Chapter 10- The Smackdown

It was nearly 30 days since the shooting. Teddy Long had called everyone who wanted a title shot to be in the ring on Smackdown. There was no shortage of competitors. Edge was leading the way when he demanded Teddy Long that he should strip Morgan of his title and let someone who is capable of defending it wear the belt. It was cheep heat for Edge since the fans are all aware as to what happened, all of them knew about the shooting yet the condition of their champion was kept under wraps.

Teddy Long stared down the hungry competitors in the ring. Edge, Jeff Hardy, Vladimir Kozlov, John Morrison, Mark Henry, The Great Khali, Chris Jericho, Ray Mysterio, Umaga and Mike Knox. All the while Teddy Long had promised them all a title shot. "Players, it's with great pride and honor as well as against my better judgment to fulfill the champion's wish. He knows there are many who deserve a title shot, so he is allowing you all to have one tonight. In a precedent over the top rope challenge, last man standing in that ring will be the WWE Champion!" he announced.

The arena darkened as the sound of emergency sirens blared throughout the arena. A new theme was unleashed on the WWE fans, once chosen by Colin and Vince McMahon. Due to recent events, Vince felt the new theme would be more appropriate. Indestructible by Disturbed blared the speakers. The ramp way filled with mist, a single explosion came from the entrance as 'Morgan' walked out, parting the mist as if he had just been stuck. He wears the bullet-riddled championship with pride. He took it off to reveal the scar tissue from his wounds to the fans and to those in the ring. He paused just before the ring as Teddy Long stopped him. "I know there are some of you in that ring that have respect for Morgan, what he's endured and why he is doing this. If you wish, you don't have to participate in this match. He is more than willing to face you one on one if he wins this rumble" Teddy explained.

There was an exchanged look among the wrestlers. Some looked rather confused as other chomped at the bit, wanting this match no matter what. When no one walked out of the ring. Morgan went in, staring down every man who wanted a piece. Edge in particular was jumping about in excitement. Once the bell rung, there was an odd turn of event. Vladimir took hold of the Rated R superstar and threw him over the top rope, along with himself! No one could believe it as Kozlov turned to Colin and gave a nod. The rest was up to him. And yet, he saw the many faces of the locker room, those he has come to know as friends were helping him stay in the ring. It took Colin and Jeff Hardy to get Mark Henry out, who threw out the great Khali. The numbers quickly dwindled down to Jeff, Umaga and Mysterio. The three men teamed up and take out Umaga, and then it was every man for himself. Jeff came at Morgan with all he had as Mysterio waited and bided his time. Jeff noticed how winded Morgan was after every blows and yet he was enduring. When Jeff flipped over the top rope and crashed into the ground, Mysterio came at Morgan running. Yet it was a quick elimination made the ring clear for the champion. He stood proudly in the ring until one final opponent came in through the shadows. When the lights came back on, the Undertaker was standing behind him, Colin turned as Taker came at him and toppled him over the top. Jeff and Mysterio caught Morgan, just as blood was trickling out through his mouth.

The fans were stunned to see the Undertaker standing tall in the ring, yet were booing by the end. Morgan got this his feet when Edge came from nowhere and speared Colin! Taker slid out of the ring and scared him off. He had to help his nephew to the back who was very winded. "Son of a bitch" he heaved.

Taker sat down his nephew and checked his wounds. "Did they do any x-rays?" he asked. A shook of the head gave the Deadman his answer. Taker felt about Colin's chest and found he was winded when he pushed in and it now hurt to breath. "You got broken ribs"

"Why the hell didn't I feel it before?"

"You were lying in bed for nearly a month, so you didn't move often. I saw how you were struggling in the back. I had no intention of taking the belt from you." No matter how he cut it, Colin knew he needed more time off. He reluctantly agreed with his Uncle and went to talk to Teddy Long about the situation. Teddy was sad to hear such news and knew he had to do it. "Well, since the Undertaker wasn't really part of the match, but did eliminate the champion I will accept the title changing hands."

It wasn't the way to go out, but Colin knew he needed more time. He handed over the belt to his Uncle, but Teddy announced they got a newer one. "You keep that one," he said.

As Colin walked out of the office, he came face to face with Edge. "That's my belt!" he hissed lowly.

"Well, I am not your champion" Colin snapped back. "You need to speak to the new one about a shot" Taker came out wearing the newer belt, Edge glared between the two of them before walking off. Colin gave a call to his father and explained the situation at hand. It wasn't that big of a deal. But there was a tone his father spoke that made him suspicious.

Before the night ended, Kelly came to the arena. "Where's my dad?" he asked.

Kelly smiled. "I insisted," she explained. "Now, you are coming home with me, where I can get you all better" she said in a saucy tone. There was a glitter in her eyes as Colin couldn't help but smile when he looked into them.

The two drove off in the night as Colin wondered how long he would be gone for, as well. What the hell do you get the Undertaker for Christmas!?

The End… for now!