Tuesday, April 01, 2008

MUSCLEMANIA XVII CARD

MuscleMania XVII
Sunday 27th April 2008
Millenium Stadium, Cardiff

WORLD UNIFIED TRIPLE CROWN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE;
CM Punk Vs Elijah Burke
WITH SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE: DEAN ROBERTS
Ever since Elijah Burke defeated CM Punk to lift the Man Of Steel Title in September 2007, some have felt that it was destiny that these two would clash for the Unified Triple Crown; that moment comes at MuscleMania XVII. Despite the fact the Punk is into his second World Title Reign (having won the belt in the 40 Man Robo Rumble at January's Corporal Punishment) the form-book in battles between the two is firmly behind Burke, who followed up his Man Of Steel victory over Punk by pinning him to win a classic Super Series match at the recent Survival Ground ppv. The two men's hatred for each other is such that Interim IWF Commissioner Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat has added a special guest referee to the proceedings...his predecessor as Commisioner, The Icon Dean Roberts! That adds yet another layer of intrigue to what was already a blistering proposition.

Matthew Mercy Vs Kurt Angle
The wrestling world was shocked when Kurt Angle returned to the IWF at Corporal Punishment and almost immediately his intense rivalry with long term opponent Matthew Mercy. The two had one of the most famous matches in IWF history at Xtreme Overload 2002 and ever since that day they've itched for another match on the grandest stage of them all to prove once and for all who is the greater wrestler of them all. They captained opposite teams at the recent Survival Ground PPV, but the matter was not solved. Angle threw out the challenge on Warfare, Mercy accepted and the scene is set for what many are calling the "biggest rematch in professional wreslting history." Both men have the utmost respect for each other, but both are determined to do anything they have to to get the win.

Triple H Vs Paul "The Phenomenon" Wardle
The latest breakout superstar in the IWF, Paul Wardle has been on an amazing roll since winning fan support for slapping Callum Best. He faces, however, his toughest task to date at MuscleMania in the form of The Cerebral Assassin Triple H. A former PWF and IWF World Champion, HHH is the last man willing to allow himself to be used as a stepping stone by a hungry superstar with headlining ambitions. Whilst Wardle will doubtless have the fans 100% behind him, will his momentum be enough to get the biggest victory of his career?

Xavier Vs Matt Morgan
The last 18 months have been an hellacious time for Xavier, given the time he spent away from the IWF in Japan and the horrific injury that curtailed him just as he was hitting top-form in his comeback. The man responsible for that injury, the monster Matt Morgan, has been telling the world that if Xavier ever chose to come back he would finish the job once and for all and he will get that opportunity at MuscleMania.

WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE:
AMW Vs Matt & Jeff Hardy Vs Rhino & Shelton Benjamin
The three greatest tag teams of the current era meet in this unpredictable Three Way Dance, where only one team can walk away as World Tag Team Champions. AMW are the current Champions and have been on an undoubted roll as of late. However, Matt & Jeff Hardy, recent returnee's to the promotion, are eager to once again prove their credentials by lifting the belts again, seven years after their first title reign. The dark horses may well prove to be Shelton Benjamin & Rhino, the current European Tag Team Champions, who are in a "no-lose" situation as their title belts are not on the line.

Randy Orton Vs Abyss
One of the most eagerly anticipated matches at MuscleMania may well be this intriguing battle, pitting former IWF Triple Crown champion Orton against his worst nightmare come true in the form of the monster, Abyss. In recent weeks the cocky demeanour of Orton has slowly unravalled as Abyss has turned back every cheap-shot and every sneak attack. Fans believe that Abyss has Orton's number, but the former World Champion is bound to have one last trick up his sleeve. Will it be enough to put down Abyss? We'll find out at MuscleMania

Jazz Hands Gee & Hulk Hogan
Vs
Mohammed Fakjir & Justice Porter
When Mohammed Fakjir and Justice Porter made their vicious attack on Jazz Hands Gee at Survival Ground they must have though that they had rid themselevs of JHG for good. Even when Gee challenged them to a match at MuscleMania, and Fakjir cockily told Gee to pick any partner that he wanted, they could not have possibly forseen the man that JHG would choose. He shocked the world when he enlisted the help of his former nWo buddy Hulk Hogan and the legend will be hoping to make his mark in this special tag team encounter.

CHAMPION Vs CHAMPION:
Matt Sydal Vs Mistico
Two men who signed for the International Wrestling Federation on the same summer day in 2007 certainly proved two of the brightest newcomers in 2007, Sydal rising to the position of World Cruiserweight Champion and Mistico grabbing the United Kingdom title. In this special non-title challenge, the two champions face off one-on-one in a battle where personal pride is laid on the line.

Jay Reso Vs John Hennigan
Ever since jettisoning his MNM partners Joey Mercury and Melina, John Henningan has quietly been making a name for himself on IWF cards. MuscleMania brings forth his most challenging task yet as he takes on former Triple Crown Champion Jay Reso in what is sure to be an exciting match-up.

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PRE-GAME:
20 MAN BATTLE ROYALE
Winner gets Triple Crown Title shot at the 30/04 Warfare
PARTICIPANTS:
Chris Jericho, Finlay, Claudio Castagnoli, Barabus Lashley,
Trevor Murdoch, Lance Cade, Sherlock Burchill, Dr Lewington,
Too Cold Scorpio, Crunch, Flavio Love, Harry Smith,
Eustace Kous, Sheridan Kous, Phil Jackson, Bobby Roode,
Charles Anderson, Milano Collection AT, Kane, Brian Kendrick