Full Moon Con-Chair-To
By: Mitch Passero
March 21, 2008
Results courtesy of WWE.com

BILOXI, Miss. – They say strange things happen on the night of a full moon. But it didn’t take lunar activity, just the onset of WrestleMania XXIV for wild things to take place on Friday Night SmackDown. A Deadman, a Big Red Monster, an Animal, a Silverback, two 7-foot giants and a Rated-R Superstar were on the prowl, looking to vanquish their opponents on The Road to WrestleMania.

MVP’s VIP Lounge
For the first time in almost six years, Raw’s Chris Jericho paid a visit to the land of SmackDown as a guest on U.S. Champion MVP’s VIP Lounge. The two Money in the Bank Ladder Match opponents traded verbal barbs, including Jericho poking fun at alternative names for MVP. The self-proclaimed highest paid entertainer tried to elevate himself with a lot of tough talk, but Jericho literally brought him back down to earth when he knocked the United States Champion from atop a ladder in the ring. Is this symbolic of what we’re going to see when the two meet in just nine days at WrestleMania?

One Punch KO
For yet another week, Big Show crushed those foolish enough to step into the ring with the angry, dominant giant. This week, it was three competitors who fell victim to the 7-footer. Big Show made quick work of the trio, finishing off the least fortunate with a powerful knock-out blow, followed by an easy pin. As the WrestleMania showdown between Big Show and Floyd Mayweather draws near, the risk for the boxing champion appears to increase with each passing week.

Rampaging Animal
The look in Batista’s eyes on SmackDown told the story: You don’t want to get in his way – not now, not when The Granddaddy of Them All is just nine days away. Deuce & Domino found this out the hard way, as The Animal went on the offensive right from the start of their 2-on-1 Handicap Match. Despite their two-man advantage, the former WWE Tag Team Champions were no match for their opponent, who Batista Bombed Domino for a decisive win. The Animal appears to be right on form to face Umaga in their Raw vs. SmackDown battle for brand supremacy at WrestleMania.

Tag Titles Intact
Earlier in the week on ECW, things looked promising for the Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy team when Festus pinned The Miz in a Six-Man Tag Match. But with the WWE Tag Team Titles on the line on Friday Night SmackDown, this time it was The Miz who pinned Jesse. The Shaman of Sexy must be content with keeping tag team gold in place, but will be looking for future gold if he can succeed in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

Also on SmackDown
Just when you thought you were watching two of SmackDown’s biggest men do battle – Kane and Chuck Palumbo – The Great Khali made his way into the arena and made the encounter that much bigger. Khali went right for Kane and delivered a Khali Bomb, ending the match without a victor.

But, the parade of big men wasn’t over, as the World’s Strongest Man Mark Henry came into the arena to make his mark. The self-proclaimed Silverback went on a path of destruction, first lifting and slamming the 400-pound Punjabi giant, then laying waste to Palumbo with a massive avalanche, and finally lifting and slamming Kane to the canvas. The four will meet again in the WrestleMania 24-Man Battle Royal. Will Henry be able to repeat this display of dominance, or will one of SmackDown’s big men deliver some payback on The Grandest Stage of Them All?

Although compared to the likes of Khali and Henry, the competitors were smaller in stature, but the animosity was just a fierce when the SmackDown Diva Contest continued on Friday. In an Arm Wrestling Competition, Michelle McCool took first place yet again this week. Then, SmackDown Assistant General Manager Theodore Long delivered the bad news to Victoria fans that she was eliminated from the competition, according to your votes. Next week, the Divas continue to battle it out, hoping to win the custom Beverly Hills Chopper. More on this competition…

Harmful melody
When World Heavyweight Champion Edge defeated Funaki, he “borrowed” some of Undertaker’s signature moves by mocking the Phenom’s RIP gesture and using the Tombstone Piledriver to dismantle his opponent. After the champion’s easy win, he grabbed the ring mic and let it be known: “Tonight, I step up to a whole new level.”

Later in the night, the Ultimate Opportunist delivered on his promise. Though Undertaker defeated ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero using his blood-drawing submission move, Edge, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder launched a steel-chair attack on The Phenom. In an ugly display, the Rated-R entourage relentlessly pummeled an outnumbered Undertaker, with the champion ultimately knocking out his WrestleMania opponent with a brutal Con-Chair-To.

Matches:
* Batista def. Deuce & Domino (2-on-1 Handicap Match)
* Big Show def. Chase Stevens, Andy Douglas & Luke Hawx (3-on-1 Handicap Match)
* World Heavyweight Champion Edge def. Funaki (Non-title)
* Kane vs. Chuck Palumbo (No Contest)
* WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison def. Jesse & Festus
* Undertaker def. ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero (Non-title)

In an audio interview with the Between the Ropes radio show, Kurt Angle had a lot to say about Bobby Lashley's future, major changes coming to TNA starting next month and fighting Randy Couture in an MMA style match this summer. Here are the highlights:

-- When asked about the possibility of Bobby Lashley coming to TNA, Kurt said, “I’m not going to say anything, but be ready for anything. Be ready for a big surprise... Whatever he does, it’s going to make big press. Let’s just that I’m really excited about the direction that Bobby Lashley is going.”

-- He and Samoa Joe will have a mixed martial arts match at the Lockdown pay-per-view. “We’re going to have an MMA style match at the pay-per-view and this is the beginning of what TNA is going to start doing.”

-- He added, “Joe and I are actually putting a hell of a a match together that is going to be very much MMA oriented. It’s going to be inside a cage. I don’t even think we’re wearing shoes. We’re going to tape our ankles. We’re going to be putting on the gloves.” He said he and Joe are trying to show up the Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show match.

-- Angle said he and Randy Couture have agreed to fight in a legit MMA-style match this summer. He didn't specify which promotion they'll work for or what type of match they're going to have.

Here is the preview for TNA Impact from TNAwrestling.com:

This Thursday night on “iMPACT!” on SpikeTV, TNA returns with two hours of Total Nonstop Action as the road to the April 13 Lockdown Pay-Per-View continues!

Here is a preview of what will take place on the broadcast:

LOCKDOWN XSCAPE MATCH QUALIFYING CONTINUES
Another Lockdown Xscape Match qualifier will take place this Thursday night as “The Guru” Sonjay Dutt battles the LAX’s Homicide for an open spot in the Pay-Per-View bout! At Lockdown, six X Division stars will compete inside the Six Sides Of Steel for the X Championship! It's not just about survival - its about getting out of the cage! It will be pinfall/submissions until two men remain - then the battle to escape the structure begins!

BOOKER T BRINGS SHARMELL BACK TO "iMPACT!"
Sharmell, the wife of Booker T, has returned to TNA with a vengeance! This Thursday night, sources say that Booker will officially welcome Sharmell back to “iMPACT!”. The question is, will Robert Roode and Payton Banks take the opportunity to spoil the moment?

KURT ANGLE STARTS HIS LOCKDOWN TRAINING
In addition, Kurt Angle has informed TNA management that he plans to hold an open training camp this Thursday night on the broadcast! On April 13 at Lockdown, Angle will defend the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Samoa Joe – and the reigning titleholder is more intense and focused than ever.

- Also, rumors have it that “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles will be inviting a special guest to the Impact Zone this Thursday night.

- More footage will air on the broadcast of “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal courting SoCal Val!

All this and much more this Thursday night on “iMPACT!” on SpikeTV starting at 9pm et!

Andrew sent us word that former TNA Knockout Leticia Cline is on the current season of "Beauty and the Geek."

Devin Cutting sent this in: Former TNA superstar Goldy Locks & her band will be performing at Club La Vela in Panama City Beach, Florida on April 11th & 12th. Club La Vela was the venue for several Spring Break editions of WCW Nitro in the late 1990's.

Ford sent this in: TNA Knockout Angelina Love, live on The Ford Show TONIGHT at 10pm/ET on NowLive.com! Create a NowLive account and Join us in the chat room and call in to talk with Angelina live! Here is the direct link into the chat room: click here.

'Tis the season...for WrestleMania
By: Andrew Rote
March 18, 2008
Results courtesy of WWE.com

BILOXI, Miss. – The Land of the Extreme was in full-force WrestleMania mode in this super-competitive sports-entertainment season as ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero and the rest of the roster tried to set the stage for The Granddaddy of Them All.

Three of the Superstars who will be competing in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania XXIV faced off in the midst of a Six-Man Tag Team Match, hoping to gain an early advantage. CM Punk seemed a bit concerned in the locker room before the contest, as he observed his dazed partner, Festus. But his other associate for the night, Jesse, assured the Straightedge Superstar he wouldn’t be disappointed once the bell rang. He was right, as the three Superstars overpowered The Miz and two other Money in the Bank contestants, John Morrison & Shelton Benjamin. The win also helped to fuel Jesse & Festus, as the duo is primed to defeat Morrison & The Miz on SmackDown and become WWE Tag Team Champions.

Earlier, the evening kicked off on fire – literally. Kane exploded into the ring where he extinguished Elijah Burke. The Big Red Machine will no doubt be one of the favorites to win the brand-wide 24-Man Battle Royal at ‘Mania. While he certainly has a size advantage over most, he is not the biggest Superstar in the massive, over-the-top rope contest. Matt Striker has already promised that Big Daddy V will shake the foundation of the Florida Citrus Bowl. The Great Khali is sure to make some waves as well. There is really only one word that fittingly describes this destructive clash of titans: Humongous.

Later in the night, Kofi Kingston cruised to another victory on ECW on Sci Fi. The first-ever Jamaican Superstar has yet to be defeated since joining the extreme brand. Tuesday was just another part of the chapter as his unique style and attitude helped him to pin James Curtis. Might Kofi find himself in the 24-Superstar mix at WrestleMania?

While Kingston celebrated on ECW, the “Mexican Warrior” was preparing with WrestleMania on his mind. The ECW Champion capped off the evening by taking pleasure in defeating Colin Delaney in what Guerrero called a preview of what’s to come at WrestleMania. Delaney was denied an ECW contract in the loss and Guerrero was able to make a very loud statement, warning all other competitors in contention to challenge him in a title match later that evening at WrestleMania.

What will develop on the last Tuesday night before WrestleMania XXIV? Watch ECW on Sci Fi and find out, Tuesday at 10/9 CT.

Matches:
* Kane def. Elijah Burke
* Kofi Kingston def. James Curtis
* CM Punk, Jesse & Festus def. Shelton Benjamin, John Morrison & The Miz
* ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero def. Colin Delaney (non-title)