Chapter Seven: Impact
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Raw was live from Penn State University, Santino Marella had just retained his Intercontinental Title against Chris Masters, and Raw had just come back from a commercial. Machetti was shown sitting on his own in the locker room. He was wearing a pair of jeans and his 'Go Hard Or Go Home' t-shirt. Due to the fact that the Great Khali had chokebombed him off of the edge of the stage last week Machett's wasn't going to be medically cleared to compete until tomorrow. So Machetti was going to be watching Raw from the back, and now found himself with no way to get into the title picture.
Shawn Michaels was putting his number one contender position on the line again the Great Khali in a no-DQ match tonight. The winner of the match would be facing John Cena at Judgment Day. Management had been very vocal that they wanted Machetti to stay on the roster after his performance at Judgment Day, and because of this, Coach found himself unable to fire Machetti. So Coach settled on doing the next best thing, keeping Machetti from competing.
In all honesty, Machetti was fine to compete tonight, in fact he could probably have compete in the number one contender's match tonight, but Coach pulled some strings backstage and managed to convince the trainers that Machetti wasn't going to be able to compete until Tuesday. Luckily for Machetti, Coach got the crap beaten out of him by Bobby Lashley earlier in the night, so Coach was leaving Machetti alone for the night.
There was a knock at the door, "come in," Machetti called without getting up. The door swung opened and Maria walked in.
"Hey," said Maria as she walked over to Machetti.
"Hey," replied Machetti as Maria hugged him.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
"I told you, I'm fine," answered Machetti, "I just wish I had a chance to do something tonight."
"Yeah, Coach keeping you from competing tonight was really mean," said Maria, "is there any way you can get around it?"
"Not that I can think of," answered Machetti, "he said quite clearly that I can not compete tonight." Suddenly Machetti's face lit up, "Actually, I just thought of something," a smile spread across Machetti's face as he contemplated what he was going to do about his current situation.
"Are you going to tell me or are you just going to stand there with that look on your face?" asked Maria with a small smile.
"Well, I can't compete tonight but if I can create a big enough impact…" started Machetti, only to be cut off by the sound of something ringing. Machetti reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. "Do you mind if I answer this?"
"Go ahead," replied Maria, as she moved closer, hoping to hear what was going to be said on the phone.
"Hey, what's up?" asked Machetti as he answered his phone, then paused to listen to someone on the other end.
"… slow down, I can't understand you when you both talk at once…"
"…right… really?" Maria looked confused as Machetti talked on his phone, she couldn't hear anything.
"Guys, of course I'll do it…"
"… I'm not really injured Coach is just a jackass…"
"… alright, I'll see you there… bye…"
"Well?" asked Maria expectantly as Machetti hung up.
"Feel like going to Pittsburg?" asked Machetti.
"Sure, why?" asked Maria.
"That was Paul and Brian. They need me to do something for them on Smackdown."
"What did they need you to do?" asked Maria.
"Actually, I didn't quite get that," answered Machetti, "they said something about competing in a match for them."
"Oh," said Maria, "well alright, I guess we're going to Smackdown."
"Yup," answered Machetti, "now, I've got an impact to make tonight so… hey, don't you have an interview to do?"
"You're right!" exclaimed Maria as she suddenly remembered about her interview with Randy Orton. "I'll see you later…" Maria quickly rushed to the door and left, leaving Machetti alone in the locker room. Machetti shook his head smirking about something he had planned for later tonight, then the camera faded and went to the arena, where Mr. Kennedy's theme music hit.
---x---
The number one contender's match had just ended and Khali had double chokeslammed Shawn Michaels through the announce table. The referee ruled that Michaels was unable to compete so he awarded the match to Khali. The fans booed as the monster made his way up the ramp and headed for the back, but suddenly Machetti came out and smashed Khali in the face with his pipe.
But the pipe shot didn't have much of an effect on the Punjabi Giant, who started advancing on Machetti. Machetti was starting to think that this wasn't such a good idea, but then he pointed to something behind Khali, and yelled for him to look over there. The giant turned to look and Machetti blasted him in the back of the head with the pipe, causing the giant to stumble forward.
Machetti jumped up into the air and raised his pipe up above his head, then brought the pipe down on the back of Khali's neck, causing the giant to drop down to one knee. Machetti stayed on his assault and pelted Khali hard across the back, causing Khali to fall forward, but stop himself by putting out his hands. Machetti smashed Khali over the back with his pipe again, finally taking down the monster with the fifth shot with the iron pipe.
Machetti stayed in control and hooked his pipe under Khali's jaw then pulled back. But instead of locking in the Iron Clutch, Machetti lifted one of his legs and pressed it into Khali's back, while pulling back on the pipe, effectively increasing the leverage he had while pulling on the pipe. But suddenly to the surprise of Machetti, and the amazement of the crowd, Khali started moving and fought up to his feet. Machetti managed to hang on by wrapping his legs around Khali's waist, while keeping his pipe hooked under Khali's neck.
Suddenly Khali turned and started towards the set up on the stage, then bent down and rammed Machetti's head into the set. Machetti was almost knocked out cold and was knocked off of Khali. Khali roared then reached down and grabbed Machetti by the throat with both hands and pulled him up into the air. Khali started walking towards the edge of the stage, looking to do the same thing to Machetti that he did last week, and this time Machetti wasn't going to survive it.
Khali held Machetti over the edge of the stage while Machetti struggled to try and break the giant's grasp on him. But suddenly Khali was whacked in the back by Machetti's pipe. Khali dropped Machetti on the edge of the stage and turned around to face Maria, who had come out and picked up Machetti's pipe in hopes of helping her boyfriend. The pipe shot didn't have much of an effect on the Punjabi Giant and Maria was slowly realizing how stupid the thing she had just done way.
Despite the fact that she had the pipe in her hands Maria started backing away from Khali, who menacingly started advancing towards her. Khali back Maria all the way across the stage, until she was cornered at the other side. Maria screamed out of pure terror as Khali reached for her, but suddenly Machetti came running from behind and jumped on Khali's back.
Machetti locked in a sleeper hold on Khali, causing the giant to stagger backwards away from Maria and back towards the center of the stage. But suddenly Khali started spinning and tossed Machetti off of him, causing Machetti to hit the floor and go skidding across the stage, finally stopping in front of Maria.
Khali hadn't done any damage yet and wanted to cause as much pain and suffering as he could. So the monster once again started advancing on Machetti, slowly stood up and moved in front of Maria, in a valiant attempt to protect her from the giant. Khali raised one of his frying pan sized hands over his head and brought it down on Machetti, who managed to get both of his hands up and stopped Khali from hitting him
But Khali was clearly stronger than Machetti and slowly started applying more and more strength to his arm, forcing Machetti downward under the strength in his one arm. But suddenly Machetti lashed out his leg and kicked the monster in his one weak spot, causing the Khali to let out a roar of pain. Machetti pushed Khali's hand off of him then rushed forward and jumped up into the air, looking to catch Khali with a DDT of some sort, but Khali recovered quickly enough to catch Machetti in mid air, then tossed him to the side, sending Machetti rolling down the entrance ramp.
Khali roared and turned away from Machetti to Maria, who was still standing frightened on the edge of the stage. On the entrance ramp Machetti fought to his feet and saw Khali advancing on Maria. Machetti turned to a fan standing in the crowd and asked for the folding chair he was sitting on. The fan nodded and handed Machetti his chair. Machetti nodded his thanks then sprinted back up the entrance ramp and bashed Khali on the back of the head with the chair.
Khali turned away from Maria to face Machetti, who suddenly jumped up into the air then brought the chair down and smashed it into Khali's forehead. Khali staggered backwards, as Machetti threw the chair at him, then jumped up and dropkicked the chair into Khali's chest. "MARIA MOVE!" Machetti shouted as Khali staggered back towards her.
Machetti rushed forward and nailed Khali with a corkscrew dropkick, while at the same time Maria ducked down and ran passed Khali. Maria only stopped running when she was safely behind Machetti. Khali was now teetering on the edge of the stage, but was slowly recovered. Machetti reached down and picked up the chair again then smashed Khali in the face, but Khali stayed up.
Again Machetti smashed Khali with the chair, but the giant stayed standing. Machetti stepped backwards, then ran forward and smashed the chair into the giant's head. Khali fell backwards and finally toppled over the edge of the stage. Khali landed with a crunch on a bunch of wire and equipment. He wasn't moving.
Machetti took a sigh of relief then turned away from the edge of the stage, while pulling a marker out of his jeans pocket. Machetti signed the chair, which was now terribly dented, and handed it back to the fan he had gotten it from. Machetti put away his marker then took Maria's hand and headed back up to the stage. But as Machetti was preparing to go through the curtain a loud roar suddenly broke out.
A shocked look appeared on Machetti's face as he turned to the edge of the stage. To everyone in the arena's amazement, the Great Khali was getting back up. A lesser man would have turned and ran, but that wasn't how Machetti did things. Instead Machetti turned to Maria and told her to get backstage. Maria looked confused but slowly left and headed to the back. Machetti took a deep breath then sprinted across the stage, and jumped off of the edge.
Machetti rolled horizontally in midair and then took Khali down as he turned around for a spinning crossbody off of the stage. Both Machetti and Khali were down and neither was moving, the fans started up a Holy Shit chant. Machetti and Khali laid tangled in the wires as the trainers and EMTs rushed over to see if they were okay. Machetti was pulled out from the debris and was helped up to his feet, while Khali seemed to be out cold. As Machetti was dragged to the back by the EMTs and trainers a smirk appeared on his face. He finally stopped the unstoppable monster.
Now everyone was wondering, if Machetti had taken out the number one contender, what did this mean for the title match at Judgment Day? But once Machetti was gone, Khali started to stir. The Punjabi Giant pushed away all of the trainers and got to his feet. He was still up and by the end of the night someone was going to pay.
---x---
Todd Grisham had just asked John Cena how he felt about facing the Great Khali at Judgment Day. Cena responded by saying that that was a stupid question. He asked Todd how he would feel if someone wanted to fight him, then asked him how he would feel if that person was seven foot five and four hundred plus pounds.
Cena started saying how he never backs down from a challenge, not from Orton tonight and not from Khali at Judgment Day. Cena started ranting about how he doesn't care if his opponent is strong, weak, yellow, black, or red, a giant, or a 'little person; he'd take on anyone.
"Finally Cena," said Todd, "how do you feel about Machetti…"
Todd suddenly stopped as Machetti walked onto the screen and placed his arm around Grisham's shoulders. "Yeah Cena, how do you feel about… hey wait a minute! Todd what the hell are you doing here?" Machetti quickly withdrew his arm.
"An interview," answered Todd quickly.
"Cena, hold on just one second, I need a little change in scenery…" Machetti suddenly turned and grabbed Todd and tossed him over his shoulder then walked off screen. About three seconds later Machetti came back, but now he was carrying Maria. Machetti placed Maria down where Todd was standing then turned back to Cena.
"See, that's much better," said Machetti.
"You'd better have a point with this," said Cena.
"I do, I'm just picky about my interview person," said Machetti before quickly whispering something in Maria's ear.
"Um… Machetti…" started Maria, "please answer the question that everyone is wondering. Why did you attack the Great Khali?"
"Maria that's a great question," said Machetti as he turned and stared at Cena, "I was sending a message. Cena, I want another shot. I just took out your number one contender, and incase you don't remember, I took you to the limit at Backlash. So how about it? You say you never back down from a challenge. Are you going to start now?"
"Machetti, like I was saying before you dragged off Grisham," started Cena, "I don't back down. YOU'RE ON. Judgment Day John Cena versus the Great Khali versus Machetti, for the WWE Championship. But you'd better bring everything you've got, because I'm still gonna walk out of there as the champ."
Machetti nodded as Cena turned and walked off. "See, I told you I had a plan," Machetti said to Maria, "now let's get out of here. Khali's probably angry and it'll be better if he can't find either of us." With that Machetti and Maria walked off.
---x---
Smackdown was airing from the Steel City, Pittsburg Pennsylvania and Machetti and Maria were shown entering the arena. Machetti was wearing normal street clothes, and they were met at the door by London and Kendrick.
"What's up man?" asked Brian as he and Paul walked up to Machetti, "are you still up to competing tonight?"
"Guys," said Machetti, "after all the times you've helped me this is the least I can do. Just explain to me one more time what I'm doing."
"Deuce and Domino have agreed to offer us a chance at a rematch for the WWE tag team titles," explained Paul, "but of course they wanted it to be impossible to win, so they added a twist. Instead of us wrestling in the match we have to pick someone else to go out there and fight them. So naturally we picked you."
"So you have to face Deuce and Domino in a handicap match," said Brian, "and if you win, Paul and I get to fight them for the titles at Judgment Day."
"Again, it's the least I can do," laughed Machetti, "there's nothing they can do that will stop me from winning this match. I WILL win and they'll be forced to give you guys your rematch. Don't worry, I've got this."
With that Machetti walked off, causing Maria, Brian, and Paul to smile. "Well he seems focused," commented Paul.
"Do you think he can do it?" asked Brian, causing Maria and Paul to turn and stare at him, "right, stupid question. Of course he can."
Machetti's confidence was spreading. He was sure he could win, and now, so were his friends. On that note, the segment ended and Smackdown went on to the next one.
---x---
(A/N: Just so no one is confused, instead of the Paul London/Domino match on Smackdown, this match is in its place.)
---x---
"The following handicap match is scheduled for one-fall, introducing first, from Detroit Michigan, weighing in at two hundred and fifteen pounds… MACHETTI!" Riot Time started playing, but all of a sudden, it stopped, and instead London and Kendrick's theme song hit. The crowd cheered loudly as Machetti came running out from the back, but he wasn't dressed in his usual gear, instead he was wearing a pair of extra long orange shorts, and a mask. Machetti was going to win this won for his friends, and nothing was going to stop him.
Machetti sprinted down the entrance ramp and slid under the bottom rope and into the ring, then he ran to the corner and jumped up onto the middle rope. Machetti did a back flip off of the ropes and landed on his feet in the middle of the ring. Then he pulled off his mask and smiled at the fans, who cheered loudly. The bell rang signaling the start of the match, then Deuce and Domino's theme music hit.
The WWE Tag Team Champions came out from the back in their usual car. "And the opponents, weighing in at a combined weight of four hundred and seventy-five pounds, being accompanied by Cherry, they are the WWE Tag Team Champions… DEUCE & DOMINO!"
The crowd booed as the tag team champions were escorted down to the ring by their roller skate wearing manager Cherry. Machetti shrugged and gestured for them to hurry up and get in the ring. Cherry stayed outside, and the tag team champions came in. After a quick discussion, Domino got on the apron and Deuce stayed in the ring. The champions would be able to tag in and out, while Machetti was on his own. But clearly that wasn't worrying Machetti, he simply smiled and stood waiting in the middle of the ring.
Deuce walked up to Machetti the swung at Machetti for a punch, Machetti ducked and fired back one of his own, and this match was underway. Machetti and Deuce traded staggering blows, until Machetti suddenly jumped up and hit Deuce with a spinning wheel kick, knocking him down to the mat. Machetti went for a quick pin, ONE… TW… but Deuce kicked out.
Machetti sat Deuce up then jumped up and dropkicked him in the back, Machetti went for another quick pin, ONE… TWO… but again Deuce kicked out. Machetti pulled Deuce up to his feet then whipped him into the corner. Machetti ran at Deuce then drove his knee into Deuce's gut, driving the tag team champion back into the corner. Machetti lifted Deuce up and sat him up on the top rope, then Machetti climbed up so he was standing across from him. Machetti jumped up and wrapped his legs around Deuce's head, then fell back and sent Deuce flying with a super hurricurana.
Deuce saw this match was going how he wanted it to, so he quickly rolled over to his corner and tagged in Domino. Domino came in and charged at Machetti, looking for a clothesline. Machetti ducked it then jumped up and hit Domino with a corkscrew dropkick as he turned around. Machetti ran over to Domino's side, then did a back flip and landed on him for a standing moonsault. Machetti went for a pin, ONE… TWO… But Domino kicked out.
Machetti rolled off of Domino and both superstars fought up to their feet. Domino turned around to face Machetti, but was suddenly flipped over Machetti's head with an arm drag. Machetti kept his momentum going and hit Domino with another arm drag when he got back up. Domino got back up and came after Machetti, Machetti went to whip Domino into the ropes, but Domino kneed Machetti in the stomach and reversed it.
Machetti approached the ropes quickly, but quickly jumped up onto the middle on, then springboarded off of it and hit Domino with the Over Castle Take Over. Machetti went for the pin, ONE… TWO… T… but Deuce came in and broke it up. Deuce pulled Machetti up to his feet, but Machetti kneed him in the gut then whipped him into the ropes. Then Machetti turned around and grabbed Domino, then whipped him into the same corner Deuce was in, causing the tag team champions to crash into each other.
Machetti ran forward then jumped up into the air then connected with a dropkick on Domino, driving him back into Deuce. Domino fell forward into the middle of the ring, while Deuce fell to the side and laid on the ring apron. Machetti quickly pulled himself up onto the top rope then launched himself across the ring and connected with a diving headbutt on Domino. Machetti hooked the leg and went for the pin, but on the outside Cherry had grabbed the referee's leg. The referee turned around and yelled at Cherry to get off of him, but in the mean time, no one was counting Machetti's cover on Domino. ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR?… FIVE??
Machetti got off of Domino and glared at the referee to see what was going on. Machetti pulled the referee away from Cherry and yelled at her to keep her hands off of the ref. But while Machetti was yelling at Cherry, Deuce came out of nowhere and almost took Machetti's head off with a huge clothesline. Deuce got out of the ring and Domino crawled over to make the cover on Machetti, ONE… TWO… TH… but Machetti managed to kick out.
Domino struggled up to his knees then scrambled over to the corner and tagged in Deuce. Deuce came in and went after Machetti by stomping on him, then hitting him with a standing elbow drop. Stayed on top of Machetti after the elbow drop and went for the pin, ONE… TWO…. Machetti got his shoulder up.
Deuce pulled Machetti up to his feet and whipped him into the corner, then ran at him and drove his elbow into Machetti's face, snapping Machetti's head backwards. Deuce grabbed Machetti's arm then pulled him forward into a clothesline. Deuce went for the pin, ONE… TWO… TH… NO! Machetti kicked out
Deuce was getting up set and grabbed Machetti's arm, then dragged him over to the corner where he tagged in Domino. The two greasers pulled Machetti up to his feet, the n they both tapped him on the back and drove his head down to the mat with a double DDT. Deuce got out of the ring and Domino went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THR… NO! Machetti got his shoulder up.
Domino pulled Machetti up to his feet, lifted Machetti up and turned him upside down, then slammed him down to the mat with a scoop slam. Domino ran back toward the ropes, bounced off of them then ran back, jumped up into the air and landed on Machetti with a running leg drop. Domino went for the pin, ONE… TWO… TH… MACHETIT KICKS OUT!
Domino sat up and dragged Machetti over to the corner then tagged in Deuce. Both tag team champions stepped back, then ran forward and took Machetti down with a double clothesline. Deuce went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THR… NO! Machetti got his shoulder up. Deuce couldn't believe it and went for another pin, ONE… TWO… but again Machetti kicked out.
Deuce got up and walked over to the corner then tagged in Domino. The tag team champion walked back into the middle of the ring then pulled Machetti up to his feet. Machetti was whipped into the ropes, then when he came back Deuce and Domino lifted him up into the air, then slammed him down to the mat for a double flapjack. Domino went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THRE… MACHETTI KICKED OUT!
The champs couldn't believe it and decided that it was time to put Machetti away for good. Domino sat Machetti up in the middle of the ring, while Deuce went over to the ropes, ready to hit the crack 'em in the mouth. But then the referee came over and started yelling at Deuce to get out of the ring, he had been in there way over a five count. Deuce started arguing with the referee and refused to leave, he was ready to hit end this thing.
While the referee's back was to him Machetti saw the perfect opportunity. Machetti suddenly hit Domino with a low blow, knocking him down on his back, then Deuce came running passed the referee looking to kick Machetti in the face, but when Deuce got close enough, Machetti laid flat on his back, causing Deuce to run passed him. In a flash Machetti jumped up onto his feet, then when Deuce turned around, Machetti kicked him in the gut and nailed him with an Impaler.
Machetti went over to Domino and pulled him back up, then whipped him into the corner. Machetti then ran and hit Domino with a body splash, then jumped backwards and sent Domino across the ring with a hurricurana. Domino landed and rolled across the ring, finally stopping next to his partner.
The crowd was red hot and was cheering wildly. Machetti got up and jumped up onto the top rope, then for some reason stood sideways on the top rope. Machetti lunged off of the top and did what looked like a midair cartwheel, then landed across both Deuce and Domino with an elbow drop. Machetti's elbow was driven into Deuce's stomach, while his legs landed across Domino. Machetti smirked then quickly went for the pin on Domino, who was the legal man, ONE… TWO… THREE! MACHETTI WINS!
Riot Time hit and Machetti got up to his feet and stood tall in the middle of the ring. He had just beaten two men, and now Paul London and Brian Kendrick had their rematch for the WWE Tag Team titles at Judgment Day. Now that the match was over Paul, Brian, and Maria ran out to the ring. Maria gave Machetti a quick kiss on the cheek, then London and Kendrick hoisted Machetti up onto their shoulders. He had done it, Machetti had walked into a tough match, knowing he'd get nothing out of it for himself, but still gave it his all and ended up winning.
The fans cheered loudly and started a Machetti chant. The four superstars continued celebrating in the ring. Machetti had come through and now London and Kendrick had a chance to rise back up to the top of the tag team division. And with that Smackdown went to a commercial break.
---x---
And that's a wrap. Cena vs. Khali vs. Machetti for the title at Judgment Day, if WWE changes their title match, I might change mine.
'Till Next Time…
Peace!