– With WrestleMania XXVII in the books, a number of people are expected to be released from WWE in the very near future. In most previous years, the company has let go several mid-card wrestlers as well as members of the office staff as part of a “spring cleaning” to cut costs and free up roster space.
When WWE announced its 2010 year end financial results a few months ago, the fact that the company’s adjusted net income was down several million dollars from 2009 made the argument for “cost cutting” even stronger this year. Especially with the great deal of young talent WWE has been cultivating through NXT, Tough Enough and its developmental system through Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE has more of a need than ever to make cuts. Expect the cuts to begin as soon as next Friday.
– As for the future of Superstars – now that it’s television run on WGN America has ended, the show will live on internationally and on WWE’s YouTube channel.
– The USA Network issued a press release this week touting the factt that Monday’s 4-hour block of programming (Hall of Fame Ceremony, RAW, Tough Enough) drew over 12 million unique viewers. This year’s Hall of Fame broadcast was the most-watched ever – a good sign that we’ll see it air on Monday night prior to RAW once again next year.
– WWE is considering various animated projects (either a web series, comic books or a television show). One idea discussed would be to base the projectaround Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara. WWE’s new “Rumblers” action figures made by Mattel might also be used in an animated project.
– On Monday’s series premiere of Tough Enough, trainer Steve Austin told the bottom 3 contestants a story of the time he ‘went to the bathroom’ on himself while wrestling former WWE champion Yokozuna. A clip of Austin’s storytelling was shown on the E! network show The Soup this week.
– Actor and former WCW champion David Arquette was interviewed by IGN.com this week to promote his new movie Scream 4 and had this to say about winning the WCW championship:
“It was surreal. To be able to be a part of that world and be a fly on the wall and see the workings of the circus, it was a dream come true. I know people joke about the guy from Hollywood winning the title, but I have nothing but respect for wrestlers. I got a chance to live in their world. It was an opportunity be play cops and robbers as grownups.”
Monday’s episode of WWE RAW saw the long-awaited debut of recently-signed Mexican lucha libre star Sin Cara. What many probably don’t know is that WWE used an old school trick to add a little extra “boost” to Sin Cara’s high-flying offensive attack on Sheamus.
When Sin Cara ran to the ring, a WWE crew member actually pushed a mini-trampoline from under the ring, which he used to springboard into the ring. Check out the video below of his debut, you can actually see the trampoline for a second during the wide shot before he runs to the ring:
There was said to be a lot of concern backstage that the stunt could go wrong if the trampoline wasn’t in the exact right position – which it wasn’t. The trampoline was positioned so close to the ring that Cara almost didn’t clear the top rope when he went to attack Sheamus.
In related news, Sin Cara actually called an “audible” during his debut and the top rope cross-body attack on Sheamus is not what was originally planned. Cara was booked to hit a flying “tornado twist”splash, but toned it down and went with a high crossbody instead. The tornado twist would have had a lot more impact but after the trampoline stunt almost went wrong, he decided to keep it more conservative and not risk too much during his first appearance.
Sin Cara will be appearing on Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown, so at this point, there’s still no word on which brand he’ll settle down on.
There is said to be a lot of pressure on Sin Cara right now, with most in WWE having very high expectations for him to climb the roster ranks in the coming weeks. So far, so good.
— Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi told TMZ.com during an impromptu interview that her wrestling career is over. She said she has way too much going on in her life to focus on WWE.
Polizzi won her debut match at WrestleMania XXVII Sunday, defeating Michelle McCool following a series of aerobatic maneuvers.
— WWEShop.com has released three merchandise items on Sin Cara including a replica mask, a Bienvenido Authentic T-Shirt and a Basics T-Shirt.
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is scheduled for tonight’s episode of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
— When United States Champion Sheamus refused to relent against a defeated Daniel Bryan tonight on Raw, a masked wrestler sprung onto the scene to assist. The internationally-renowned luchador, Sin Cara, leveled The Celtic Warrior and saved Bryan before exiting.
— Matches taped tonight in Atlanta, Georgia for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars were Tyson Kidd vs. Yoshi Tatsu and Santino Marella vs. Ted DiBiase.
— Mark Henry beat Zack Ryder in a dark match prior to tonight’s Monday Night Raw taping in Atlanta, Georgia.
— WWE.com announced Monday that Sin Cara would make his television debut on next week’s episode of Raw.
The website’s description reads: “Possessing a rich history and deep reservoir of talent, Sin Cara will become the latest impressive import to join the Raw roster. The masked Mexican explodes onto the WWE landscape next Monday in what promises to be a dynamic debut.”
WWE ran the latest vignette promoting Sin Cara’s imminent debut on Raw. The wrestler formerly known as Mistico made his in-ring debut last Friday at a Raw live event at Assembly Hall in Champaign, Illinois. He beat Primo in a singles match.
— Edge, John Cena, Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio beat Alberto Del Rio, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes and The Miz in an Eight Man Tag Team Match following Monday’s WWE television tapings in Rosemont, Illinois.
The match concluded with Del Rio eating the Spear, the 619, the RKO and a top rope splash from Mysterio for the pinfall victory.
Sin Cara made his WWE debut on Saturday night in Champaign, IL and defeated Primo Colon. Cara also did most of his trademark moves that he did as Mistico in Mexico.
Here are some links you’ll want to check out, followed by a bunch of pictures from Sin Cara’s debut:
— WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart said he will not be on hand for WrestleMania XXVII this weekend. He tweeted on Monday:
“I will not be at Mania this year. Had my fun last year.”
Hart added that it’s Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, Trish Stratus, The Rock, Jerry Lawler and the other WWE Superstars’ “time to shine.”
– With the new season of UFC’s hit show The Ultimate Fighter premiering this Wednesday night on Spike TV, season 13 coach Brock Lesnar will be appearing on “Late Night” with Jimmy Fallon tonight (Monday) to hype the show and discuss his UFC career. The show airs on NBC – check your local listings for airing information.
— The launch trailer for THQ’s WWE All Stars video game has been released.
The game is set for release tomorrow in the United States on Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Sony PSP and Xbox 360.
— Sin Cara is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Super Luchas.
— The Poughkeepsie Journal published an article today on Michael Cole. When asked about his match at WrestleMania XXVII, the Amenia, New York native broke character and said, “The dream’s come true. I’m participating in an event against a man who is an absolute legend and Hall of Famer in Jerry Lawler. I’m so honored and privileged just to have the opportunity to participate in a match against this man.
“Plus Stone Cold is our special referee. To be in there with two of the greatest icons, it’s like a reality check. It’s such a great ride.”
He also said that his 24-year-old son Calvin is working for WWE in the television production department and travels with him on the road. The story can be read here.
— Sin Cara beat Primo via submission at last night’s Raw live event in Evansville, Indiana. His finisher is a huracanrana into an armbar. The match went 10 to 15 minutes.
— John Cena and Vickie Guerrero are featured on the cover of the latest issue of The Wrestler.
Rumors recently surfaced online indicating that Rey Mysterio asked World Wrestling Entertainment officials to release him from his contract following WrestleMania XXVII. Mysterio, however, shot down the rumors on his Twitter account, saying he did not ask to be released and that he will be around for a while.
Former WCW star Konnan, a longtime friend of Mysterio, told Pro Wrestling Torch writer Jason Powell via e-mail that the assumption that the SmackDown star is bothered by the recent signing of Mexican sensation Sin Cara is way off. He said Mysterio isn’t the type to be jealous. Rather, he welcomes new talent as potential rivals or teammates.
It would appear that Mysterio and Sin Cara will be kept on opposite WWE brands for the time being as the newcomer is slated to initially work Raw live events. He made his first appearance inside a WWE ring at last night’s Raw house show in Assembly Hall in Champaign, Illinois, defeating WWE Superstars fixture Primo.
Meanwhile, Alberto Del Rio was asked to comment on WWE signing Sin Cara during an interview published earlier this week on latino.foxnews.com. While the article says he is “pleased” to hear WWE sign a fellow countryman, he doesn’t acknowledge Sin Cara in particular. He instead says that he’s happy WWE is using a number of Latino wrestlers, before turning the subject back to himself.
“I’m just happy this company uses so many Latino talent,” Del Rio said. “There is so much talent out there, from Puerto Rico to Mexico, just to name a few. I hope it continues like that. Because of that, I am here and getting all these opportunities.”
According to f4wonline.com editor Bryan Alvarez, the claim of Del Rio being “pleased” about Sin Cara joining WWE is contrary to a behind the scenes story he heard. However, he would not elaborate.
— Sin Cara made his WWE debut at tonight’s Raw live event at Assembly Hall in Champaign, Illinois, defeating Primo.
A fan in attendance said that while his performance was “solid”, he doesn’t know how to work a “WWE style” match. He also performed about eight headscissors variations.
— Wade Barrett captured the WWE Intercontinental Championship from Kofi Kingston on tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown.
Just as Kingston was about to hit Trouble in Paradise on Barrett, the leader of The Corre countered with Wasteland. Seconds later, her captured his first championship in WWE. Justin Gabriel hit Kingston with the 450 Splash following the match.
— The March 24 episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored a 0.57 cable rating, with 544,000 viewers. The midnight replay did a 0.17 rating with 140,000 viewers.
– WWE newcomer Sin Cara is expected to wrestle a dark match prior to next week’s episode of Monday Night RAW from Chicago. WWE is also advertising Sin Cara for the company’s upcoming tour of Mexico. Sin Cara will wrestle CM Punk on May 11th from Hemosillo and on May 14th in Arena Monterrey. From what we’ve heard, there are a few younger members of the WWE roster who are a bit upset that Sin Cara is being brought straight to the main roster without having to learn the WWE style in developmental for a few months like most of them had to.
– Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson was recently interviewed by USA Tody and had this to say about whether she is married to WWE superstar David Otunga yet:
“Not yet! I’m engaged. Everything is all ready to go. Originally I wanted the biggest, grandest wedding in the world. Now I don’t know.”
– Trish Stratus’ new action movie Bail Enforcers will premiere at the ActionFest 2 event on Saturday, 4/9 from Asheville, North Carolina. Trish will be on hand at the event to promote the movie and meet her fans.
– Chris Jericho is teasing a return to WWE television this Friday:
IAmJericho
Happy to say that I’ll be making my triumphant return to the WWE tomorrow night….
Chris Jericho recently filmed a promo hyping the Undertaker vs. Triple H that is said to be airing on WWE television this Friday, so that is likely what he’s talking about. Jericho’s gig on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars begins on Monday night as well – so it’s possible WWE also airs a teaser video for DWTS.
– WWE Hall of Famer Afa The Wild Samoan returns with his latest column “The Way I See It” on PopTheCrowd.com and talks about becoming an organ donor and a story about a very good friend of is.
“I personally made the choice to become an organ donor and knowing that in my passing I can help give back and save a life is a miracle and blessing. Your generous decision can give a family back their loved one” the WWE Hall of Famer said.
To read Afa’s important story and message, click here.
– Rey Mysterio is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Super Luchas and the headline features a quote from him saying he looks forward to wrestling Sin Cara.
Newly-signed WWE performer Sin Cara is being advertised for an upcoming RAW-brand live event from Winnipeg, Canada on May 27th. Sin Cara is scheduled to team up with Evan Bourne against The Nexus in what is sure to be a high-flying match to showcase what Sin Cara is capable of.
Here is the advertised card for the event, which will be hosted by WWE legend Road Warrior Animal:
WWE Championship Match John Cena vs. The Miz
Fan’s Choice Match – Submission Match or Falls Count Anywhere Randy Orton vs. CM Punk
Fatal Four Way Match for the United States Championship Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus vs. John Morrison vs. ?
Unified Diva Championship Match
Eve vs. The Bellas
R-Truth vs. Alex Riley
Special Raw Tag Team Match Sin Cara & Evan Bourne vs. The NEXUS
— The March 7 episode of Monday Night Raw continued the program’s streak of strong ratings with a 3.92. The number is up from last week’s 3.82 rating as well as the 3.85 on February 21.
Last night’s show averaged 5.79 million viewers over the course of two hours, up from 5.60 million viewers the week before. However, it is below the February 21 show, which drew 5.86 million viewers.
— During last night’s Raw telecast on Televisa in Mexico, Mason Ryan was constantly referred as “Batista 2” by the announcers.
— The introductory video package showcasing Sin Cara did not air during last night’s Raw telecast on Televisa in Mexico.
— In honor of Women’s History Month, WWE is honoring those who inspire females across the globe. WWE.com’s feature features the Divas revealing who inspired them outside the ring, past Divas such as Candice Michelle and Dawn Marie discussing their legacies, art submissions, and more.
— The much anticipated DVD and Blu-ray release of WWE Studios’ The Chaperone starring Triple H is available beginning today via Walmart.com.
— An introductory video package showcasing Sin Cara’s mask and unprecedented aerial ability aired during Raw. WWE developmental wrestler Peter Orlov appeared as his stand-in opponent in the video, which was filmed two weeks ago in Los Angeles, California. Check it out:
— Creative plans on having The Bella Twins join forces with Sheamus in their feud with Daniel Bryan and Gail Kim. Bryan is reportedly scheduled to defend the United States Championship against Bryan at WrestleMania XXVII.
— Sin Cara was scheduled to begin wrestling training in Los Angeles, California with WWE developmental wrestler Peter Orlov (a/k/a Alex Koslov) since he has experience working Lucha Libre style wrestling as well as WWE’s style of wrestling. Orlov will also be used as a stand-in and “opponent” when they film Cara in the ring performing high-flying maneuvers for his entrance video and introductory vignettes since WWE has no footage of him.
— The WWE SmackDown taping on June 21, 2011 will be held at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:
Rey Mysterio & Sin Cara in WWE: Is there room for both Rey and Sin Cara in WWE? Absolutely. Why not? Do some feel that because both are Hispanic, masked stars that they cannot both be major assets in WWE at the same time. I think not. WWE is lucky to have both men. Rey is an established main event star and a future Hall of Famer while Sin Cara has a huge upside but has to prove himself to the WWE fans.
Michael Cole: “I agree with many emailers that Michael Cole is the type of antagonist that one legitimately wants to see get beat up and humiliated. He has Cornette-like heat hearkening back to the Mid South days where fans lined up in droves to see somebody, anybody humiliate the manager of the Midnight Express. Same emotion elicited by the late Andy Kaufman in Memphis. BTW most fans don’t realize that the Lawler-Kaufman issue lasted well over a year.”
The Rock Back On WWE TV: “I am personally ecstatic that The Rock is back in WWE for WM27 and no matter Rock’s role he’s going to positively add to the event in multiple areas. Rock is a huge star on several fronts and his promo ability is as good as it gets. People ‘over think’ Rock’s return as in what’s going to happen when he’s not on TV? How does he make Cena/Miz look? What happens if Rock steals the show in Atlanta, etc?”
“All talents throughout the Raw and Smackdown rosters need to step it up to attempt to get on Rock’s level. Competition is great for everyone. If Rock, Austin, etc make the incumbents dig a little deeper to perform at a higher level then everyone wins especially the fans.”
“I have no idea what Rock is going to do at WM27 but I can assure you that it will be impactful. His interactions via Twitter, @The Rock, directed to Cena, etc have been entertaining.”
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:
Sin Cara’s WWE Debut: “Not sure when he will debut but assume it will be after WM27. I know both Raw and Smackdown brands are keenly interested in the young, masked performer. He’s very talented and will dazzle many with his high flying skills. If you’re not familiar with Sin Cara go on You Tube and check out ‘Mistico.’ It’s amazing that so many experts have it figured out that WWE will not fully maximize Sin Cara’s abilities which at this stage of the process is a joke.”
Returning to WWE: “It’s amazing how many times a day I get Tweets @JRsBBQ or emails to this site asking me when I’m returning to WWE. I’ve been with WWE since 1993 but left the air due to health reasons in October of 2009 but never left the company. Am I coming back to work on a weekly TV show or on a PPV? That’s not my call folks. Would I like to? Of course particularly the PPV side of that equation. Some of you that follow up regularly must be getting tired of this too but apparently we are gaining new followers on Twitter and new visitors to this site daily. BTW I’m feeling great and my health is better than it’s been in a decade I’m blessed to say.”
Michael Cole: “No one in WWE has done a better job of developing a new persona than has Michael Cole over the past few months. His goal was to get people to see another side of him, he does have an outgoing personality, and to dislike him enough to want to see someone kick his butt. Cole has succeeded in that task. Does Cole rub me the wrong way on TV more often than not? Absolutely. He can be a tool.”
– SmackDown star Rey Mysterio posted the following this weekend on Twitter, responding to rumors and fan questions about whether he’ll be retiring soon:
“The rumor is I might B retiring soon! NOT TRUE, got many years left of entertaining my FANS!U guys keep me going! Luv it! Los quiero UnChingo.”
Mysterio also tweeted the following about Sin Cara signing with WWE:
“Wish the best 2 SinCara! & hope that more Latino wrestlers make it to the WWE! I think We all deserve a chance to make it Big in Life! 619.”
– Speaking of Sin Cara, it’s interesting to see how WWE is embracing his history as a Mexican wrestling superstar. Despite the fact that WWE has “rebranded” him as Sin Cara, the WWE website features photos of Sin Cara wrestling in Mexico and even refers to his former ring name, Mistico.
WWE embracing Sin Cara’s past is a stark contrast to how the company handled fellow Mexican wrestling star Alberto Del Rio, whose past as “Dos Caras, Jr.” was never acknowledged by the company.
Here are some highlights of Fanhouse.com’s recent interview with WWE superstar Rey Mysterio:
Sin Cara Signing With WWE: “I think the opportunity now shown is that the doors are open for anybody that has the quality to be part of WWE,” Mysterio said. “You have the talent, you have the desire to be a superstar, come and the doors will be open and if you can make it, you’ll be one of the top dogs. Alberto (Del Rio) is a big proof.
“When I came into the United States, I pretty much followed the Guerreros and Jerichos, a path as they just left Mexico and went on to ECW, WCW and WWE. So it was kind of a little train that we were taking around. It kind of feels good in a way that those doors have been opened for other Mexican wrestlers. Like you said, now with Mistico coming in, I want to say that I think those doors were eventually opened by the talent that myself, Eddie and a lot of wrestlers that started their careers in Mexico have opened up for other guys.”
Alberto Del Rio’s Big Push: I think it’s awesome. If there’s anything that is not part of myself and who I am it’s jealousy and envy. I always wish Alberto the best even though we clash in the ring. But he comes from a second-generation family. Growing up, his father was one of my all-time favorite wrestlers (Dos Caras). Even though for the short amount of time that he’s been a part of this company he’s succeeded very well.”
“It took me a lot of years to adapt to [the WWE] style and learning from the best, Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, the (Chris) Jerichos, the (Chris) Benoits. But I think for Alberto it’s been a learning process. He’s adapting slowly but surely and I think in this business there’s always something new to learn and that you’re always evolving.”
Retirement: “I’m 36 years old right now and I feel good. Besides my knee, after the first surgery, it’s always slowed me down a bit but I’ve been able to adapt and modify my work to the extent of being able to still entertain the fans. If I can still entertain them and do what I do best, then I’m good for still a good amount of years. There’s still nothing in the back of my mind. I think that whenever I do call it quits, it’s quits and it’s family time for me. My kids are growing and I’ve missed out a lot on being with them. I definitely have told myself throughout the years that, even to my wife, that whenever I do plan to retire, whenever that day comes, it’s going to be complete family time.”
– Jim Ross tweeted he following about WWE’s new star, Sin Cara:
“Mistico is signed, sealed & delivered w/ WWE. Now known as Sin Cara. Helluva young hand. A new star looms on the horizon. Congrats Sin Cara. Every major media outlet in Mexico City present 4 Sin Cara media announcement. He’s doing 1 on 1’s now w/ them including espn deportes. It was great 2 rep WWE in Mexico City 4 Sin Cara signing anouncement. Appreciate the opportunity to step back on the field, so 2 speak.”
Ross later added: “WWE has high hopes for Sin Cara. He has many new masks. Major TV ‘rollout,’ He’s 27 & has (opportunity to be) main eventer. A flyer, offensive innovator.”
– Longtime wrestling fans understand the importance of promotions protecting their championship titles and how marketable a title feud can be. Unforunately, there have been many signs that indicate WWE does not see much value in the Intercontinental championship.
Intercontinental champion Kofi Kingston’s match against Alberto Del Rio at Elimination Chamber was a non-title match at – and that fact was ignored during the promotion and commentary during the match.
At one point, WWE was considering putting the Intercontinental title on Del Rio en route to his World Heavyweight title match against Edge at WrestleMania, but company officials did not feel that the champion vs. champion match was even worth doing.
When introduced at the press conference, Sin Cara came out wearing a Mistico-style mask, only to remove that and reveal his new WWE mask. Sin Cara reportedly means “Faceless.”
Sin Cara spoke at the press conference and said he doesn’t know whether he’ll be performing on RAW or SmackDown, but said he is ready to go whenever WWE needs him and is proud to have finally made it to the greatest wrestling promotion in the world.
Mistico’s signing with WWE is being covered my all the media in Mexico as it’s considered a big deal. Lucha Libre journalist Kris Zellner expects Cara to end up on the SmackDown brand with Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio.
WWE has already setup a Facebook page for him at Facebook.com/WWESinCara and a Twitter account will be live very soon.
WWE will begin airing clips from the press conference on tonight’s SmackDown and Monday’s RAW.
Thanks to reader Archie for these live spoilers from Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings:
Dark Match:
* Jimmy Wang defeats Tyler Reks with a moonsault in a good match. Reks cut a heel promo before the match.
SmackDown, Airing Friday:
* Chris Jericho comes out to start SmackDown and says he will win the Chamber. Edge comes out to a big pop. He talks about spearing Taker last week. Jericho tells Edge to pick the RAW Champion for WrestleMania for his own good. The lights flicker and Edge spears Jericho.
* Kane vs. Dolph Ziggler takes place until Drew McIntyre comes down in a suit. Dolph tries to take advantage but Kane chokeslams him for the win. Drew comes in and hits his finisher on Kane but Kane reverses it.
* Rey Mysterio cuts a promo backstage and says he will win the Elimination Chamber.
* John Morrison & R-Truth vs. CM Punk & Luke Gallows is announced for tonight.
* Cryme Tyme defeated Trent Baretta and Caylon Croft in a good tag match.
* John Morrison is interviewed and says his ankle won’t make him miss the Chamber. Truth comes in and says he will win the Chamber but tonight, he and Morrison will beat Punk and Gallows.
* CM Punk and the Straight Edge Society come out. Punk cuts a promo and says he will win the belt at Elimination Chamber this Sunday. Tons of heat for Punk.
* Punk & Gallows vs. Morrison & Truth ends in a no contest. What looked like Undertaker’s pyro went off during the match, everything stopped but nothing happened. Match is restarted. Morrison was really playing up his ankle injury. The referee called for the bell when Morrison went to kick Punk but kicked the ring post and went down in pain. SES beats Morrison and Truth down until Rey Mysterio comes in for the save. They beat him down and pose in front of Rey to a ton of heat.
* Teddy Long is shown backstage. He says he will take action against Shawn Michaels for super kicking him on RAW. Mickie James comes in and Vickie Guerrero announces it will be Mickie vs. Michelle McCool next week with Vickie as the referee.
* Maria, Matt Hardy and The Great Khali vs. The Hart Dynasty is up next. The Dynasty gets the win when Natalya pins Maria. Maria walks up the ramp pissed off with Matt right behind her apologizing.
* Maria is shown backstage arguing with Matt Hardy about him letting their team down. Michelle McCool and Layla come in and make fun of them.
* Edge vs. Batista is next. No pyro for Batista, simple entrance but a big pop. Edge comes out to a big pop also. Batista stalls to start the match. Edge takes the mic and says John Cena was right about Batista. Finally they wrestle and it’s a good match. Edge spears Batista and Taker’s bell hits and he appears in the ring. Taker chokeslams Edge. Taker chases Batista off. Chris Jericho appears in the ring and hits the Codebreaker on Edge. Taker comes back out and stares down Jericho to end SmackDown after Jericho motions to the World Title.
