thing isn’t quite as predictable as some might think it is. I expect that Shawn Michaels will have to scratch and claw past this weekend to live up to his #1 seed, but I don’t know what else to expect outside of that.

The Miz: Look at this part of the bracket and you’ll see one thing stand out above all else: SIZE! There are some monsters! Andre! Undertaker! Big Show! Batista! Sid! The theme of this weekend? SIZE MATTERS

CMV1: Well, speaking of Andre, the Giant is about to start off today’s action…

Chicago, IL

Announcer: Mr. Kennedy
Referee: Jack Doan
Commentators: Vince McMahon and Lord Alfred Hayes

3 Andre The Giant vs. 14 Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake

A look of bewilderment was plastered across the face of the Barber. Andre towered over him like a tree does a bush. The Giant never moved a muscle, just let his eyes follow Brutus as he tried to make up his mind how to attack someone so much larger than he. Beefcake finally tried to go after Andre’s knee, but his offense was ended abruptly when he was thrown three quarters of the way across the ring. Brutus sprung back to his feet and ran at the Giant, but Andre chopped him down like a piece of wood. He then backed him into the corner and gave him several knife edge chops. He tried to headbutt the much smaller man, but Beefcake ducked out of the way – sending Andre’s head crashing into the turnbuckle. Brutus tried to chop block him down to his knees, but Andre shrugged off the offensive attack, once again. Beefcake eventually did get Andre down to one knee with a low dropkick that came dangerously close to blowing out the Giant’s knee cap. With the 7 (plus)-footer closer to his height, Brutus jumped on Andre’s back and applied the sleeper hold. That classic look of anguish crossed Andre’s face, but he battled back to his full standing base and threw Brutus high into the air before sending him crashing down to the mat below. The Giant caught Beefcake in mid strike with a crushing blow from his massive wrestling boot. The Barber stumbled about once he made it back to his feet…right into a bear hug from Andre. About 30-seconds later, Brunei’s arm dropped for a third time and the match was over. Andre defeated Brutus at 6:10.

6 Sycho Sid vs. 11 Jake “The Snake” Roberts

Sid looked supremely confident as the bell sounded to start the match, but it was Roberts that quickly took control. Using a long series of left handed jabs and a few knee lifts, the Snake weakened the two-time Wrestlemania main-eventer and managed to knock the big man off of his feet. He used another knee lift to daze and confuse Sid before he could get back to a standing base. Roberts capitalized when he saw the opportunity and grabbed a front facelock before twirling his finger in the air and dropping Sid with a vicious DDT. Jake slithered on top for the count of one and two, but not three. Sid kicked out of the DDT! Frustrated, Jake headed toward his corner and took hold of the bag where Damien lay quietly and untied the string keeping it closed. Sid, vertical for the first time in two minutes, clobbered Jake before he could unleash the snake. The viciously Justice Sid connected with a big boot and then demolished Jake with a powerbomb for the victory at 5:59. A disappointing loss for Roberts, but a win for Sid that sets up a battle of behemoths between the psycho and the giant in round number two.

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CMV1: You know, I honestly am shocked that Jake the Snake did not find a way. I think a lot of people are going to be disappointed by this…

The Miz: WHO CARES!?

Daniel Bryan: Jake Roberts was one of the most entertaining superstars ever in the wrestling business. I think plenty of people will care…

CMV1: I agree, but it’s time for the Showstopper! Honky Tonk presents an interesting first round match-up for him and then we’ll get to see Jeff Hardy vs. Eddie Guerrero. Size may matter in this bracket, but there’s four excellent performers of smaller stature that could take offense to the notion of size being the theme of this weekend…

Indianapolis, IN

Announcer: Lillian Garcia
Referee: Charles Robinson
Commentators: Bobby Heenan and Gene Okerlund

1 Shawn Michaels vs. 16 Honky Tonk Man

The Heartbreak Kid started off his much anticipated run in this tournament in unfamiliar territory by being the dominant presence. He tossed Honky Tonk around the ring like a rag doll. It was if we were watching a little kid play his “Wrestling Buddy” toy from the late 80’s, easily throwing it about because it weighed next to nothing. Shawn trapped him in the corner and tried to see how loud he could make his knife edge chops echo toward the crowd, which gladly played along. Honky’s chest was beet red, but he tried a desperate right hook. HBK ducked it and gave him one more hard chop before attempting to Irish whip him to the opposite corner. Honky, though, countered and used seemingly all his remaining strength to counter and whip Michaels as hard as he could. HBK went end over end as he hit the buckle, flipping up to the top rope where he found himself in the seated position facing the crowd. The longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all-time managed to catch up to him and give him a back drop off the top rope.

Honky draped his arm over HBK and got a long two-count. He eventually picked Michaels up and scoop slammed him back to the mat before heading up to the second rope. Like his cousin, Jerry Lawler, made famous, he looked down at his fist and flew off the ropes. He dropped his knuckles across HBK’s forehead. Michaels sold it well – like he got blasted with a two-by-four. The ref started a count as soon as Honky made the cover for a one, two, but not the three! He tried to follow with a running clothesline, but HBK ducked it and clocked the Tonk with a clothesline of his own. He followed with another…and then another. He hoisted him up and dropped him crotch-first across his knee with a reverse atomic drop…and then a scoop slam. Michaels went up to the top rope and came crashing down on Honky with his elbow. A diving elbow drop! To the opposite corner HBK went, skipping and snapping his fingers to the delight of the crowd. He lifted his boot and slammed it to the mat. The crowd started building toward its crescendo while HBK kept “tuning up the band” for Sweet Chin Music.

Michaels inched toward Honky as the Elvis-impersonator got back to his feet. HBK thrust his leg toward Tonk’s face, but Honky ducked just at the last second. In a quickly swift motion, Honky grabbed HBK’s tights and pulled him into a roll-up! 1…2…No! The Heartbreak Kid made it to his feet first and darted toward his opponent looking for a clothesline, but Honky ducked the offensive again. This time, HBK’s missed offense caught the referee! Charles Robinson was knocked down to the mat. Michaels tried to check on his friend, but it allowed the HTM to retrieve his guitar from ringside. HBK turned around just in time for Honky to blast him right over the head with the guitar. Tonk made the cover and Robinson slowly started to crawl over. The ref made the count for one. Then, he made the count for two as Heenan shouted that it was going to be the biggest upset of all-time! Robinson brought his hand down again for the three, but it never had a chance to strike the mat! HBK kicked out! A minute or so went by before the two wrestlers reached their feet again. Honky leaned on HBK, but Michaels shrugged him off quickly and – in one fluid motion – landed the super kick. Shawn fell to the mat just moments behind Honky, falling on top of him. 1…2…3! Michaels emerged victorious at 19:00.

8 Eddie Guerrero vs. 9 Jeff Hardy

As Jeff made his way to the ring, Bobby “The Brain” pondered how his “grandson’s art project ended up all over Jeff Hardy’s face.” This uniquely athletic contest began with a rapid pace. They traded headlock takedowns and quick escapes to the applause of the crowd, but Jeff took an early high risk that found him backdropped over the top rope. Eddie targeted his left knee, working it over with a series of spinning toeholds and knee breakers. He eventually latched on the El Paso Lasso, but Hardy escaped by getting to his feet and connecting with a twirling back kick. Guerrero fought hard to keep control, but ceded momentum to his daredevil opponent. Jeff trapped him in the corner and planted his feet into Eddie’s chest with a rope aided corner dropkick. He went for the Twist of Fate, but Guerrero countered with a dragon suplex for a near fall. The crowd chanted for Eddie. Jeff hoisted him to the top turnbuckle (facing the ring) and climbed up after him. He tried to superplex him, but Eddie blocked it. Eddie found a way to counter Hardy’s offensive. He slammed Jeff’s face downward, leaped over him, landed on his feet with Hardy in powerbomb position, and dropped him hard onto his back on the mat. Mean Gene nearly came unglued, while Heenan claimed it to be like nothing he’d ever seen before in his life.

Unfortunately, it was not enough to gain Eddie the pin and the win, so he put Hardy back onto the top turnbuckle (this time facing the crowd). He positioned Jeff for a crucifix powerbomb, but when he went to attempt it Jeff countered in mid-move into a hurricanrana! Hardy found his second wind and scored with several consecutive clotheslines before putting Eddie down hard with a split legged sit out facebuster for a near fall. Guerrero rolled out of the ring to regroup, but was met soon after with a baseball slide. Jeff went to the outside, ran around the ringside area, hopped up onto the barricade in stride, and leaped off to blast Eddie with a diving clothesline. Back in the ring, Jeff used a sit out jawbreaker to get Guerrero in the supine position. Upward to the top rope went the youngest Hardy Boy and with a primal scream that excited the females in the audience, Jeff soared through the air with the Swanton Bomb. Yet, Eddie moved out of the way! Latino Heat ascended to the top rope, pounded his chest, and received a massive “Eddie” chant for his efforts. He darted off the top rope, brought his knees toward his chest and back out again for the Frog Splash. This time, it was Jeff who moved out of the way!

Back to his feet, Jeff lifted Eddie off the mat and attempted the Twist of Fate, but Guerrero countered and scored with a vertical suplex. He held on, rolled, got Hardy and himself back to their feet, and connected with another suplex. Again he held on and went for a third, but Hardy countered and latched onto Eddie’s waist while standing behind him. He ran forward, his momentum pushing Eddie onward with him toward the turnbuckle. At the last moment, Eddie freed himself, sending Hardy careening face first into the top turnbuckle. Guerrero took advantage and used a back suplex to plant Hardy approximately seven feet from the corner. He went back to the top rope and, without pandering to the crowd, jumped off into a Frog Splash. This time, he connected. 1…2…3! Eddie moves on to a potentially classic showdown with Shawn Michaels in round 2, but not before stealing the show in round 1 by defeating Jeff Hardy in 21:23.