Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Booker T

For weeks, Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes and Booker
T have been at odds with each other, exchanging heated words and a series of ambush
attacks.

At WWE TLC, it’s put up or shut up time for both Superstars,
who are embroiled in one of the most emotional wars right now in WWE. Losing this match would be a tough pill to swallow for either verbose Superstars. For the winner, it could very well direct the course of his future in WWE.

For Rhodes – who is seeking his first singles World
Championship – a victory over a veteran like Booker could be just the thing he’s
looking for to help catapult his career to the next level.

For Booker – who has not competed at all this year and focused
on announcing – capturing his second Intercontinental Championship could very well be the final punctuation mark on an already impressive career in the ring. (MORE ON BOOKER'S CAREER: CODY PICKED THE WRONG MAN TO ANGER)

Things finally came to a head between the two Superstars on the Dec. 9
edition of SmackDown, when Rhodes attacked Booker as he entered the arena.
Later that night, Booker retaliated by assaulting the Intercontinental
Champion during his match with Daniel Bryan (WATCH). Realizing a match between
the two was necessary sooner rather than later, SmackDown General Manager
Theodore Long announced the two would do battle at WWE TLC.

After not competing for so long, does Booker have what it
takes to win in the ring? Can Rhodes score a victory against such a formidable veteran? Find out at WWE TLC, Sunday Dec. 18 at 8 ET/5 PT, only on pay-per-view.

12-09: Why the Barrett Barrage stands above The Nexus and Corre

Since
winning NXT season one, Wade Barrett has aligned himself with powerful factions
like The Nexus and Corre. However, while these alliances have ultimately
backfired on the English Superstar, the Barrett Barrage is destined to succeed.

Wade’s
affiliation with both The Nexus and The Corre seemed to serve as security for
Barrett, a way for the ruthless Brit to give himself cover while he acquainted
himself with new battlegrounds. When he brought his fellow NXT season one
cohorts with him to Raw, he had just become a WWE Superstar. With The Corre, he
was just beginning his tenure on SmackDown.

In
contrast, the Barrett Barrage comes into being at a time that Barrett is
already anchored on Friday night, armed with an ability to understand both the
lay of the land and the path he must take to achieve his lofty goals.

Moreover,
without a large group standing at his flank, Barrett is not likely to attract
overwhelming opposition forces. In the past, A-list Superstars such as John
Cena and Big Show were quick to take on the cause of vanquishing what they saw
as a huge threat to the entire WWE. Since the Barrage is a solitary quest by
one Superstar, these same forces might never see him coming.

Furthermore,
without other competitors watching Barrett’s back, the English Superstar will be
less likely to get soft – often one of the side effects that comes with
depending on others. The Barrage will allow him to remain razor-sharp as he
pursues great wealth and the World Heavyweight Title.

Above
all else, the Barrett Barrage gives The Bare-knuckle Brawler unprecedented
focus. With such a single-minded determination in place, the needs of one will
surely outdo the needs of the many.

12-09: SmackDown Photos: Orton clocks in and sets the table for WWE TLC

Rey Mysterio Returning To WWE, Lilian Garcia's Song

Partial Source: The Wrestling Observer

-- Rey Mysterio, who has been sidelined since August due to knee surgery, is reportedly scheduled for this weekend's Tribute to the Troops festivities. He obviously won't be wrestling.

-- WWE Classics On Demand has not aired recent advertised shows due to legal reasons, notably two episodes of Prime Time Wrestling from June 1989, a September 10, 1988 house show, as well as events emanating from Madison Square Garden.

-- SmackDown Diva Lilian Garcia has released her first music video, U Drive Me Loca. The video, which was shot in August in Los Angeles, California, features appearances by former WWE Divas Candice Michelle and Torrie Wilson.

WWE House Show Results From Augusta, GA (12/3) - Booker Vs. Rhodes, Henry Vs. Orton

Thanks to WrestlingINC.com reader Chris Cushman for sending in these results and videos from WWE's house show in Augusta, GA on 12/3:

Ring Announcer Tony Chimmel comes out and introduces General Manager Teddy Long. Long welcomes everyone to the show and announces the card for the night.

1) Ted Dibiase defeated Jinder Mahal. Solid opener with the crowd really behind Dibiase. Lots of Teddy and USA chants throughout. Dibiase hit the dream street for the win. After the match, Cody Rhodes attacked Dibiase.

2) Tyson Kidd defeated Damien Sandow. Sandow is from FCW and was formerly known as Idol Stevens during his last run. It took a little bit for the crowd to get into this one, but Sandow did a pretty good job getting heat (especially with the pin tights he was wearing). I think people were a little confused that Kidd was the face.

3) Justin Gabriel defeated Heath Slater. Again, it took a little bit for the crowd to get into this one, but Gabriel won them over with some impressive moves, including a variation of the 450 splash from the apron for the win. Again, Cody Rhodes attacked after the match. This time he jumped Gabriel as he was signing a fans poster. After the attack, Rhodes cut a promo saying he could do this all night. For some reason, Hornswoggle came out, got in the ring, and got knocked down by Rhodes.

4) Daniel Bryan defeated Hunico. A really good back and forth match that saw Bryan lock on the Lebell Lock for the submission.

5) Booker T defeated IC Champion Cody Rhodes by DQ in a title match. Booker looked really good in the ring and really didn't seem to miss a step. Booker missed the scissors kick a couple times before landing the Book End. This led to Rhodes rolling out of the ring and grabbing his belt. As Booker approached Rhodes, he popped him with the belt. After the match, Booker and Rhodes continued the fight, with Booker getting the upper hand and finally hitting the scissors kick. He then called out Hornswoggle who came out and hit the tadpole splash on Rhodes. Hornswoggle and Booker T then did the spin-a-roonie much to the crowd's delight.

Kaitlyn is out next as the special host for the night. She announces a dance contest with the winner getting to go backstage. The contestants were a guy, 2 girls(one dressed in military uniform), and a kid. The guy got the biggest support, but since it was so close, Kaitlyn said they all won and got to go backstage.

Intermission

6) AJ and Alicia Fox defeated Natalya and Rosa Mendes. Pretty good match. I can see AJ having a Mickie James type career if given the right chance (or push). Finish saw fox pin Mendes following an impressive flip into a leg drop.

7) Sheamus defeated Wade Barrett in a street fight. The main weapons used in this street fight were chairs and a Kendo stick. Finish saw Sheamus escape the Wasteland and hit the Brogue kick for the win.

8) World Champ Mark Henry defeated Randy Orton in a cage match for the title. Orton got by far the biggest pop of the night. Finish saw Orton hit the RKO on Henry, and it appeared that he was on his way out of the cage when Wade Barrett ran in to prevent it. Henry then walked right out as Barrett continued his assault. Henry then rejoined the fight and the two worked over Orton until Sheamus made the save. Orton and Sheamus cleared the ring and posed for the crowd to send everyone home happy.

Really good show tonight. It was my son's first WWE event and he had a blast. We got to the arena early to try to meet some of the wrestlers. Hunico came over and signed autographs and posed for pictures for everyone. Hornswoggle blew everyone off(same as he did the last time I saw him), which really disappointed the kids, my son included.

Biggest Pops:
1) Randy Orton
2) Sheamus
3) Booker T

Most Heat:
1) Mark Henry
2) Cody Rhodes
3) Wade Barrett

Updated WWE TLC PPV Card: 6 Announced Matches

Following tonight's edition of Smackdown, here is the updated card for WWE's TLC PPV, taking place on December 18th:

Triple Threat TLC Match For The WWE Title:


-CM Punk (c) vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. The Miz

Chairs Match For The WWE World Title:


-Mark Henry (c) vs. Big Show

Ladder Match, with a Sledgehammer hanging above the ring:


-Kevin Nash vs. Triple H

United States Title Match:


-Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Zack Ryder

Intercontinental Title Match:


-Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Booker T

Tables Match:


-Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett

12-09: SmackDown results: Orton clocks in and sets the table for WWE TLC

JACKSONVILLE,

Fla. – With WWE TLC just nine days away, Randy Orton won his Beat the Clock Challenge in heroic fashion, giving himself some control

over his fate in his upcoming pay-per-view showdown with Wade Barrett.

Meanwhile, Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes stirred things up with two

vicious sneak attacks, and Big Show made a gigantic point with the help of a

steel chair. 

Randy

Orton def. United States Champion Dolph Ziggler in a Beat the Clock Challenge Match (WATCH | PHOTOS)
In a grueling Beat a Clock Challenge against

Dolph Ziggler, Randy Orton struggled to get back in the ring and best the time of

7:53 – set earlier in the night by Wade Barrett. However, while Vickie Guerrero

distracted the referee, his WWE TLC opponent appeared from nowhere, hurling The

Viper into the steel ring post. Despite this onslaught, the resilient Orton reengaged

Ziggler in time, executing the RKO to overcome his English adversary’s benchmark

by two seconds!

Orton’s

triumph earned him the right to pick his stipulation for his WWE TLC Match

against Barrett. After the main event had concluded, the British brawler made a

forceful suggestion as to what the stipulation should be, attempting to put

Orton through a table. But, The Viper foiled his plan, hurling Dolph Ziggler

through the table instead. (MATCH PREVIEW)  

Intercontinental

Champion Cody Rhodes def Daniel Bryan by Disqualification (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Daniel Bryan showed incredible intestinal fortitude,

battling Cody Rhodes with injured ribs. But, before their match could be

decided, Booker T returned from an earlier attack by Rhodes, decimating the Intercontinental

Champion and handing him the win by disqualification.

Later, when Rhodes demanded that Theodore Long give

him a match with Booker, the SmackDown General Manager decided to set their Intercontinental

Championship showdown at WWE TLC. (MATCH PREVIEW)    

Sheamus

def. David Otunga (WATCH | PHOTOS)
After “Santa” granted Hornswoggle the ability to

talk on a Live SmackDown 10 days ago, the pint-sized Superstar served as the

guest ring announcer in the match between David Otunga and Sheamus. And, in the

confrontation set by GM Teddy Long earlier in the night, The Great White

triumphed with the devastating Brogue Kick.

Big

Show brutalized World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry (WATCH | PHOTOS)
A determined Big Show promised to slam the doors

shut on Mark Henry’s Hall of Pain and capture the World Heavyweight

Championship in their Chairs Match at WWE TLC. (MATCH PREVIEW) 

Still not 100 percent from the injury he sustained at

Survivor Series, The World’s Strongest Champion emerged, convincing his giant

foe not to touch him if he got in the ring. However, after shaking hands with

The World’s Largest Athlete, Henry sucker punched him. This sent Big Show on

huge tirade, culminating in a chair assault on the World Heavyweight Champion. 

 

Ted

DiBiase def. Jinder Mahal (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Ten days after Ted DiBiase cost Jinder Mahal his

match on a live holiday SmackDown, the leader of the “DiBiase Posse Party” overcame his

Punjabi adversary with a small package pin out of nowhere. 

 

Zack

Ryder def. Health Slater (WATCH | PHOTOS)
The Ryder Revolution rolled on, as the newly-named No. 1 contender to the United States

Championship defeated Health Slater with the Rough Ryder. Has Long Island Iced-Z

earned himself enough momentum to overcome Dolph Ziggler in nine days at WWE

TLC? (MATCH PREVIEW)

Intercontinental

Champion Cody Rhodes took out Daniel Bryan (WATCH | PHOTOS)
A disappointed Daniel Bryan journeyed to the ring in

order to comment on his recent loss in a Steel Cage World Title Match to Mark

Henry on the live SmackDown on Syfy. During a war of words that soon erupted between

him and Michael Cole, Bryan’s “insulted” still present Cody Rhodes, pointing

out that he had made him tap out. When Mr. Money in the Bank came out of the

ring after Cole, Rhodes attacked, leaving the war-torn Bryan on the ringside

floor. 

Wade Barrett def. Ezekiel

Jackson in a Beat the Clock Challenge Match  (WATCH | PHOTOS)
Battling for the right to pick the stipulation for

his match with Randy Orton at WWE TLC – choosing from tables, ladders or chairs

options – Wade Barrett overcame Ezekiel Jackson in a Beat the Clock Challenge, setting the time for WWE’s Apex Predator to beat at 7:53. Moments after

The Personification of Domination escaped Wasteland, Barrett caught him off the

ropes, delivering a vicious side slam for the crucial victory.

Following the match, Barrett proclaimed that he is

the only voice in Orton's head – and it's telling The Viper his time is up. 

Intercontinental

Champion Cody Rhodes took down Booker T (WATCH)
Prior to the start of SmackDown, Cody Rhodes

launched a sneak attack on an emerging Booker T. Leaving the six-time World

Heavyweight Champion unable to carry out his commentating duties, Rhodes turned

his attention to the returning Lilian Garcia. He informed her that no one cares

that she has returned to WWE, before joining the SmackDown announce team for a

short time. (WATCH)

12-09: SmackDown Quick results: Orton clocks in and sets the table for WWE TLC

MATCH LISTING

• Wade
  
  Barrett def. Ezekiel Jackson (Beat the Clock Challenge Match) (PHOTOS)
• Zack
  
  Ryder def. Health Slater (PHOTOS)
• Ted
  
  DiBiase def. Jinder Mahal (PHOTOS)
• Sheamus
  
  def. David Otunga (PHOTOS)
• Intercontinental
  
  Champion Cody Rhodes def. Daniel Bryan (Disqualification) (PHOTOS)
• Randy
  
  Orton def. United States Champion Dolph Ziggler (Beat the Clock Challenge Match) (PHOTOS)

Superstars recall Ribera Steakhouse, bring back Zubaz

On the WWE’s recent tour of Japan, several Superstars took
part in a very special sports-entertainment tradition. They have the jacket and
full stomachs to prove it.

The Ribera Steakhouse is a landmark in the Land of the
Rising Sun. For years, Superstars have made pilgrimages to this small
steakhouse in Tokyo, where their predecessors have wined and dined.

Photographs of those who have passed through for a meal line
the tiny restaurant from floor to ceiling. Superstars sit down for a king-sized
helping of steak, rice and corn. When they’re finished, they become members of
an exclusive group when the restaurant’s proprietors present them with a satin coat
emblazoned with its bull’s head logo.

For some, like WWE Champion CM Punk, it’s a chance to follow
in the footsteps of their heroes. “I always remember looking at early wrestling
magazines when I was a wee little Punker and seeing guys in these Ribera
Steakhouse jackets and it became this elite group,” he told WWE.com.

“If you knew a guy that had a Ribera coat, that meant he did
a tour of Japan. It’s a coveted thing.”

While satin jackets are no longer trendy or part of mainstream
fashion, having been relegated to the retro lines of athletic clothing companies,
Ribera’s garments are a badge of honor in the world of sports-entertainment.

“It’s a milestone,” said Divas Champion Beth Phoenix, who
received hers during her first trip to Japan in 2009. “I’ve worn it several
times. It’s not the most Diva-esque of jackets, but it is something you wear
with pride. If you are in this business, you know exactly what that means.”

The Glamazon’s photo also got unique placement at the
establishment. “I [was] smiling like a cheeseball and they placed my picture
[on the awning outside the restaurant]. So, when you drive up, there’s Goldberg
and Beth Phoenix side-by-side.”

Getting a Ribera Steakhouse coat may have also driven a
wedge between Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins. Long Island Iced-Z tweeted a picture
of his new black and hot pink jacket, setting The Party Starter off.

“I just find it silly that he’s bragging about it when he
doesn’t even know what it is or the significance of it,” Hawkins said. “I’ve
known Zack longer than anyone in this company and he’s not a fan of Japanese
wrestling. He never watched it before in his life, so I find that tweet he put
out with [the jacket] very ironic.”

Even more upsetting to Hawkins was another fashion staple of
sports-entertainment’s past that was presented to several Superstars in addition
to the jackets: Zubaz pants.

“They brought us steak and then they brought us Zubaz. It
was awesome,” Punk said.

The brightly colored, baggy zebra print pants were made
famous, in part, by WWE Hall of Famers The Road Warriors in the early 1990s and
became an essential part of a Superstar’s wardrobe, along with, yes, fanny
packs.

Today’s Superstars mostly joked about the loud pants,
thinking they would remain a relic of the past. Then, they put them on.

“They’re really, really comfortable,” The Straight Edge
Superstar admitted.

Hawkins agrees. Though he didn’t get them from Ribera, The
Party Starter bought a pair of Zubaz and wore a fanny pack as part of his
Halloween costume. “Zubaz pants are so comfortable, the fanny pack is so
convenient, all your stuff is right there,” he explained. “I get what [former
Superstars] were thinking at the time. Convenience and comfort.”

During the last show of the tour, John Cena may have
officially signaled the return of Zubaz to sports-entertainment. Wearing his
Ribera Steakhouse jacket to the ring, the leader of the Cenation did battle in
a pair of red and white Zubaz.

“The tour was exhausting, I wanted to do it to pick up
morale and give everyone something to talk about,” Cena said.

For Punk, it may become a part of his regular attire.
“Zubaz, fanny packs, Ribera jacket, maybe sunglasses indoors, high tops untied.
It’s an homage to my elders,” added the WWE Champion.

A broski's sacrifice

The WWE Universe will say what they will about John Cena, but on WWE Raw SuperShow, the 10-time WWE Champion proved that if he is one thing, it is selfless.

After defeating Zack Ryder to earn a spot in the WWE Championship Match at WWE TLC, a visibly distraught Long Island Iced-Z couldn’t believe he lost a U.S. Title opportunity. With his friendship in question, Cena marched to Interim Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis’ office and relinquished his spot in WWE TLC’s main event for Ryder to have another chance to earn a U.S. Title bout. The reason is simple, Cena sees a great deal of potential in the young Superstar and wants him to have his fair chance.

“Zack Ryder is one of those Superstars that has the drive to either go down swinging or be noticed,” Cena said. “He’s the first Superstar in a long time, along with CM Punk, that will do anything to show people they have the passion for this business.”

Ryder’s second chance to earn a U.S. Championship Match seemed to be too daunting a task for the Long Island native. World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry was beyond prepared to induct Ryder into the Hall of Pain. However, Cena again proved his loyalty and selflessness by helping Long Island Iced-Z secure the victory.

The self-proclaimed Internet Champion’s rise in popularity can be attributed to his use of social media and the fan-favorite YouTube show “Z! True Long Island Story.” There’s no denying his impact when legions of followers amongst the WWE Universe all exclaim “Woo! Woo! Woo!” in unison with Ryder. Long Island Iced-Z’s also spearheaded a ground-breaking Twitter petition topped off at nearly 25,000 names, one of them being Cena himself.

Cena understood what was being asked of him when Mr. Laurinaitis presented the possibility of Ryder receiving another chance to face U.S. Champion Dolph Ziggler. An accomplished ring warrior, the Cenation leader knows the support of other WWE Superstars is crucial in being successful.

“No one has thrown Ryder a lifeline,” Cena explained. “I am participating in one of the biggest matches in history on April 1, with or without the WWE Title.  I’m confident I’ll get another chance, but Zack may not.”

When he debuted in WWE in 2002, a rookie Cena answered an open challenge from Kurt Angle. While Angle came out victorious, Superstars took notice of the young and ambitious West Newbury, Mass., upstart and went out of their way to show their approval of what at the time the future Cenation leader referred to as “ruthless aggression.”

“I was fortunate enough to have individuals stick up for me early in my career,” Cena explained. “I wouldn’t be where I am if it was not for those opportunities.”

Of course, Ryder’s U.S. Title Match at WWE TLC came after Cena helped Long Island Iced-Z defeat the World Heavyweight Champion. But the 10-time WWE Champion does not live in fear of being inducted into Henry’s Hall of Pain when they battle at the special three-hour WWE Raw SuperShow.

“Mark’s a big boy, but I wouldn’t get into any business that I didn’t think I could handle,” Cena said.

Love him or hate him, thanks to the Cenation leader’s sacrifice, the WWE Universe will see Zack Ryder finally challenge Dolph Ziggler for the United States Title at WWE TLC. Will Cena’s effort be for naught, or will the Internet Champion become the U.S. Champion? Find out at WWE TLC, Sunday Dec. 18 at 8/7 p.m. CT only on pay-per-view.