This Week In WWE: May 17, 2009- May 23, 2009

Welcome to the fifty-fifth edition of This Week In WWE. Feel free to contact me on TWO or Wrestling 101 anytime with comments, questions, and anything in between. Also, check out my blog on Wrestling101.com.

The 11th edition of WWE Judgment Day came to you, live on pay-per-view, from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL. Confirmed for Judgment Day was a World Heavyweight Title Match that would see the champion, Edge, defend his title against "The Unique Enigma" Jeff Hardy. The WWE Championship would also be up for grabs as the champion, Randy Orton, defended against "The Animal" Batista. Jack Swagger would get his opportunity to regain the ECW Championship as he challenged the champion, Christian, for the gold. John Cena would be looking for retribution as he took on "The World’s Largest Athlete" Big Show. Two of SmackDown’s newest Superstars would face off as Rey Mysterio would defend the Intercontinental Title against "The Destroyer of Hopes And Dreams" Chris Jericho. In his hometown of Chicago, "Mr. Money-in-the-Bank" CM Punk would take on "The Samoan Savage" Umaga. "The Guru of Greatness" would square off with "The Gold Standard" as John Morrison faced Shelton Benjamin.

The opening match of the night saw "The Samoan Savage" Umaga pick up the win over Chicago’s own CM Punk.

In the backstage area, Chavo Guerrero enters RAW General Manager Vickie Guerrero’s office and informs the GM that John Cena has been officially cleared to compete against Big Show tonight. Vickie turned and informed Big Show of the same news. Big Show told the GM that he will end the career of John Cena tonight. Not at all bothered by the possibility, Vickie responded by telling Big Show that someone else will step up if that happens. Big Show made his exit, confident that he would be the one to "step up". As Show was leaving, he came face-to-face with the World Heavyweight Champion Edge! Edge told Show that he needed to have a "word with his wife". Edge then gestured for Chavo to take his leave. What business does Edge need to attend to with the General Manager of RAW Vickie Guerrero? Was it truly just to visit his wife?

The ECW Championship was also up for grabs as "Captain Charisma" Christian defended the title against "The All-American American" Jack Swagger. Much like Backlash, Swagger tried to get the upper hand by hooking the tights of Christian on a roll-up. However, the crafty champion was able to, once again, outwit Swagger by hooking the tights on a roll-up and retaining the ECW Title!

Backstage, Chavo Guerrero is shown trying to eavesdrop on the conversation between Edge and Vickie Guerrero. Edge comes out and Chavo inquires about the conversation that the World Heavyweight Champion and the RAW General Manager had. Edge told Chavo that he just wanted to speak to his wife. Edge then calls Chavo an "embarrassment" for allowing Santino Marella to describe Vickie as a "pig".

"The Guru of Greatness" John Morrison squared off with "The Gold Standard" Shelton Benjamin. However, Benjamin was not alone as he brought Charlie Haas with him. In the middle of the match between Morrison & Benjamin, Haas helped out Benjamin by throwing Morrison back in the ring. In the end, it was Morrison knocking Haas off of the apron that allowed John Morrison to hit Starship Pain and pick up the win over Shelton Benjamin.

The Miz made a special appearance at Judgment Day. Miz degraded his former tag team partner, John Morrison, by calling him "Marty Janetty". Miz then turns his attention to a special guest in attendance in Chicago; the outfielder for the Chicago Cubs- Alfonso Soriano. Miz stated that John Cena and Alfonso have a lot in common. Miz then called Alfonso a "Cena surrogate" and challenged the ball player to come into the ring. When Alfonso did not answer the challenge, The Miz declared himself 4-0 against John Cena. Miz was then interrupted by Santino Marella. Santino told Miz that he was out there to stop Miz from disrespecting a "fellow Italian" in Alfonso Soriano. Santino again calls Vickie a "pig" before mocking The Miz. Not taking a liking to his own medicine, The Miz hit Santino with a cheap shot. The two of them brawled back and forth on the mat before The Miz gained the upper hand and planted Santino with a DDT. Miz then made his exit, but as Miz left, Chavo Guerrero came out! With Santino Marella down in the ring, Chavo took advantage and hit Santino with the Frog Splash. Would seizing this opportunity prove Chavo’s worth to "The Ultimate Opportunist" Edge?

Backstage, Chris Jericho is being interviewed about his match against Rey Mysterio for the Intercontinental Title. Jericho proclaimed that Rey Mysterio does not get by on talent, but he gets by on the backing of a "biased General Manager". Jericho then vowed that there would be no 619 tonight, but there would be a new Intercontinental Champion.

Chris Jericho tried his best to take the Intercontinental Title from Rey Mysterio, even trying to remove the mask of Mysterio, but in the end, Chicago did see a 619 when Rey hit Jericho with the maneuver and picked up the win to keep the Intercontinental Title.

Then it was time for the WWE Championship to be put on the line as Randy Orton defended against "The Animal" Batista. Orton did his best to combat the revenge-driven Batista, but when all failed, Orton went to his "Plan B" as Orton repeatedly tried to get himself counted out or disqualified. Orton even tried to simply walk out of the match at one point, but Batista thwarted "The Viper" at every pass. However, Orton did something that Batista could not block or counter and that was slapping the referee! The blatant attack left the referee no choice but to ring the bell for the disqualification, thus keeping the WWE Title around the waist of Randy Orton. As soon as the match concluded, Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase rushed to the ring and all three members of Legacy commenced the beat down of "The Animal". However, when all hope was lost for Batista, an old friend returned to come to his aid; none other than the WWE Hall of Famer- "Nature Boy" Ric Flair! "The Naitch" had returned and, together, Batista & Ric Flair fought back against Legacy, clearing the ring of Rhodes & DiBiase. Batista put the exclamation point on the comeback by flattening Orton with a Batista Bomb. "The Animal" & "The Nature Boy" stood tall together in the ring as Legacy retreated. How will Legacy respond now that Ric Flair has returned to back up Batista? Have Batista & Flair formed a coalition to combat Orton & Legacy?

Judgment Day also featured a match of personal animosity as a less than 100% John Cena took on "The World’s Largest Athlete" Big Show. Show dominated John Cena in the contest, but Cena was able to overcome and find an opening to hit the Attitude Adjustment on Big Show and pick up the win!

Then it was time for the main event as the World Heavyweight Championship was on the line as "The Rated-R Superstar" Edge defended the gold against "The Charismatic Enigma" Jeff Hardy. Edge & Jeff had another one of their classic matches, but when it seemed like Jeff was on the verge of winning, the contest spilled to the outside of the ring and into the crowd. Jeff send Edge over the barricade and Edge went back into the ring. However, as Jeff was climbing back over the barricade, Matt Hardy came out of nowhere and blasted his brother with his cast! Matt quickly ducked to avoid being spotted by the referee. This would spell the end for Jeff Hardy as Edge used a variation of his Edgecution by hitting the signature move off of the top rope! This devastating maneuver would secure the World Heavyweight Title for Edge. After the match, EMT’s tended to Jeff Hardy. Could it be that Matt Hardy’s involvement was set up by Edge and his wife and RAW General Manager Vickie Guerrero to keep the title around the waist of Edge? Has this renewed the brotherly rivalry that was thought to be over at Backlash? How will Jeff respond to his brother’s interference?

The 834th edition of Monday Night RAW came to you, live, from Freedom Hall in Louisville, KY. Confirmed for the night after Judgment Day was a United States Championship Match as champion MVP defended the title against old rival Matt Hardy. Also, the Divas of RAW would compete in a Battle Royal to determine who will be the new #1 Contender for the Divas Title.

RAW kicked off with the still WWE Champion- Randy Orton. "The Viper" reveals that he wanted to "take Batista out for good" at Judgment Day, but Batista was saved by Ric Flair. Orton recalled the time in 2007 when he punted Ric Flair in the head and put him out of action. The champion then stated that he is "proud" of punting every other member of Evolution. Orton then dares Ric Flair to get in his business again. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair interrupted the WWE Champion and told Orton that Orton still has the WWE Title, but he did not beat Batista at Judgment Day. Flair stated that, in Evolution, Orton was supposed to be the "chosen one", but Batista blew past Orton and became "the man". Flair proclaims that until you have beaten "the man", you have done nothing. Orton insists that he can defeat Batista. Ric Flair reveals that he had a talk with RAW General Manager Vickie Guerrero earlier on and that he and Vickie agreed on the idea of having Randy Orton defend the WWE Title against Batista at Extreme Rules in three weeks in a Steel Cage Match! Flair reminded Orton that a Cage Match has no disqualifications and that there will be no Legacy involvement and no Flair involvement because it will be Orton & Batista locked inside a Steel Cage fighting for the WWE Championship. "The Viper" then hit the Hall of Famer with a cheap shot. Orton then proceeded to assault "The Nature Boy". Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase then made their way to the ring to help Orton dismantle Flair, but Rhodes & DiBiase were thwarted by Batista. However, the three-on-one game was too much for "The Animal" and Legacy turned their attention to assaulting the #1 Contender. Having seen all he could stand, John Cena rushed the ring and cleared the ring of Legacy! Later in the show, Vickie Guerrero announced that the main event will be a 3-on-2 Handicap Match as John Cena & Batista team up to take on all three members of Legacy!

The opening match of the night was a special Diva Battle Royal to determine the #1 Contender for Maryse’s Divas Title. The reigning champion was at ringside providing guest commentary for the match. After Beth Phoenix, Rosa Mendes, Jillian, & The Bella Twins were all eliminated, it was down to Mickie James & Kelly Kelly. However, while the referee was distracted trying to get Beth Phoenix to let go of Kelly Kelly and head to the back, Maryse got up and sprayed perfume in the eyes of Mickie James! Not seeing any of this transpire, Kelly Kelly eliminated Mickie James to become the new #1 Contender for the Divas Title! Why did Maryse cost Mickie the #1 Contender’s spot? Does Maryse feel that Kelly Kelly is less of a threat than Mickie James? Has the two pinfall losses to Mickie made Maryse doubt herself?

Santino Marella was in action on RAW, looking for revenge against Chavo Guerrero for what went down at Judgment Day. In the end, Santino was able to roll up Chavo for the win. An enraged Chavo Guerrer then dropped a bombshell announcement as he revealed that Santino’s twin sister, Santina, would defend her title of "Miss WrestleMania" against Chavo’s aunt; the General Manager of RAW- Vickie Guerrero!

On last week’s RAW, The Brian Kendrick picked up a win over one half of the Unified WWE Tag Team Champions, Carlito. Kendrick then promised to find the perfect partner to take the tag titles from Primo & Carlito. This week, Kendrick tried teaming with "The Bizzare One" Goldust in an unsuccessful attempt as the duo lost to Primo & Carlito in a non-title match. After being pinned by Primo, The Brian Kendrick was irate and began blaming Goldust for the loss. Kendrick even slapped Goldust! Goldust’s new "little buddy" Hornswoggle came in and bit Kendrick, which led to Goldust & Hornswoggle sending The Brian Kendrick from the ring!

The Miz also made an appearance on RAW dressed as John Cena! Miz once again proclaims that he is 4-0 against John Cena. Miz then puts together a special "rap" to mock John Cena. Miz then proclaims that he is the "new face of Monday Night RAW". Miz once again calls out Cena. When Cena does not appear, Miz takes that as another victory and announces he is 5-0. WWE Hall of Famer & RAW Color Commentator Jerry "The King" Lawler came into the ring and tried to explain to The Miz that, just because you call someone out and they do not show up, does not mean you have defeated them. Lawler then tells Miz that he is "talking out of his rear end". Lawler then suggests that The Miz go ask Vickie Guerrero for a real match against John Cena. "The World’s Largest Athlete" Big Show comes out. Fresh off of his loss to Cena at Judgment Day, Show was not in a good mood to say the least. Big Show told Miz that "make-believe time is over" and that he is not done with John Cena. Big Show then reveals that Vickie has made another match for Extreme Rules as it will be Big Show squaring off with John Cena in a Submission Match! Miz quickly hides behind "The King" before he tells Show that Cena will beat him at Extreme Rules. Miz then shoves Lawler into Big Show. Show throws Lawler to the side, but Miz manages to escape "The World’s Largest Athlete". However, Jerry Lawler was not as lucky as Big Show used his huge right hand on the ribs of the former wrestler and current announcer. Big Show then locked the vicious camel clutch on the Hall of Famer, leaving "The King" laying. Referees came in to check on Jerry Lawler. What is the condition of "The King" following this attack by Big Show?

With Hall of Famer & SmackDown Commentator Jim Ross filling in for "The King", the show moved on with a United States Championship Match as MVP defended the gold against his former rival Matt Hardy. For most of the match, Matt used his cast to injure the leg of the champion while MVP targeted the broken hand of Matt Hardy. In the end, MVP was able to best Matt Hardy and retain the United States Title.

Backstage, Ric Flair is talking with Batista and "The Naitch" reveals that, on next week’s RAW, he will call out WWE Champion Randy Orton. After reading the doubt on the face of Batista, Flair proclaimed that he still had it and if Batista does not have confidence in him, then Batista will be without any back up in the main event. Flair stated that "just because he can’t wrestle, does not mean he can not fight".

Then it was time for the title of "Miss WrestleMania" to be put on the line as the reigning "Miss WrestleMania" Santina Marella put her title on the line against RAW’s General Manager Vickie Guerrero. Before the match could begin, Vickie’s nephew Chavo announced that the contest will now be a No Disqualification Match. Chavo then attacked Santina and the two of them traded blows. After Santina sent Chavo out of the ring, William Regal came in and attacked Santina, laying her out with a vicious knee. After all this, Vickie Guerrero pinned Santina Marella to become the new "Miss WrestleMania"! In her first singles match, Vickie Guerrero wins the "Miss WrestleMania" crown! What does this mean for RAW now that the General Manager is also "Miss WrestleMania"?

Then it was time to get into some serious business as Batista & John Cena got ready to face WWE Champion Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, & Ted DiBiase in a 3-on-2 Handicap Match. In the middle of the contest, Big Show makes his way to the ring. Ric Flair runs past Big Show and hands a steel chair to John Cena. Cena then chases Big Show to the backstage area. "The Dirtiest Player In The Game" then got rid of Cody Rhodes. This gave "The Animal" the opportunity to spear Randy Orton and pin the WWE Champion! If Batista does the same at Extreme Rules, then we will see a new WWE Champion! What will happen next week when Ric Flair calls out Randy Orton? Can Flair combat the WWE Champion?

The 154th edition of ECW on Sci-Fi came to you from the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, OH. Confirmed for ECW was the ECW debut match of David Hart Smith, who would take on the man he attacked last week- Finlay.

Jack Swagger opens the show and proclaims that Judgment Day was a "travesty". Swagger then states that he will not leave the ring until he gets some "justice". After two referees came into the ring and was unable to remove Swagger from the ring, the Interim General Manager of ECW, Tiffany, came to the ring. Tiffany demanded that Swagger exit the ring, but "The All-American American" refused to listen to his boss. Swagger said that Christian has not beaten him and that he is the "unofficial ECW Champion" and that the whole situation is "not fair". Swagger then called Tiffany "blondie" and a "temp". Fed up with Swagger’s attitude, Tiffany laid down the law to Swagger by telling the former ECW Champion that she can make sure that Swagger never receives another shot at the ECW Title. Tiffany again orders Swagger to leave the ring and meet Tiffany in her office. Faced with the possibility of never challenging for the ECW Title again, Swagger reluctantly exits the ring. The Interim GM then apologizes for Swagger’s protest. Tiffany then introduces the ECW Champion Christian, who would be in action in the opening match. Christian & Swagger came face-to-face on the entrance ramp and Swagger shoved the ECW Champion off of the ramp to the concrete floor below on the champion’s knee!

Despite having an injured knee, thanks to Jack Swagger, "Captain Charisma" Christian was able to defeat "The Ripper" Paul Burchill in a non-title match. After the match, Christian made a major challenge; Christian challenged Tommy Dreamer to face him for the ECW Championship! Would Dreamer accept the match and get what could be his last shot at the title before his contract expires?

In Interim General Manager Tiffany’s office, the GM informed Jack Swagger that he would be taking the rest of the night off!

Zack Ryder was also in action, defeating Adam Greene.

ECW Interviewer Gregory Helms made a major announcement backstage. Helms said that he was told by Tiffany that the challenge laid out by Christian has been accepted by Tommy Dreamer! Helms then revealed that the match will take place on WWE Superstars! For the first time ever on WWE Superstars, the ECW Championship will be on the line as Christian defends the title against the "ECW Original" Tommy Dreamer. Can Dreamer win the gold one more time and remain a part of the ECW roster or will Christian keep the gold? What kind of condition will Christian be in following the attack by Jack Swagger?

"The Moscow Militant" Vladimir Kozlov made an appearance on ECW and proclaimed that he is the "greatest force in ECW". The uniformed Russian then stated that there will be "no retreat".

In the main event of the evening, David Hart Smith made his in-ring ECW debut with a win over Finlay. However, Smith had ample help from the rest of The Hart Trilogy as Natalya first slapped Finlay. After that, Tyson Kidd tried to attack Finlay, but the Irishman dodged it. Then, Kidd distracted the referee while Natalya threw her boot to David Hart Smith. Smith clocked Finlay with the boot and hit a back suplex to pick up the win over Finlay. How will Finlay respond to the way Smith won the match? What does The Hart Trilogy have in store for Finlay and the rest of the ECW roster?

As reported on several websites, including WWE.com & ESPN.com, this Monday’s edition of Monday Night RAW is in jeopardy. RAW was originally slated to take place at the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO. However, the Denver Nuggets recently won the right to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA playoffs. With this win, the Nuggets would square off with the Lakers in Denver. However, it was scheduled for Monday Night in the same Pepsi Center as WWE RAW was supposed to emanate from. The booker for the Pepsi Center and the owner of the Denver Nuggets, Stan Kroenke, informed WWE Chairman Vince McMahon that the Nuggets & Lakers would need to use the Pepsi Center, even though the WWE has been booked at the Pepsi Center since August. With the WWE having to sign and agree on a booking contract to bring RAW to the Pepsi Center, Vince McMahon was none too happy to find out that the rug had been pulled out from under him and the WWE.

After the two parties commented back-and-forth on the situation, Vince & the WWE accepted the offer of the Staples Center out of Los Angeles, CA to host RAW there. As a measure of revenge, the WWE also pulled the ECW & SmackDown shows out of Colorado Springs, CO and opted to host those shows in Los Angeles as well.

Vince has vowed to make an appearance on this Monday’s RAW to call out Denver Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke to respond to the "Denver Debacle". In addition to that, RAW will host WWE’s answer to the Lakers Vs. Nuggets game as Legacy (WWE Champion Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, & Ted DiBiase), The Miz, & Big Show will represent the Denver Nuggets by wearing Nuggets jerseys as they take on the team of Batista, John Cena, United States Champion MVP, WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler, and a mystery "player", who will be representing the Los Angeles Lakers by wearing Lakers jerseys, as the two teams face off in a huge five-on-five match.

The 6th edition of WWE Superstars came to you from Freedom Hall in Louisville, KY (RAW & SmackDown portions) & from the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, OH (ECW portion). Confirmed for Superstars was the renewal of an old rivalry as "Mr. Money-in-the-Bank" CM Punk took on Chris Jericho in SmackDown’s contribution to Superstars. For the first time ever, the ECW Championship would be defended as the champion, Christian, defended the gold against "ECW Original" Tommy Dreamer in the ECW part of the show. Also, William Regal would square off with Kofi Kingston in the RAW match on WWE Superstars.

The night started off in a big way as the ECW Championship was on the line for the first time ever on Superstars as Christian defended the gold against Tommy Dreamer. The title match came to a halt when Jack Swagger made his way to ringside and then got on the apron. Christian then attacked "The All-American American" and brought him inside the ring. Then, Christian & Tommy Dreamer worked together to send Swagger to the outside. After Swagger was dealt with, Christian & Dreamer shook hands in the ring. However, as the ECW Champion tried to leave, Tommy Dreamer held on to the ECW Title belt. The two then came face-to-face, with both of them holding one side of the belt. Both of them then glanced at Swagger on the entrance ramp. It seems that "The All-American American" Jack Swagger will not be happy until he gets another shot at Christian and the ECW Title. However, Tommy Dreamer only has a few weeks left before his contract expires and the "ECW Original" has vowed to win the ECW Title or walk away from ECW. When will these three volatile elements collide? Will Christian be able to hang on to the ECW Championship or will the desire of Swagger & Dreamer be too much for "Captain Charisma" to handle?

The Superstars of RAW were in action as the "Jamaican Sensation" Kofi Kingston picked up a big win over the 2008 King of the Ring William Regal.

The main event of the evening belonged to SmackDown as "Mr. Money-in-the-Bank" CM Punk narrowly defeated Chris Jericho with a timely roll-up. After the match had concluded, Jericho laid out Punk with a Codebreaker. How will CM Punk respond to this attack by Chris Jericho?

The 509th edition of WWE SmackDown came to you from the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, OH. Confirmed for SmackDown was a match between Michelle McCool and Gail Kim to determine the #1 Contender for the Women’s Title.

The show opened with the still World Heavyweight Champion, Edge, who proclaimed that the debate of "who is the face of SmackDown?" is over. The champion stated that both Chris Jericho & CM Punk lost their respective matches at Judgment Day, while he won his to keep the World Heavyweight Title against Jeff Hardy. "The Ultimate Opportunist" laid claim that he is the "premiere Superstar in the WWE today." Edge then stated that Jeff Hardy is not in his "league" and that he is a "winner" and Jeff is a "loser". SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long, made his way to the ring and said Matt Hardy’s attack on his brother, Jeff, at Judgment Day was a travesty. Long stated that Matt illegally interfered in the World Heavyweight Title Match this past Sunday. Long then made a major announcement; Jeff Hardy will get another shot at Edge and the World Heavyweight Title when he challenges the champion at Extreme Rules. Edge protested having to defend the title against Jeff again, saying that he beat Jeff at Judgment. Edge proclaimed that he had more "will" and "determination" than Jeff at Judgment Day. Edge said that Jeff is not "World Heavyweight Championship material" and that Jeff is a "failure". This brought out Jeff Hardy, who told Edge that deep down, he is a "competitor". Jeff then proposed that he and Edge have a non-title match tonight on SmackDown and the winner of that match would get to choose the stipulation of the World Heavyweight Championship match at Extreme Rules! Edge stated that Jeff can not just make matches. Jeff then said that the decision is up the WWE fans. Jeff went up into the stands and polled the fans in attendance, who unanimously wanted to see Edge Vs. Jeff Hardy in the main event. SmackDown GM Theodore Long then made the match official! Who will get to choose the stipulation for the "extreme" title match at Extreme Rules?

The opening match of the night was a 6-Man Tag Match that saw the team of "The Guru of Greatness" John Morrison & Cryme Tyme defeat the team of "The Gold Standard" Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas, & Ricky Ortiz.

Backstage, Women’s Champion Melina makes an appearance and states that she is on SmackDown to be the best. Alicia Fox interrupts the champion and says that she has a message from Michelle McCool; that McCool will be the next Women’s Champion. Melina had a message of her own as she told Fox to tell McCool- "don’t send a little girl to do a woman’s job". Melina then slapped Fox!

In a match to determine the #1 Contender for the Women’s Title, Michelle McCool utilized a timely distraction by Alicia Fox to defeat Gail Kim to become the #1 Contender for the Women’s Title. When will McCool get her opportunity? Will McCool be the first Diva to win both the Women’s Title and Divas Title or will the confident Melina be able to keep the gold against McCool? What role will Alicia Fox play when this match takes place?

Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio also made a backstage appearance. Rey stated that he is "moving on" from Chris Jericho and that he is looking to become one of the best Intercontinental Champions of all time. When asked about his mask, Rey stated that the mask is a luchador tradition and that for a luchador to lose his mask is considered extremely disrespectful. Rey stated that his mask is what makes him Rey Mysterio.

After CM Punk got laid out by Chris Jericho with a Codebreaker following a victory by Punk on WWE Superstars, CM Punk and Chris Jericho faced off in a rematch on SmackDown. Little was solved in the contest as "The Samoan Savage" Umaga attacked CM Punk with a leather strap! Umaga continued the assault on "Mr. Money-in-the-Bank". Umaga then used the strap to tie CM Punk upside down to the turnbuckle and assaulted CM Punk some more before delivering a vicious Samoan Spike to a helpless CM Punk. For the first time in his career, Umaga spoke! Umaga challenged CM Punk to a Samoan Strap Match at Extreme Rules. CM Punk has accepted the challenge of "The Samoan Savage". Can Punk survive a Samoan Strap Match against the animalistic Umaga?

Dolph Ziggler was also in action, defeating R-Truth. After the match, The Great Khali again stalked Dolph Ziggler. Dolph ran back to the ring where R-Truth laid Ziggler out with a corkscrew elbow. Khali then went to get his hands on Dolph, but Dolph narrowly escaped the grip of Khali. Ziggler then made a quick escape through the crowd. One has to believe that Khali will catch up to Dolph one day. What will happen when a furious Khali gets a hold of Ziggler?

Backstage, Chris Jericho meets up with General Manager Theodore Long. Jericho demands a rematch against Rey Mysterio. Long reveals that Rey was just in there and Long granted him a No Holds Barred Match between them for the Intercontinental Title at Extreme Rules! Will "The Master of the 619" finally move past Chris Jericho or will Jericho win his ninth Intercontinental Title?

Following the back-and-forth fights between the two of them over recent weeks, Eve and Layla will go one-on-one on SmackDown next week!

Then it was time for the main event as World Heavyweight Champion Edge squared off with Jeff Hardy in a non-title match where the winner would choose the match type at Extreme Rules. Jeff Hardy was able to pin the champion in a hard-fought match to earn the opportunity. "The Extreme Enigma" selected a brutal match that both him and Edge have had numerous battles in over the years- a Ladder Match! Who will climb the ladder at Extreme Rules and claim the World Heavyweight Title?
 

 
Superstar of the Week: Christian

Superstar Profile of the Week
Name: Ric Flair
Born On: February 25, 1949 in Memphis, TN
Age: 60
Billed From: Charlotte, NC
Resides: Charlotte, NC
Height: 6’1"
Weight: 242 lbs.
Accomplishments
2008 WWE Hall of Famer
16-Time World Champion (2x WWE, 6x WCW, & 8x NWA)
1992 Royal Rumble Winner
One Time Intercontinental Champion
Five Time United States Champion (4x NWA & 1x WCW)
Three Time World Tag Team Champion (2x w/ Batista & 1x w/ "Rowdy" Roddy Piper)
2008 Slammy Award Winner (2008 Match of the Year w/ Shawn Michaels)