Chapter Seventy-Four: Last Stop Before WrestleMania
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(A/N: The main purpose of this chapter was to make next chapter number 75. It's not much of a difference, but I'm just weird like that. But I still think I did a good job on the match for this chapter anyway, let me know what you think.)
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Smackdown was airing from Fayetteville, North Carolina. CM Punk had just beaten John Morrison in a Money in the Bank preview match. The cameras went to the back and showed Smackdown General Manager Vickie Guerrero talking with Edge, Zack Ryder, and Curt Hawkins in an office backstage. Ryder was holding some candles and Hawkins a picture of Undertaker. There was a knock at the door and Raw's Intercontinental Champion Machetti walked in, he had his title on his shoulder and was dressed to compete. "Well if it isn't the Intercontinental Champ," commented the World Heavyweight Champion.
"And if it isn't the World Heavyweight Champion, Edge," returned Machetti, then stared at Hawking and Ryder for a second and looked a little worried over the fact that one of them was holding a picture of the Undertaker. "You know what… I don't want to know." Machetti quickly turned to face Guerrero. "Now I hope you don't think that I'm rude for cutting right to the chase… but I was wondering why I'm here tonight?"
"That's alright," replied Vickie. "Since WrestleMania is only two days away I wanted give you one last chance to get some momentum going into that Money in the Bank Match."
"Uh… thanks I guess," said Machetti. "What exactly does that mean?"
"Well on Raw, the eight of you all fought in one match," explained Guerrero. "So for ECW and Smackdown, Estrada and I decided we'd put all of you in different matches. Carlito and Shelton fought on ECW, and I'm sure you just saw C.M. Punk face John Morrison."
"So where does that leave me?" asked Machetti.
"Jericho and MVP are facing each other later tonight," answered Vickie. "So that only leaves one person…"
BANG!! The door came crashing opened as Mr. Kennedy stormed into the room and glared at Machetti. "I assume you two have already met?" questioned Guerrero.
"You could say that," Machetti told her as he stood face-to-face with Kennedy.
"It's time to settle what we started on Monday," Kennedy told Machetti. "Tonight, I'm gonna beat you so badly, that you won't even be able to compete on—" Kennedy cut off as Machetti put his hand over Kennedy's mouth.
"Did anyone ever tell you talk is cheap?" asked Machetti. "I'll meet you in the ring, and we'll see who will or won't be able to make it to WrestleMania. But to give you a little bit of additional incentive…" Machetti turned back to Guerrero, "I know this is Smackdown, but why don't we make this match for the Intercontinental Championship?"
"Well, a Raw Intercontinental Title Match would definitely increase the ratings," reasoned Guerrero. "Fine, you two are on after Jericho and MVP. I'd have to be stupid to turn down an opportunity to use Raw Superstars for ratings.
"You've got that right," quipped Machetti, causing Guerrero and Edge to both glare at him. Machetti quickly turned back to Kennedy, "Now if you excuse me, I'm gonna get out of here before I get jumped." Machetti turned and glanced at Hawkins who was still holding the Undertaker portrait, "I wouldn't put anything passed the necrophiliac over there…"
Hawkins went to rush at Machetti but Edge and Ryder held him back. Machetti smirked and left the room, leaving all five of the other occupants glaring after him. The cameras then went to the ring for the Jesse, Festus, and Kingston vs. Cade, Murdoch, and Miz six-man tag match.
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Smackdown came back from the commercial break, and a bell was rung to get everyone's attention. Before the break Jericho versus MVP had ended via disqualification. But now it was time for the Main Event. "The following contest is scheduled for one-fall, and is for the WWE Intercontinental Championship!" Turn Up the Trouble played in the arena and Mr. Kennedy came down to the ring to a mixed reaction. "Introducing first, from Green Bay Wisconsin, MISTER KENNEDY!" Kennedy got in the ring but didn't do any of his usual pre-match antics. He just stood in the middle of the ring and stared up at the Money in the Bank Briefcase that was hanging from the rafters, just like it would be at WrestleMania. If he could beat Machetti for the Intercontinental Championship tonight, and then win the Money in the Bank Match on Sunday, cash it in and win a World Championship the same night, he'd have all the momentum in the world and would have two championships.
Kennedy's theme cut and was replaced with Riot Time, Machetti came out from the back to a positive reaction from the crowd. "And the opponent, from Detroit Michigan, he is the WWE Intercontinental Champion, MACHETTI!" Machetti sprinted down to the ring with his title around his waist and slid under the bottom rope and inside. He quickly jumped back up and made sure Kennedy was still in his corner, then went to an empty one and climbed up onto the middle rope. Machetti held his arms up in the air then did a back-flip and landed in the middle of the ring, white pyro exploded out of each of the turnbuckles as Machetti landed. The fans cheered loudly as Machetti took off his title belt and handed it to the referee then turned and faced Kennedy. The referee showed the belt to Kennedy then handed it to someone outside of the ring and called for the bell.
Machetti and Kennedy started circling the ring and the match was underway. Machetti and Kennedy locked up in the middle of the ring and both of them tried to overpower each other in a test of strength. But Kennedy proved to be the stronger of the two competitors and eventually managed to back Machetti into the corner. Kennedy made a big deal of breaking clean and took a step away from Machetti. But suddenly Kennedy swung around and hit a hard right hand upside the face of Machetti, then quickly backed up into the middle of the ring.
Machetti glared at Kennedy from the corner and held his cheek where Kennedy had hit him. Machetti made his way to the middle of the ring then locked up with Kennedy, Kennedy started to overpower Machetti, but before he could be pushed back into the corner Machetti grabbed one of Kennedy's arms and slipped behind him for a wristlock. Kennedy stepped away from Machetti then wrenched Machetti's arm and countered into a wristlock of his own. Kennedy yanked down on Machetti's arm trying to dislocate his shoulder. Machetti grunted and dropped down to one knee then reached up with his free hand and held his shoulder. Machetti fought up to his feet then did a front-flip and landed on his back, Machetti quickly nipped up and straightened his arm, then got the wristlock locked back in on Kennedy.
Kennedy yelled out in pain, but suddenly he grabbed onto Machetti's other arm, while still in the wrist lock and lifted Machetti up into the air. Kennedy charged into the corner and rammed Machetti back-first into the turnbuckle. Kennedy stepped back and let Machetti slump down in the corner, then the loud mouth turned around and taunted the fans, earning himself a loud chorus of boos. But suddenly the boos turned into cheers, Kennedy instantly knew something was up and turned around to face Machetti again. Machetti lunged at Kennedy off of the middle rope BUT KENNEDY CAUGHT HIM IN MID AIR! Then in one motion Kennedy flipped Machetti over his head and slammed him back-first down to the mat, POWERSLAM! Kennedy quickly hooked Machetti's legs and made the pin, ONE… TWO… T… Machetti got his shoulder up.
Kennedy got off of Machetti and stood up, then he reached down and pulled Machetti up to his feet. Kennedy bent Machetti over and clubbed him on the back, then grabbed him and whipped him across the ring into the corner. Kennedy charged into the corner at Machetti looking for a turnbuckle clothesline, BUT MACHETTI MOVED! Kennedy ran full speed into the turnbuckle and staggered backwards, Machetti quickly grabbed Kenned and spun him around then kicked him in the stomach, IMPALER!! Machetti rolled Kennedy onto his back and hooked the leg looking to end the match early, ONE… TWO… TH… Kennedy kicked out.
Machetti got up and pulled Kennedy up to his feet, then whipped him into the corner. Machetti ran at Kennedy did a handspring and a front-flip and slammed back-first into Kennedy in the corner, TURNBUCKLE SENTON!! Machetti landed on the mat and quickly got back up, Kennedy staggered forward holding his chest in a daze, but Machetti jumped up and got his legs around Kennedy's shoulders, then fell backwards and sent him flying across the ring with a hurricurana. Kennedy landed hard on his back and Machetti quickly got back up and went to the corner then climbed up onto the top rope, Machetti lunged out of the corner at Kennedy then came crashing down DIVING HEAD—KENNEDY MOVED!! Machetti plowed face-first into the mat with a thud, and Kennedy quickly capitalized and went for a pin, ONE… TWO… TH… Machetti got his shoulder up.
Kennedy got off of Machetti and stood up, then reached down and pulled Machetti up onto his knees. Kennedy lifted his arm up above his head and clubbed Machetti right in between the shoulder blades. Kennedy let go of Machetti and ran to the ropes, Machetti struggled up to his feet but stayed bent over, Kennedy came off of the ropes then jumped up and grabbed Machetti as he came over and slammed Machetti down to the mat for a running neckbreaker. Kennedy rolled away from Machetti and stood up, then watched as the Intercontinental Champion sat up and reached out for the ropes in a daze. Kennedy smirked evilly then ran forward and kicked Machetti right between the shoulder blades. Machetti yelled out in pain then slumped down on the mat.
Kennedy reached down and pulled Machetti up to his feet then whipped him into the ropes. Machetti came off and Kennedy quickly ducked down then got Machetti on his shoulders. Kennedy took a step backwards then ran forward and did a front-flip, driving Machetti back-first into the mat, STANDING GREEN BAY PLUNGE!! Kennedy sat up and slapped himself on the chest, he was proud of himself. He was a three count away from becoming the Intercontinental Champion. The fans booed as Kennedy hooked Machetti's leg and went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THRE… MACHETTI KICKED OUT!! The fans cheered and Kennedy stared in front of him in surprise, he had expected to get the pin there, but apparently he had spent too much time taunting.
Kennedy turned back to Machetti and glared at him, then pulled him up to his feet. Kennedy kicked Machetti in the stomach then put his leg behind Machetti's and grabbed onto him, MIC CHE—MACHETTI PUSHED KENNEDY OFF!! Kennedy went into the ropes and came back Machetti quickly ducked down looking for a back body drop, but Kennedy put on the breaks and kicked Machetti in the face. Machetti's head snapped up and Kennedy quickly grabbed him and got his leg behind Machetti's, MIC CHEC—MACHETTI LIFTED KENNEDY UP IN FRONT OF HIM!! MACHETE'S BLA—KENNEDY SLIPPED OUT!! Kennedy pushed Machetti into the ropes, Machetti bounced off and came back but Kennedy ran forward and practically took Machetti's head off with a big clothesline. Kennedy pressed his hands into Machetti's chest for a lateral press, ONE… TWO… TH… Machetti got his shoulder up.
Kennedy rolled off of Machetti and glared down at him, Machetti was refusing to quit, which was getting really annoying. But then a smirk appeared on Kennedy's face, Machetti refusing to give up was a good thing. If he gave everything he had here on Smackdown in order to retain his Intercontinental Championship, then he'd have nothing left on Sunday for the Money in the Bank Match. Kennedy went over to Machetti and sat him up, then grabbed Machetti's arms and pulled them backwards for a bow and arrow lock. Kennedy followed up by pressing his knee in between Machetti's shoulder blades, then applied even more pressure to the bow and arrow. Machetti screamed out in pain as Kennedy bent his arms backwards, the human arm wasn't meant to bend that way.
The fans started getting behind Machetti and a Machetti chant started. Machetti gritted his teeth and struggled against the hold as the chant started to get louder. MACHETTI! MACHETTI!The fans were cheering loudly as Kennedy continued to torque Machetti's arms backwards while keeping his knee pressed in between Machetti's shoulders. Machetti growled and stared in front of him, then slowly fought up onto one knee. Kennedy looked worried that Machetti was fighting and moved his knee away then started pulling back on Machetti's arms, now even harder, looking to completely snap them. The chant was still going on and by now the majority of the arena was chanting MACHETTI! MACHETTI!! Machetti growled and kept struggling then managed to fight up to his feet, Kennedy kept the bow and arrow locked in, but suddenly Machetti rushed at the rope and dropped down, Kennedy was taken by surprise and went flying through the top and middle rope and crashed down onto the floor.
Kennedy rolled over to the barricade and started pulling himself up while Machetti struggled up to his feet in the ring. The referee went over to the ropes and started the ring out count. ONE… TWO… THREE… Kennedy finally stood up and stared at the fan on the other side of the barricade. It was a preteen boy standing with his friends, all of them started booing Kennedy and yelled, "You suck!" Kennedy glared at the kids then slowly turned around, FOUR... Suddenly Machetti rushed passed the referee and dove through the ropes SUICIDE DIVE BY MACHETTI!! Machetti took down Kennedy on the outside and the fans cheered loudly.
Now that Machetti had left the ring the referee restarted the ring out count. ONE… TWO… Machetti stirred first and rolled off of Kennedy then dragged himself over to the barricade. THREE… FOUR… Machetti pulled himself up with the barricade then leaned against it while Kennedy started to struggle up as well. FIVE… SIX… Machetti stayed against the barricade, but suddenly Kennedy shot up to his feet and charged at Machetti. But Machetti suddenly ducked down then shot Kennedy up into the air and over the barricade. Kennedy came crashing down on the floor on the other side of the barricade, while the security guys struggled to keep the fans away. The referee shouted at Machetti to get in the ring and counted SEVEN! Machetti stepped away from the barricade then went over to the ring and slid inside, but then quickly slid back out.
The referee glared at Machetti and once against started his count over. ONE… Machetti smirked then turned and grabbed onto the steel steps and dragged them over to the barricade, and finally stopped when the steps were positioned in front of the part of the barricade that Kennedy was still lying on the floor behind. The referee continued the count TWO… THREE… while security kept the fans away from Kennedy who was still down on the floor. Machetti went over to the ring post then sprinted at the stares and ran up then, then launched off and did a back-flip and came crashing down on Kennedy, SHOOTING STAR PRESS OFF THE STEPS AND INTO THE CROWD!!
The fans started cheering and a small ECW chant broke out in one part of the arena. The referee got out of the ring and leaned over the barricade to see if the two competitors were okay, the cameras looked over the referee's shoulder and showed Kennedy and Machetti who were laid out on the floor, both of them appeared to have been in a huge car crash. But suddenly Machetti sat up and stared in front of him, then glanced to the side and saw that Kennedy was still out. The referee saw that at least one of the wrestlers could continue and continued the ring out count, FOUR!
Machetti struggled up to his feet then staggered over to the barricade and got one leg over it just as the referee was counting, FIVE! But when Machetti was going to bring his other leg over, KENNEDY SUDDENLY GRABBED MACHETTI'S ANKLE! Machetti staggered and fell forward AND WENT FACE-FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS!! Kennedy struggled up to his feet and quickly climbed over the barricade, then he grabbed Machetti and once again slammed his head down on the steps. The referee got Kennedy's attention and counted SIX! Kennedy knew he wouldn't win the IC Championship by count out so he went over to the ring and rolled inside, then quickly got back out. The referee yelled at Kennedy and told him to get back in the ring, but Kennedy stared at the referee and shouted "YOU GET BACK IN THE RING!"
The referee took a few steps back, and Kennedy quickly went passed him and grabbed Machetti, then drove his face down into the steps again. The referee stayed out of the way and counted ONE! Kennedy turned to the fans and shouted "Oh yeah!" he was clearly proud of himself, but the fans responded with a loud chorus of boos. Kennedy went to ram Machetti's face down into the steps, BUT MACHETTI BLOCKED IT!! Then Machetti grabbed Kennedy, and slammed his face into the steps. Kennedy slumped against the stairs while Machetti backed away from him then went over to the ring and slid under the bottom rope and inside.
Kennedy rolled off of the steps while the referee got back in the ring and counted TWO… THREE! Kennedy pulled himself up with the steps then made his way over to the ring, FOUR! Kennedy started to get in the ring, but Machetti ran over and drove his feet into Kennedy's face for a baseball slide. Kenney was launched backwards and smashed into the barricade, then fell onto the floor. Machetti smirked then ran across the ring to the ropes on the other side, bounced off then ran across the ring, jumped up onto the top rope and springboarded off with a back-flip. Machetti came crashing down on top of Kennedy on the outside, SHOOTING STAR PRESS PLANCHA!! The fans cheered loudly and started chanting Machetti, they were clearly impressed by the plancha.
The referee went over to the ropes and glanced down at Kennedy and Machetti and once again restarted the count. ONE… TWO… THREE… both Machetti and Kennedy seemed to be out of it, once again looking like victims of a car crash. FOUR… FIVE… Machetti started to stir and rolled onto his stomach. SIX… SEVEN… Machetti managed to make it up to his feet, but then he saw that Kenned was still out cold. Instead of getting in the ring, Machetti pulled Kennedy up to his feet and rolled him back into the ring, then quickly got in himself just as the referee was counting EIGHT! Machetti rolled Kennedy onto his back and went for a pin, ONE… TWO… TH… Kennedy managed to kick out of it.
Machetti got up and stared down at Kennedy, slightly surprised that Kennedy had kicked out, then he went across the ring and got out onto the ring apron, then waited and watched Kennedy struggle up to his feet. Machetti saw his opportunity and hoisted himself up onto the top rope and springboarded across the ring at Kennedy just as he was turning around. Machetti ended up with his legs on both sides of Kennedy head and drove him down to the mat, SEATED SENTON!! But Machetti kept going and shot back up to his feet then ran to the ropes and jumped up onto the top one, back-flipped off of it and came crashing down on top of Kennedy, SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT!! Machetti hooked Kennedy's leg and went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THRE…KENNEDY BARELY KICKED OUT!
Machetti stared down at Kennedy in surprise then got up and pulled Kennedy up to his feet. Machetti went to whip Kennedy into the ropes, but Kennedy reversed it. Machetti bounced off of the ropes and did a handspring, then ended up with his legs around Kennedy's neck, Machetti swung to side and took Kennedy down with a handspring head-scissors. Kennedy rolled across the ring and onto his back, and Machetti quickly ran after him, then jumped up into the air and did a back-flip and came crashing down on top of Kennedy, RUNNING SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Machetti stayed on top of Kennedy for the cover, ONE… TWO… THRE… KENNEDY STILL KICKED OUT!
Machetti and a bunch of the fans all had surprised expressions on their face, none of them had expected Kennedy to kick out of that. Machetti slowly got back up to his feet then pulled Kennedy up as well. Machetti whipped Kennedy into the ropes then caught him as he came back and held him up in front of him, MACHETE'S BLA—KENNEDY FOUGHT FREE! Kennedy got his leg behind Machetti's then bent forward before launching backwards, driving Machetti's face down to the mat with a vicious MIC CHECK!! Kennedy glared at Machetti, but instead of going for a pin, he pulled him up to his feet and whipped him into the corner.
Kennedy went over to Machetti and then lifted him up onto the top rope. The fans all around the arena stood up for a better looking, knowing what was coming next. Kennedy climbed up onto the middle rope and pulled Machetti up onto his shoulders, GREEN BAY PLUN—MACHETTI REALIZED WHERE HE WAS AND FOUGHT FREE! Machetti pulled himself free from Kennedy's grip and ended up on the middle rope in front of Kennedy, Machetti hit a big uppercut and then followed up with a headbutt, then grabbed Kennedy and lifted him up in front of him. Machetti did a back-flip off of the middle rope and launched Kennedy over his head, THE MACHETE'S BLADE OFF OF THE SECOND ROPE!! Machetti came crashing down on top of Kennedy then hooked both of his legs and went for the pin, ONE… TWO… THREE! MACHETTI RETAINS!!
Riot Time hit as Machetti pulled himself up off of Kennedy and got to his feet, the fans were still standing and cheering as the referee came over and handed Machetti the Intercontinental Championship. Machetti stood in the middle of the ring and held the title up above his head as the fans cheered, then he slowly lowered it and glanced up at the briefcase that was suspended from the rafters. Machetti stared in to the camera that was currently filming him and patted himself on the chest, then pointed up at the briefcase, signaling that after WrestleMania, that briefcase would be his. "See you at WrestleMania," Machetti said to the crowd, before leaving the ring and heading to the back. Smackdown then went to a commercial break.
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I hope that match was alright, I figured that Shelton, Carlito, Punk, Morrison, MVP, and Y2J all competed in singles matches so why not Machetti and Kennedy, unlike the real Money in the Bank, MY Money in the Bank has an even eight competitors. Next chapter is WrestleMania.
'Till Next Time…
Peace!