OVER-THE-TOP ROPE CHALLENGE

ECW on Sci-Fi
January 22, 2008
University of Virginia, VA
source: PwTorch.com

The show opened with a snazzy new video package for the ECW in HD intro. Really sharp graphics, even if you're watching in regular definition.

A mini-Rumble starts the night off. Kane's is the first wrestler entrance displayed in ECW HD, and it's even better than was described on WWE's website. The flames appear to be flying off the video board. The Miz, John Morrison, new Rumble qualifier Tommy Dreamer, and Shelton Benjamin rounded out the field.

MINI-ROYAL RUMBLE

Dreamer, with his "I'm a jobber" official Rumble t-shirt, tried to eliminate Kane, but Kane easily tossed him out. The heels then ganged up on Kane in the corner. Kane sat up to a strong reaction, then he tried to toss out Shelton, but Shelton skinned the cat to avoid elimination. As Shelton humg on to the top rope, seemingly trying to get his balance to get back in the the ring, Kane chucked the tag champs over the top rope in succession. Suddenly, Shelton swung up and wrapped his legs around Kane's head and flipped him over the top rope to the floor. Kane was stunned. Excellent move from Shelton. Kane stared up in disbelief, Shelton took the mic and said tonight was the first step. The rumble is the next step on the way to the motherload of WrestleMania. There ain't no stopping him, in case you haven't heard.

WINNER: Shelton Benjamin in 4:00. Fine opener to show off the graphics and get over the Rumble match for the PPV.

GETTIN' READY TO RUMBLE

As we round the corner and race full-tilt down the straightway toward The Royal Rumble, thoughts are flying on who the winner will be. This pay-per-view sets the stage for WrestleMania and places the victor squarely in the middle of all the action. Where does KANE stand? What are his chances of pulling out a win? If his history in this type of match-up is any indication, he stands as good a chance as any of leaving the ring victorious.

Over the past couple of weeks, the color-commentators have done much to remind viewers of the history of many of the top contenders in the Royal Rumble match. It's a well hashed topic on may fan-forums and in commentaries on wrestle-news sites around the web. I found the following piece in my email this afternoon, and thought to share ~

Historically Speaking: The Rumble Elite
Posted By Mark Allen on 01.18.2008

The Opening Chapter
In the storied career of the Royal Rumble there are certain performers that have become synonymous with the event. Some performers always shine at a certain event. Undertaker is, of course, the best at WrestleMania. Big Show has usually done well at Survivor Series. Triple H thrives in Hell in a Cell. Shawn Michaels has become eternally linked to the ladder match.

And likewise, to look at the Royal Rumble there are a group of men who have always brought their best or provided memorable moments. And as a prelude to the 21st anniversary Royal Rumble event I will look back at those men who have made a significant impact on the January flagship event.

(5) Nine performances as Kane, an appearance as "Diesel" and another as Isaac Yankem, DDS puts the man Jacobs as all-time leader in Rumble match performances. In the last decade Kane has become almost synonymous with the Royal Rumble. He was in the final four as "Diesel" in 1997 but really hit his stride as Kane. His shining achievement was in 2001, where he eliminated 11 men, last over 40 minutes and was runner up to eventual winner Steve Austin. Since that performance Kane has always built up as a legitimate threat in Rumble matches, including final four appearances in 2000 and 2003, and an impressive one-man elimination of The Big Show in 2002.

Allen places KANE squarely in the middle, between Mick Foley and Hulk Hogan. Given their entertainment popularity and heralded eventer status, that ain't a bad place to be. Read the Full Article

HELL OF PAIN Induction

ECW on Sci-Fi
January 15, 2008
Birmingham, AL
source: PwTorch.com

Tazz entered the ring and interviewed Colin Delaney in mid-ring. Clips aired of Mark Henry, Big Daddy V, and Shelton Benjamin destroying him in recent weeks. Styles said it's a wonder he can still walk. The pale, homely Colin's ribs were all taped up. His arms, too. Colin said, "I'm still here, barely." Tazz asked him how he thinks his career is going to turn out. He said he doesn't know, but he's here to fight another week. Tazz introduced his opponent, Kane. Kane's music hit, Colin's jaw dropped as he turned toward Tazz then visibly shuddered as Kane ignited his pyros. Styles said, "Oh my God."

KANE vs. COLIN DELANEY

Colin puts his fists up to fight and Kane just laughs, and knocks him down with a boot tot he face. Kane throws Colin into the corner and just dominates him. Kane signals for the chokeslam, but Colin isn't getting up. Kane picks him up himself and hits a monster chokeslam and the pinfall for the win. Afterward, refs checked on Colin, whose eyes were rolled into the back of his head.

Will the youngster have enough guts to revisit the Land of the Extreme for a fifth time?

DWARF STAR

Monday Night RAW
January 14, 2008
Mobile, AL
source: Wrestlingnewsworld.com

In preparation for the Royal Rumble, Mr. McMahon arranged a Mini Royal Rumble Match for his son, Hornswoggle, complete with mini-versions of Mr. Kennedy, Kane, Batista and Mankind.

Royal Rumble Teaser

Match is just like a typical Rumble match with rules. Hornswoggle is out first. It's hard to see in the arena thanks to all the smoke from JBL's intro and exit. Mr. Kennedy is out next.... but it's a midget version of Mr. Kennedy.

The midget Kennedy tries to grab the mic from the ceiling and do the KENNEDY intro but he can't reach it. Couple of near eliminations early on. Hornswoggle hits a dropkick but gets caught in the corner by the midget Kennedy. Next out is the midget Mankind. Little Kennedy catches Mankind as soon as he gets in the ring. Little Mankind pulls out Socko but Hornswoggle blocks it and throws Little Mankind out. Hornswoggle picks up the mini Kennedy and throws him out. A roided up looking midget Batista comes out and does Batista's intro. Mini Batista in and hits a spear on Hornswoggle, then shakes the ropes, just like Batista. Hornswoggle almost falls out of the ring but he holds on. The counter goes off again and out comes a mini Kane.

The counter goes off again and it's the real Great Kahli along with his translator. The mini Batista comes back in the ring and lays out Hornswoggle. The real, 7 foot 3 inch Khali comes to the ring.

Khali goes after Hornswoggle but he takes off. In comes Finlay from behind attacking Khali with the shillegah. Finlay gets Ranjin Singh in the arena and lays him out and watches on as Khali leaves. Hornswoggle comes back in the ring and threy throw Singh out. The referee raises Hornswoggle's hand as the winner.

GETTING FIRED UP

SmackDown!
January 11, 2008
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Aired on The CWB
source: PwTorch.com

Earlier in the week on WWE.com, Kane was named one of the 30 participants in this year’s Royal Rumble Match, and he showed why he is one of the most feared Rumble competitors when he dismantled Domino on SmackDown.

Kane vs. Domino w/ Cherry and Deuce
Match begins with Domino pushing Kane and talking trash, and quickly finds out what a bad idea that was as Kane sends him crashing down with an Uppercut. Kane works on Domino in the corner with fists and elbows. Kane whips Domino, following up an elbow to the Dom's face. Kane tosses Domino in the corner then charges in to connect with a running clotheslines into a sidewalk slam. Kane goes to the top rope for the diving clothesline, connects then sets up a chokeslam, but Deuce distracts Kane long enough for Domino to get in a brief offense. Domino goes to the top rope and tries to get the big man down but Kane catches him in mid air by the throat for a chokeslam, the pin and a win.

As Kane readies himself to make another Rumble impact, Domino and his partner Deuce are still looking for their first victory of 2008.