January through March
Year 2
January
The Road to WrestleMania always kicks off in January, and the Smackdown show was trying to sort out the main feuds before the Royal Rumble PPV! Topping off the roster was World Heavyweight champ Ace, who had retained his belt after a brutal TLC match against Gravedigger. The "Graveyard Monster" wanted yet another chance at the title, but Ace felt he had done enough to prove he was the better grappler. Another feud still brewing was the intense battle between former allies Eric Executioner and Mack Wheeler. Mack and the "Narcissist" had a violent Extreme Rules match at the last PPV, but they clearly haven't settled their issues. The "Human Semi" wanted to throw his name into the World Title race, and justified it by claiming to be better than Eric after watching him win and lose Smackdown's top prize twice. The "Narcissist" obviously felt differently, so he demanded a title opportunity as well. With an angry champ and 3 hungry challengers available, GM Teddy Long decided to settle things by putting all 4 men in the same match! A Fatal 4-Way Elimination match was scheduled, and all 4 men fought for momentum before the PPV.
A very personal feud had the fans really excited to see the PPV match, and it began back in December. At the start of December, Zach Wesley was at his peak. His ECW Title reign was nearing 6 months, and he & Billy Carter had just captured the Tag Team Titles. But the "Mohawked Maniac" was about to head for a very hard fall, despite him believing that he had the strength and focus necessary to overcome his challenges. First, Rusty had won a #1 contender's battle royal to earn an ECW Title shot. Later, Raw's Badass Coalition team of Big Mutha Trucker and Tank Blazer became #1 contenders for the Tag Team Titles. Therefore, Wesley had 2 big title defenses in a matter of one week. In his feud with Rusty, the "2 Xtreme" superfan enlisted the help of Angus to fight against Zach & Billy. At Tribute to the Troops, Rusty pulled off a huge upset and ended Zach's ECW Title run! And then, a few days later at the TLC PPV, Trucker & Tank won the Tag Team Titles! So in less than a week, Zach Wesley went from a double champion to having no titles at all! It was a major loss for the "Maniac" and he needed someone to blame... and the "Irish Giant" became the target! Zach called out the undefeated rookie, and basically established that if he couldn't maintain success, then his foe's winning streak also had to come to an end. Wesley vowed to be the one to beat Angus, but couldn't seem to faze the "Irish Giant". So to raise the stakes and strike some worry into the rookie, Zach called for them to fight... in an Inferno match! Fans were very interested to see who could emerge from the flame-filled ring as the winner.
Intercontinental champ Joseph T. Lutte and Eve Torres had developed a pretty strong relationship since she won a sponsored battle royal in November, and the "Fantastic Frenchman" continued to support her quest to win the Women's Title. This month saw both of them go through individual feuds, but then team up at the Royal Rumble PPV. In Joseph's case, former Tag Team & Cruiserweight champ Tommy Parker attacked him to start a feud over the I.C. Title. On the final Smackdown episode before Royal Rumble, Joseph was successful in a title defense against the "Up-and-Comer"! Eve's situation saw her finally put herself in line for a title shot, as she won a Triple Threat match to become the new #1 contender! Winning the match drew the attention of Women's champ Kelly Kelly, who had been reigning as champ for over a year. Instead of a title match, the ladies agreed to face off in a mixed-tag match at the Royal Rumble PPV! Joseph would team with Eve while Kelly Kelly vowed to find a strong mystery partner to take them on.
With the Royal Rumble match approaching, fans were trying to figure out who the favorites would be from the Smackdown brand. Could the Rumble winner be the second consecutive win for Smackdown?
A very personal feud had the fans really excited to see the PPV match, and it began back in December. At the start of December, Zach Wesley was at his peak. His ECW Title reign was nearing 6 months, and he & Billy Carter had just captured the Tag Team Titles. But the "Mohawked Maniac" was about to head for a very hard fall, despite him believing that he had the strength and focus necessary to overcome his challenges. First, Rusty had won a #1 contender's battle royal to earn an ECW Title shot. Later, Raw's Badass Coalition team of Big Mutha Trucker and Tank Blazer became #1 contenders for the Tag Team Titles. Therefore, Wesley had 2 big title defenses in a matter of one week. In his feud with Rusty, the "2 Xtreme" superfan enlisted the help of Angus to fight against Zach & Billy. At Tribute to the Troops, Rusty pulled off a huge upset and ended Zach's ECW Title run! And then, a few days later at the TLC PPV, Trucker & Tank won the Tag Team Titles! So in less than a week, Zach Wesley went from a double champion to having no titles at all! It was a major loss for the "Maniac" and he needed someone to blame... and the "Irish Giant" became the target! Zach called out the undefeated rookie, and basically established that if he couldn't maintain success, then his foe's winning streak also had to come to an end. Wesley vowed to be the one to beat Angus, but couldn't seem to faze the "Irish Giant". So to raise the stakes and strike some worry into the rookie, Zach called for them to fight... in an Inferno match! Fans were very interested to see who could emerge from the flame-filled ring as the winner.
Intercontinental champ Joseph T. Lutte and Eve Torres had developed a pretty strong relationship since she won a sponsored battle royal in November, and the "Fantastic Frenchman" continued to support her quest to win the Women's Title. This month saw both of them go through individual feuds, but then team up at the Royal Rumble PPV. In Joseph's case, former Tag Team & Cruiserweight champ Tommy Parker attacked him to start a feud over the I.C. Title. On the final Smackdown episode before Royal Rumble, Joseph was successful in a title defense against the "Up-and-Comer"! Eve's situation saw her finally put herself in line for a title shot, as she won a Triple Threat match to become the new #1 contender! Winning the match drew the attention of Women's champ Kelly Kelly, who had been reigning as champ for over a year. Instead of a title match, the ladies agreed to face off in a mixed-tag match at the Royal Rumble PPV! Joseph would team with Eve while Kelly Kelly vowed to find a strong mystery partner to take them on.
With the Royal Rumble match approaching, fans were trying to figure out who the favorites would be from the Smackdown brand. Could the Rumble winner be the second consecutive win for Smackdown?
February
The Road to WrestleMania continued into February, and some major developments had the fans filling the seats in anticipation. Ace remained World Heavyweight champ after surviving a 4-way bout at Royal Rumble, but another multi-man match was heading his way... the dreaded Elimination Chamber! Five men needed to qualify for spots alongside the champ, and the first qualifier did it in a stunning way. Hitman Jack faced off against Ace on the first Smackdown of the month, and pulled off a huge clean victory! The win put the "Lethal Canadian" in the Chamber match, while also giving the champ a huge dose of humility. Eric Executioner and Gravedigger renewed their rivalry, and focused on hurting each other while also qualifying for the Chamber match. Mack Wheeler won a battle royal to give him another chance at the World Title, and Antonio Jordan scored the final spot when he beat Hitman Jack just days before the PPV! For the first time in a while, the fans had serious thoughts about a new champion emerging!
The Women's Title scene also saw changes for the first time in over a year. Kelly Kelly, who had been reigning as champ since last December, crossed the 400-day mark as the calendar turned to February. She had been feuding with Eve Torres for a few weeks, but at the Royal Rumble PPV, she abandoned her mystery partner Guy Justice and let him lose to Joseph T. Lutte and her rival. On the first Smackdown of the month, GM Teddy Long confronted K2 and informed her that she would have to defend her title against Eve that night (see below). Shaken by the sudden decision, Kelly Kelly did not bring her best to the match and Eve won the title! A few weeks later, Kelly Kelly had to face off against an improving Beth Phoenix in a #1 contender's match and again fell short, giving the "Glamazon" a title shot against the new champ! Eve and Beth's victories put them on a collision path, and they agreed to face off at Elimination Chamber.
While Eve was winning the Women's Title, her ally and Intercontinental champ Joseph T. Lutte was working through a feud of his own. This time, Billy Carter attacked him and set up a bout for the title. Rumors started to swirl, as it seemed like Lutte was taking on easier feuds against unworthy opponents. On the final Smackdown of the month, Antonio Jordan was walking backstage when he overhead Joseph & Billy chatting (see below). It appeared that they were negotiating a payment of some type, and later that night, Joseph easily retained his title against the "Canadian Bomber". Rumors continued to swirl as the month came to an end.
Days before the Elimination Chamber PPV, GM Teddy Long announced that there would be an ECW Title match at the show between Rusty... and a mystery opponent! The champ was not pleased with the decision, but he decided to stay positive and plan to beat anyone thrown his way!
The Women's Title scene also saw changes for the first time in over a year. Kelly Kelly, who had been reigning as champ since last December, crossed the 400-day mark as the calendar turned to February. She had been feuding with Eve Torres for a few weeks, but at the Royal Rumble PPV, she abandoned her mystery partner Guy Justice and let him lose to Joseph T. Lutte and her rival. On the first Smackdown of the month, GM Teddy Long confronted K2 and informed her that she would have to defend her title against Eve that night (see below). Shaken by the sudden decision, Kelly Kelly did not bring her best to the match and Eve won the title! A few weeks later, Kelly Kelly had to face off against an improving Beth Phoenix in a #1 contender's match and again fell short, giving the "Glamazon" a title shot against the new champ! Eve and Beth's victories put them on a collision path, and they agreed to face off at Elimination Chamber.
While Eve was winning the Women's Title, her ally and Intercontinental champ Joseph T. Lutte was working through a feud of his own. This time, Billy Carter attacked him and set up a bout for the title. Rumors started to swirl, as it seemed like Lutte was taking on easier feuds against unworthy opponents. On the final Smackdown of the month, Antonio Jordan was walking backstage when he overhead Joseph & Billy chatting (see below). It appeared that they were negotiating a payment of some type, and later that night, Joseph easily retained his title against the "Canadian Bomber". Rumors continued to swirl as the month came to an end.
Days before the Elimination Chamber PPV, GM Teddy Long announced that there would be an ECW Title match at the show between Rusty... and a mystery opponent! The champ was not pleased with the decision, but he decided to stay positive and plan to beat anyone thrown his way!
Major Historical Moment:
Kelly Kelly Disrespects GM Teddy Long
Backstage, we get a view of Women's champ Kelly Kelly as she enters the arena. The blonde bombshell has a very snobby attitude about her as she walks confidently into the building. She turns the corner and jumps back, spooked. Her expression then turns to annoyed as the camera rotates to show... Smackdown GM Teddy Long! Teddy is standing there with a sly smile and has a security guard with him.
Teddy: "Kelly Kelly... how nice of you to join us this evening!"
Kelly: "Yes Teddy... what do you need?"
Teddy: "Well I just want to congratulate you on a great effort last Sunday at the Royal Rumble PPV. It was very nice of you to leave Guy Justice hanging like that."
The tone of sarcasm is thick in Teddy's voice. Kelly Kelly rolls her eyes as Teddy continues.
Teddy: "You know my dear, Guy agreed to partner with you and was legitimately excited to get a PPV match. It wasn't very champion-like for you to abandon him."
Kelly: "Well he wasn't living up to my standards, okay? I felt it was best for ME to just get out of there."
Teddy: "Interesting. Well my dear, I'm going to decide what's best for YOU... and the Smackdown Divas roster tonight!"
Kelly: "What... what do you mean?"
Teddy: "Well since Eve is the #1 contender for the Women's Title and since her and Joseph won that mixed tag match last Sunday, I am going to grant her a Women's Title match... tonight!"
Kelly: "WHAT?! You can't do that! That's not fair!"
Teddy: "In my eyes, it is perfectly fair. Fair would've been sticking by Guy's side and finishing the match on Sunday. But since you didn't do that, I'm punishing you in the fairest way possible."
Kelly: "But... but... but what if I don't agree to the match?"
Kelly Kelly gives a little cocky look, but Teddy just chuckles and nods to the security guard near him.
Teddy: "If you don't agree to the match, then I will officially STRIP you of the Women's Title and this security guard here will escort you out of the arena! What do you say to that, playa?"
Kelly Kelly groans and is extremely angry. She has no choice and nods in agreement.
Teddy: "Great! Good luck tonight, champ. Holla holla holla!"
Teddy and the guard walk off. Kelly Kelly can be seen shaking in anger and gives off an angry shriek as the segment ends!
Teddy: "Kelly Kelly... how nice of you to join us this evening!"
Kelly: "Yes Teddy... what do you need?"
Teddy: "Well I just want to congratulate you on a great effort last Sunday at the Royal Rumble PPV. It was very nice of you to leave Guy Justice hanging like that."
The tone of sarcasm is thick in Teddy's voice. Kelly Kelly rolls her eyes as Teddy continues.
Teddy: "You know my dear, Guy agreed to partner with you and was legitimately excited to get a PPV match. It wasn't very champion-like for you to abandon him."
Kelly: "Well he wasn't living up to my standards, okay? I felt it was best for ME to just get out of there."
Teddy: "Interesting. Well my dear, I'm going to decide what's best for YOU... and the Smackdown Divas roster tonight!"
Kelly: "What... what do you mean?"
Teddy: "Well since Eve is the #1 contender for the Women's Title and since her and Joseph won that mixed tag match last Sunday, I am going to grant her a Women's Title match... tonight!"
Kelly: "WHAT?! You can't do that! That's not fair!"
Teddy: "In my eyes, it is perfectly fair. Fair would've been sticking by Guy's side and finishing the match on Sunday. But since you didn't do that, I'm punishing you in the fairest way possible."
Kelly: "But... but... but what if I don't agree to the match?"
Kelly Kelly gives a little cocky look, but Teddy just chuckles and nods to the security guard near him.
Teddy: "If you don't agree to the match, then I will officially STRIP you of the Women's Title and this security guard here will escort you out of the arena! What do you say to that, playa?"
Kelly Kelly groans and is extremely angry. She has no choice and nods in agreement.
Teddy: "Great! Good luck tonight, champ. Holla holla holla!"
Teddy and the guard walk off. Kelly Kelly can be seen shaking in anger and gives off an angry shriek as the segment ends!
Major Historical Moment:
Antonio Jordan Eavesdrops on Joseph T. Lutte & Billy Carter
The cameras roll backstage and we see Antonio Jordan walking down a hallway. The "Mastermind" is reading something on his phone but then looks up. It seems he can hear something and he creeps closer to an open door. The camera rotates around and we get a view of Antonio eavesdropping just past the edge of the door frame. Inside the room we can see... Intercontinental champ Joseph T. Lutte and Billy Carter chatting! The "Fantastic Frenchman" and the "Canadian Bomber" have been at odds over the Intercontinental Title for weeks, and are scheduled to have a title match tonight. Why are they talking in this quiet unknown room? The camera zooms in and we can pick up their conversation.
Billy: "Hey, I'm not settling for anything less than 10."
Joseph: "10? Now all of a sudden you're worth twice as much?"
Billy: "Hey if you plan on keeping this charade up, then you better pay up. Craig got $5,000, Tommy got $5,000 and I get $10,000. Simple as that."
Joseph: "I don't see it as simple. You get the same exact amount the other two received. That's only fair."
Billy: "That's okay, don't pay me. Then I'll just go reveal what you've been doing all along and..."
Billy starts to head towards the door, but Joseph scowls and pulls him back.
Joseph: "Fine! I'll give you $10,000. But then you better make me look good out there tonight! I'm not paying you $10,000 for a worthless performance."
Billy: "Ha ha, agreed. It was nice doing business with you. No wonder they call you the 'Financial Expert'!"
Billy heads towards the door and Antonio quickly hides. Billy peaks out to see if he can see anyone and when he doesn't spot anybody, he quickly leaves the room and power-walks down the hallway. In the room, Joseph watches him leave and shakes his head. He pulls out a large wad of money and begins to count in on the table with his back to the door. Antonio quietly comes out from behind his hiding spot and peers into the room. The "Mastermind" turns back, shakes his head angrily and walks off. The camera gets a close-up of Antonio's angry face as the segment ends.
Billy: "Hey, I'm not settling for anything less than 10."
Joseph: "10? Now all of a sudden you're worth twice as much?"
Billy: "Hey if you plan on keeping this charade up, then you better pay up. Craig got $5,000, Tommy got $5,000 and I get $10,000. Simple as that."
Joseph: "I don't see it as simple. You get the same exact amount the other two received. That's only fair."
Billy: "That's okay, don't pay me. Then I'll just go reveal what you've been doing all along and..."
Billy starts to head towards the door, but Joseph scowls and pulls him back.
Joseph: "Fine! I'll give you $10,000. But then you better make me look good out there tonight! I'm not paying you $10,000 for a worthless performance."
Billy: "Ha ha, agreed. It was nice doing business with you. No wonder they call you the 'Financial Expert'!"
Billy heads towards the door and Antonio quickly hides. Billy peaks out to see if he can see anyone and when he doesn't spot anybody, he quickly leaves the room and power-walks down the hallway. In the room, Joseph watches him leave and shakes his head. He pulls out a large wad of money and begins to count in on the table with his back to the door. Antonio quietly comes out from behind his hiding spot and peers into the room. The "Mastermind" turns back, shakes his head angrily and walks off. The camera gets a close-up of Antonio's angry face as the segment ends.
March
The final month before WrestleMania was here, and the build to the year's best PPV continued to ramp up! Heading into the home stretch, Ace still remained World Heavyweight champ after surviving a tough Elimination Chamber match. The "Ultimate Superstar" needed a big challenger for the grandest stage, and a #1 contender's match between Hitman Jack and Mack Wheeler would decide who would get the big chance. After a great match, the "Lethal Canadian" emerged victorious and got ready to fight for the World Title! Ace was worried after Hitman upset him to qualify for the Chamber match last month, and the fans started to rally behind the challenger. The World champ was concerned and started to get more violent with his new rival as the PPV grew close!
At the end of the Elimination Chamber PPV, a backstage clip was shown where Eric Executioner was approached by an unknown person in a dark vehicle. The "Narcissist" climbed into the car and it drove off, but when he re-emerged a few days later... something had definitely changed! The normally cocky former World champ had suddenly gone silent and appeared to be more aggressive than before. Emerging alongside this new version of Eric was a mysterious, creepy man known only as Mr. Black. The short, slick-haired manager spoke for his client and appeared to be the main cause for the sudden change in his demeanor. Eric & Mr. Black targeted Gravedigger, who had been feuding on and off with him since August. Mr. Black claimed that Eric felt 'Digger was the main reason for his recent struggles, including his failed attempts to re-capture the World Heavyweight Title. Both Eric and the "Graveyard Monster" attacked each other, trying to gain a physical and mental advantage, and ultimately decided that the Smackdown brand wasn't big enough to handle both of them anymore! As a result, the rivals agreed to a No DQ "Loser Leaves the Brand" match for the year's biggest event! Fans were very excited to see who would be forced to jump over to Raw, and to also learn more about this sinister Mr. Black character.
The Intercontinental Title scene had taken a large step back in importance over the past few months, as Joseph T. Lutte focused on his relationship with Eve Torres and retained his title easily through 3 mini-feuds with various foes. The "Fantastic Frenchman" defeated Craig Bullet, Tommy Parker and Billy Carter over the past few months, but a pattern started to emerge. In all 3 cases, the rivalry would begin with an attack of some kind, a promo that featured lots of trash talk and insults, a victory by the challenger over Lutte and then a follow-up title match where Joseph would win and retain the title. The challengers would then move on to new feuds without any sense of regret, disappointment or interest in earning a rematch. Rumors started to swirl, and finally a major breakthrough happened just days before Elimination Chamber. Antonio Jordan was walking backstage when he overhead a conversation between Joseph & Billy Carter, who were supposedly feuding at the time. The "Mastermind" heard talk of a payment, and seemed to put the clues together. Days after the PPV, Antonio came down to the ring and exposed Joseph's payment scheme (see below). Antonio revealed and forced Joseph to admit that he had paid off opponents to fake a feud in order to help the French grappler retain his title without catching any attention! Antonio challenged the champ to a "real" Intercontinental Title match, but the wealthy European refused to discuss it until "America's Favorite" had become #1 contender. Antonio participated in a big 6-man battle royal, and came out victorious to put himself directly in line for the Intercontinental Title! Lutte actually interfered in the match, but Antonio survived the attack and prepared to end Joseph's joke of a title run!
Rusty was looking more impressive as ECW Champion, but GM Teddy Long felt he needed a great challenge. During the month, qualifying matches were held for a future ECW Title match. Craig Bullet, Guy Justice and Paulie Dominos won their respective matches, setting up a future 4-way bout for Rusty's belt!
The Money in the Bank match was also planned for WrestleMania, with 3 members of each brand making up the 6-man Ladder match for the coveted briefcase. Krizz Torture, Angus and Tony Bullet earned spots in the match and fans were wondering if one of those Smackdown members could capture the big prize!
At the end of the Elimination Chamber PPV, a backstage clip was shown where Eric Executioner was approached by an unknown person in a dark vehicle. The "Narcissist" climbed into the car and it drove off, but when he re-emerged a few days later... something had definitely changed! The normally cocky former World champ had suddenly gone silent and appeared to be more aggressive than before. Emerging alongside this new version of Eric was a mysterious, creepy man known only as Mr. Black. The short, slick-haired manager spoke for his client and appeared to be the main cause for the sudden change in his demeanor. Eric & Mr. Black targeted Gravedigger, who had been feuding on and off with him since August. Mr. Black claimed that Eric felt 'Digger was the main reason for his recent struggles, including his failed attempts to re-capture the World Heavyweight Title. Both Eric and the "Graveyard Monster" attacked each other, trying to gain a physical and mental advantage, and ultimately decided that the Smackdown brand wasn't big enough to handle both of them anymore! As a result, the rivals agreed to a No DQ "Loser Leaves the Brand" match for the year's biggest event! Fans were very excited to see who would be forced to jump over to Raw, and to also learn more about this sinister Mr. Black character.
The Intercontinental Title scene had taken a large step back in importance over the past few months, as Joseph T. Lutte focused on his relationship with Eve Torres and retained his title easily through 3 mini-feuds with various foes. The "Fantastic Frenchman" defeated Craig Bullet, Tommy Parker and Billy Carter over the past few months, but a pattern started to emerge. In all 3 cases, the rivalry would begin with an attack of some kind, a promo that featured lots of trash talk and insults, a victory by the challenger over Lutte and then a follow-up title match where Joseph would win and retain the title. The challengers would then move on to new feuds without any sense of regret, disappointment or interest in earning a rematch. Rumors started to swirl, and finally a major breakthrough happened just days before Elimination Chamber. Antonio Jordan was walking backstage when he overhead a conversation between Joseph & Billy Carter, who were supposedly feuding at the time. The "Mastermind" heard talk of a payment, and seemed to put the clues together. Days after the PPV, Antonio came down to the ring and exposed Joseph's payment scheme (see below). Antonio revealed and forced Joseph to admit that he had paid off opponents to fake a feud in order to help the French grappler retain his title without catching any attention! Antonio challenged the champ to a "real" Intercontinental Title match, but the wealthy European refused to discuss it until "America's Favorite" had become #1 contender. Antonio participated in a big 6-man battle royal, and came out victorious to put himself directly in line for the Intercontinental Title! Lutte actually interfered in the match, but Antonio survived the attack and prepared to end Joseph's joke of a title run!
Rusty was looking more impressive as ECW Champion, but GM Teddy Long felt he needed a great challenge. During the month, qualifying matches were held for a future ECW Title match. Craig Bullet, Guy Justice and Paulie Dominos won their respective matches, setting up a future 4-way bout for Rusty's belt!
The Money in the Bank match was also planned for WrestleMania, with 3 members of each brand making up the 6-man Ladder match for the coveted briefcase. Krizz Torture, Angus and Tony Bullet earned spots in the match and fans were wondering if one of those Smackdown members could capture the big prize!
Major Historical Moment:
Antonio Jordan Exposes Joseph T. Lutte's Payment Scheme
The crowd erupts as the show opens with the entrance of... Antonio Jordan! "America's Favorite" comes out excitedly and quickly walks to the ring. Antonio seems pleased with the crowd's response but has a very serious expression. He grabs a microphone and quickly gets to business!
Antonio: "First of all, thank you guys for all your support. I know I fell short on Sunday of winning the Elimination Chamber match and the World Heavyweight Title, but coming out here to an ovation like that makes a man feel a lot better about it!"
The crowd gives another big cheer as Antonio continues.
Antonio: "Now the World Heavyweight Title has been a major goal for me since I was drafted to Smackdown nearly a year ago, but I know that my time will come at the appropriate time. But no... tonight I'm out here to address a different issue. And this issue is in regards to the Intercontinental Title and its current holder, Joseph T. Lutte."
The crowd gives a little jeer at the sound of the name of the "Fantastic Frenchman". Antonio pauses for a moment, and then continues with a now forceful voice.
Antonio: "Last week on Smackdown, I was minding my own business when I happened to eavesdrop on a little conversation in the back. Now I communicated with the camera crew and obtained a copy of that moment. Roll the footage!"
On the screen, the segment from last week's Smackdown is shown. We see Antonio eavesdropping on Joseph and Billy Carter discussing a payment plan of some sort. The crowd begins to boo viciously like they did last week. The footage ends and the camera focuses on Antonio.
Antonio: "Rather than dealing with speculation, I'm going to confront the man myself and get to the bottom of this. Joseph, get your French ass out here RIGHT NOW!"
A few anxious moments pass before Joseph's music hits, and the Intercontinental champ strolls out onto the stage. Joseph is wearing a very nice suit, has sunglasses on and his title belt wrapped around his waist. His arms are crossed but he's holding a microphone.
Joseph: "Can I help you?"
Antonio: "So Mr. Lutte, according to the evidence I have presented to everyone tonight and my own personal thoughts, I am under the unfortunate assumption that you have been PAYING guys to fake a feud over the Intercontinental Title, in order for you to easily retain? Am I correct in this assumption?"
Joseph stares straight ahead for a few moments, but then glances around when the crowd begins to shout negative comments at him.
Joseph: "I don't have to answer your stupid question..."
Antonio: "Are you paying folks to keep your title and avoid serious challenges? ANSWER THE DAMN QUESTION!"
Again Joseph stares ahead with no response. Antonio doesn't wait and continues.
Antonio: "Well here's what I do know, Mr. Lutte. I know that the Intercontinental Title is one of the most prestigious, well-known and historic belts ever created. There have been many that have come before you that have defended that belt honorably and with integrity. And here you come along, sullying the title's good name with your disrespectful payment schemes and cocky European attitude. So I will ask you ONE MORE TIME... Did you or did you not pay competitors to create fake challenges for the Intercontinental Title in order for you to retain it and keep it easily?"
Joseph takes a deep breath and finally responds.
Joseph: "Yeah, yeah I did it. And you know what, you little American parasite? I'm PROUD that I did it! I'm PROUD I kept it going for so long and NOBODY had ANY idea! Ha ha! You all should feel ashamed of yourselves for letting a simple Frenchman like me disgrace this supposedly prestigious title all by simply waving a few dollar bills. And if it wasn't for your snooping around, I would have continued to do it!"
Joseph's response draws a huge collective jeer from the crowd, and the champ now opens his arms and begins to circle slowly on the stage. In the ring, Antonio gets angry and cuts in.
Antonio: "Well here's the plan, Frenchy. I am officially going to challenge you for that..."
But before Antonio can finish, Joseph interrupts.
Joseph: "Whoa whoa whoa, cowboy. You see, you may have stumbled onto my little payment scheme but just because you are so so MAD at me about it doesn't make you the #1 contender. That is something you'll have to EARN. So when a #1 contender's match is announced with you in it, then I'll pay attention. But for now... I think I'll go scour the back to see if anyone's willing to accept another payment!"
Joseph chuckles and walks backstage as the crowd boos him viciously. Antonio watches him leave in anger as the segment ends!
Antonio: "First of all, thank you guys for all your support. I know I fell short on Sunday of winning the Elimination Chamber match and the World Heavyweight Title, but coming out here to an ovation like that makes a man feel a lot better about it!"
The crowd gives another big cheer as Antonio continues.
Antonio: "Now the World Heavyweight Title has been a major goal for me since I was drafted to Smackdown nearly a year ago, but I know that my time will come at the appropriate time. But no... tonight I'm out here to address a different issue. And this issue is in regards to the Intercontinental Title and its current holder, Joseph T. Lutte."
The crowd gives a little jeer at the sound of the name of the "Fantastic Frenchman". Antonio pauses for a moment, and then continues with a now forceful voice.
Antonio: "Last week on Smackdown, I was minding my own business when I happened to eavesdrop on a little conversation in the back. Now I communicated with the camera crew and obtained a copy of that moment. Roll the footage!"
On the screen, the segment from last week's Smackdown is shown. We see Antonio eavesdropping on Joseph and Billy Carter discussing a payment plan of some sort. The crowd begins to boo viciously like they did last week. The footage ends and the camera focuses on Antonio.
Antonio: "Rather than dealing with speculation, I'm going to confront the man myself and get to the bottom of this. Joseph, get your French ass out here RIGHT NOW!"
A few anxious moments pass before Joseph's music hits, and the Intercontinental champ strolls out onto the stage. Joseph is wearing a very nice suit, has sunglasses on and his title belt wrapped around his waist. His arms are crossed but he's holding a microphone.
Joseph: "Can I help you?"
Antonio: "So Mr. Lutte, according to the evidence I have presented to everyone tonight and my own personal thoughts, I am under the unfortunate assumption that you have been PAYING guys to fake a feud over the Intercontinental Title, in order for you to easily retain? Am I correct in this assumption?"
Joseph stares straight ahead for a few moments, but then glances around when the crowd begins to shout negative comments at him.
Joseph: "I don't have to answer your stupid question..."
Antonio: "Are you paying folks to keep your title and avoid serious challenges? ANSWER THE DAMN QUESTION!"
Again Joseph stares ahead with no response. Antonio doesn't wait and continues.
Antonio: "Well here's what I do know, Mr. Lutte. I know that the Intercontinental Title is one of the most prestigious, well-known and historic belts ever created. There have been many that have come before you that have defended that belt honorably and with integrity. And here you come along, sullying the title's good name with your disrespectful payment schemes and cocky European attitude. So I will ask you ONE MORE TIME... Did you or did you not pay competitors to create fake challenges for the Intercontinental Title in order for you to retain it and keep it easily?"
Joseph takes a deep breath and finally responds.
Joseph: "Yeah, yeah I did it. And you know what, you little American parasite? I'm PROUD that I did it! I'm PROUD I kept it going for so long and NOBODY had ANY idea! Ha ha! You all should feel ashamed of yourselves for letting a simple Frenchman like me disgrace this supposedly prestigious title all by simply waving a few dollar bills. And if it wasn't for your snooping around, I would have continued to do it!"
Joseph's response draws a huge collective jeer from the crowd, and the champ now opens his arms and begins to circle slowly on the stage. In the ring, Antonio gets angry and cuts in.
Antonio: "Well here's the plan, Frenchy. I am officially going to challenge you for that..."
But before Antonio can finish, Joseph interrupts.
Joseph: "Whoa whoa whoa, cowboy. You see, you may have stumbled onto my little payment scheme but just because you are so so MAD at me about it doesn't make you the #1 contender. That is something you'll have to EARN. So when a #1 contender's match is announced with you in it, then I'll pay attention. But for now... I think I'll go scour the back to see if anyone's willing to accept another payment!"
Joseph chuckles and walks backstage as the crowd boos him viciously. Antonio watches him leave in anger as the segment ends!
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