Welcome to the beginning of a Fantasy Booking series where I will incorporate WWE video games as a tool to advance storylines in unexpected ways. In Season 1, we are going to begin with Smackdown: Shut Your Mouth! for the PS2. Season 2 will be Smackdown: Here Comes The Pain and we will progress onwards through them all. Here is how this is going to work.
I’ll only create storylines using the roster available on the videogame, no CAWs. I can come up with whatever stories and match results I want in-between PPVs, but the matches that I prepare for PPV events will be simulated by the game. I don’t have control over the end result, though I will add some creative flair to prevent every match sounding the same. Each episode will feature a concise breakdown of the stories heading towards the next PPV, culminating the the simulated results. The season finale will of course be Wrestlemania, afterwards we will move on to the next video game.
I am going to start only using the men’s championships available in the game, which are; WWE Undisputed Championship, Intercontinental Championship, European Championship, WWE Tag Championships, Cruiserweight Championship & Hardcore Championship. Now, there isn’t a Women’s Championship in Shut Your Mouth, but you cannot even set up title matches in Exhibition Mode, so I am going to include a women’s title in this season so the ladies are not completely overlooked.
Road To Backlash
There are 60 wrestlers on the roster. I’m not going to list them all right now because you will see all of their names very shortly. Since this is the very start of a brand new season, I am declaring all of the championships vacant and all wrestlers unassigned to a brand. Everyone is going to have an opportunity to become a champion in various tournaments, with all of them culminating at Backlash. Oh and of course, all of these tournament matches will be simulated so it will be completely out of my control how this season begins. However, there are two titles that I will confirm for Backlash right now.
First, I am announcing a 4-way Hardcore match for the Hardcore title between 4 names that resonated with that title in my opinion. Raven, Al Snow, Hardcore Holly & Maven.
Secondly, a triple threat Ladder match for the cruiserweight championship; Billy Kidman vs Tajiri vs The Hurricane. Now let’s talk about the first tournament for the WWE Women’s Championship.
Women’s Championship Tournament
8 women are competing to become champion. Our first match is between two of the biggest female attractions to emerge from WCW, Stacy Kiebler and Torrie Wilson. Kiebler had the height advantage, but Torrie worked her over with submissions throughout the match to the point Stacy was not strong enough to kick out of a pinfall. Torrie Wilson wins in 4:01.
Next we have former rivals who couldn’t be more different than each other, Stephanie McMahon takes on Trish Stratus. The Billion Dollar Princess came into this match cockier than usual and it backfired. Trish Stratus dominated, pinning McMahon after hitting Stratusphere. Trish Stratus wins in 2:57.
Two iconic and underrated talents from the Attitude Era clash next, Jazz vs Molly Holly. This was an incredibly physical match with a lot of big power moves from both women. After a series of standing switches, Molly Holly dropped Jazz with a Northern Lights suplex, bridging into a pin to win. Molly Holly wins in 4:42.
Lastly, another clash of opposites between the prude Ivory and the salacious Lita. This was the best match of the tournament thus far, incredibly competitive with both women going for several pinfalls throughout the match. It looked like Lita missed her best shot when she failed to land the moonsault, but she ran at Ivory with a crossbody and scored a pinfall. Lita wins in 6:08.
In the semi finals, the two blonde bombshells Trish Stratus and Torrie Wilson square off with contendership status on the line. An even contest full of reversals, Torrie Wilson landed her inverted DDT finisher but Trish kicked out! Trish eventually hit Stratusphere to book her place in the finals. Trish Stratus wins in 4:42.
Lita vs Molly Holly to decide who meets Trish Stratus for the women’s Championship. In this match, Lita struggled to find her groove in the early portion, but she fought back and finished Molly off with a Blue Thunder bomb. Lita wins in 3:55.
The finals are set for Backlash, Lita and Trish Stratus will add another chapter to their historic rivalry.
IC Championship Tournament
A 16-man tournament here but with a twist for the first round. The 8 losers will have another opportunity at gold, being the participants of the European Title Tournament later on.
First up we have a big man battle between Mark Henry and Big Show. An incredibly dominant display by Henry for the most part, but Big Show kicked out of the Big Splash finish, twice! Show manages to mount a comeback, hitting a press slam to win. Big Show wins in 7:42.
Former tag partners Edge and Christian go head to head. They know each other very well so its a close match, Edge squeaking out a victory off a tornado DDT. Edge wins in 5:30.
A clash between two of the more eccentric members of the roster, Rico and Goldust. A hard hitting match culminated with a diving moonsault from Rico. Rico wins in 5:31.
Brother vs brother next, Matt vs Jeff, Hardy vs Hardy. Huge controversy in this match when Lita runs down to the ring and helps Matt in his match against Jeff! That will surely cause some friction within Team Extreme. Jeff manages to overcome the odds in Jeff fashion, splashing off a ladder and getting the pin. Jeff Hardy wins in 4:46.
Next, a battle of technicians, William Regal and Lance Storm. This was a great match, they unloaded most of their arsenal. Lance Storm got an assist midway through the match from Christian but it did not change the result. Regal used the power of the punch with brass knuckles to win the match. Afterwards, Regal brutally assaulted Storm, presumably out of revenge for the run in attempt. William Regal wins in 6:34.
We have a match between two relatively inexperienced wrestlers, Shawn Stasiak and Randy Orton. Stasiak was on offence for most of this match, but Orton found room to counter a lot, providing him a chance to hit the Overdrive and win. Randy Orton wins in 4:54.
Rob Van Dam vs Rhyno next, two former ECW alumni. High work rate match here, lots of big moves all of the time. RVD hit a split legged moonsault off a ladder. Rhyno stole the Five Star Frog Splash. RVD simply finished the match with a spinning heel kick. RVD wins in 5:39.
Final first round match, X-Pac vs The Big Valbowski. A very strike heavy match, Valbowski sealed the deal simply with a punch. The Big Valbowski wins in 3:42.
The 8 men entering the European tournament have been determined, we will get back to that later. Let’s continue the IC tournament first.
IC Tournament Continues
Big Show vs Rico, a clash of styles, size and personality. Rico put up a good fight, but he is put away with a huge press slam. Big Show wins in 3:04.
Edge vs Jeff Hardy, familiar foes meet again. This even contest ended after a 450 Splash from the top. Jeff Hardy wins in 4:07.
Rob Van Dam defeated William Regal in a very fun match, hitting the impressive five star frog splash. RVD wins in 3:54.
Randy Orton vs The Big Valbowski went longer than I expected. It was a competitive back and forth, Valbowski managed to counter the Overdrive but Orton caught him in a school boy. Randy Orton wins in 6:44.
Jeff Hardy fights Big Show in the first semi final. Jeff fights valiantly, but he falls short. Big Show hits the Showstopper to pin. Big Show wins in 3:34.
Rob Van Dam hit the monkey flip and defeated Randy Orton to reach the tournament finals. RVD wins in 3:40.
The IC title match is set. Let’s take a break from singles action and head to the tag division.
Tag Championship Tournament
Our 8 team tournament kicks off with Test & Albert vs the APA. These 4 brawlers beat the snot out of each other, an incredibly physical match. Faarooq secured victory after a Dominator on Albert. APA win in 10:11.
A feud as old as time, the Hardy Boyz vs the Dudley Boyz. Matt & Bubba had some fun teaming together to hit a 3-D on the referee. An evenly fought match. Jeff accidentally took Matt out with a crossbody attempt on D-Von. Later, Jeff failed to break the pin in time after D-Von hit a suplex. Are the Hardy’s no longer on the same page? The Dudleys win in 5:29.
Next up is Billy & Chuck vs Too Cool. Rikishi scores the win for his team with the Samoan Driver. Too Cool win in 6:49.
Finally, we have Tazz & Spike Dudley vs Booker T & Goldust. Booker & Goldust make shockingly quick work of their opponents, Booker pinning Tazz after the Scissor Kick. Booker T & Goldust win in 3:06.
APA vs The Dudleys was a brawl as you would expect. All 4 men hit their finishers, but it was a Dominator by D-Von into a camel clutch for the submission. Dudleys win in 6:54.
Booker T & Goldust chalked up another fast victory, this time against Too Cool after a Scissor Kick. Booker T & Goldust win in 2:25.
European Championship Tournament
The 8 losers of the IC title tournament have been drawn into a new bracket.
X-Pac vs Shawn Stasiak first. This was all X-Pac here, totally dominance and a victory with the X-Factor. X-Pac wind in 2:46.
Mark Henry defeats Goldust in 4:27, squeezing the life out of him with a Bear Hug.
Rhyno absolutely decimates Christian in 2:51, Christian got barely any offence in as the Man Beast Gores his way to the next round.
Matt Hardy defeats Lance Storm in a fun 3:33 match, pinning him following the Twist of Fate. For the second time, Lance Storm gets his ass kicked after the bell. He is certainly not making friends in the locker room.
Matt Hardy defeats X-Pac in an entertaining back and forth, They trade pin attempts, Hardy comes out on top in 5:39.
Rhyno and Mark Henry had a powerhouse sprint of a match, but the Man-Beast Gore come out on top following a fallaway slam. Rhyno wins in 2:42.
Well now it is time to move on to what we have all been waiting for, let’s talk about the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Undisputed WWE Championship Tournament
The 16 top stars on the roster have been paired into matches they either have the most history with or I think would be the most interesting opponent..
Booker T vs Chris Jericho is first. Booker T was Jericho’s last televised opponent in WCW. After a fun exchange, Booker hits the Harlem side kick to win the match in 4:23.
Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar, two incredible specimens with wrestling expertise. This was a great match as expected, Angle relying on quickness to outmaneuver Brock Lesnar. Lesnar displayed a lot of power, but Angle was able to subdue him with the Ankle Lock in 6:19.
Kane vs Undertaker, do I need to say much more? A very detailed lore exists between these two entities. These brothers go to war, Big Evil defeats Kane with a Last Ride in 3:57.
Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero have wrestled each other countless times all over the world. They add another chapter to their story here, wrestling an incredibly close match until Benoit made Guerrero submit with a cobra clutch in 6:04. Guerrero seemed deflated after this loss to his friend.
Two undeniable legends who dominated wrestling for a decade, Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan. This back and forth saw Flair come close to victory, but that doesn’t work for the Hulkster brother. Hogan drops the leg and advances after 5:55.
WCW alumni and former tag partners Kevin Nash and DDP go head to head next. Prior to the tournament, DDP has made it clear that he doesn’t have much time left and is striving to win a world title in WWE. Unfortunately for him, his dreams were quickly dashed by a Jacknife powerbomb from Big Sexy to win in 3:41.
Shawn Michaels vs Triple H. A lot history between these 2, friends and DX founders, now on opposite sides of the ring. Shawn Michaels shows a lot of heart, but he comes up short against Triple H who hits a Spinebuster to win in 6:36.
Our final round 1 match is of course, Steve Austin vs The Rock. Two of the biggest names in wrestling ever who had one of the biggest rivalries ever. After only 3:10, The Rock laid out Stone Cold with a running clothesline to win the match. Rock destroyed Austin with a chair after the match.
WWE Title Tournament Continues
Booker T and Chris Benoit cross paths on their route to glory. They had a great feud over the US title in WCW. Booker T caught Benoit off guard with a back elbow and a flash pinfall to win the match in 5:16.
Kurt Angle and Triple H have a layered history together. This was a close match, HHH managed to reach the ropes after an Angle Slam, following up with a pedigree to win the match in 6:32.
Undertaker vs Kevin Nash, two men that feuded years prior under vastly different characters. This physical big man match saw Undertaker prevail after sidewalk slam in 3:42.
We are running Wrestlemania x8 back, The Rock vs Hulk Hogan, Icon vs Icon. Once again, The Rock emerges victorious following a People’s Elbow in 2:59.
Who will have an opportunity to become the world champion? Booker T came in as the fan favourite but his dreams were crushed by Undertaker following a Last Ride and a pin in 4:42.
The Rock defeats Triple H in 4:00 following a Rock Bottom, setting up another encounter with Undertaker.
Our Backlash card has been finalized, it is time to talk about the event. Who will be our starting champions? Let’s find out.
Backlash
Our opening contest is a Ladder match for the cruiserweight championship, Billy Kidman vs Tajiri vs The Hurricane. This match is a fast paced sprint to the gold from all 3 of these men. The ladder of course is the focus of a lot of the offence. The spot of the match comes when Kidman tips over the ladder, sending Hurricane and Tajiri crashing to the outside. Hurricane came close to winning a lot in this match, multiple times he was hanging from the championship in mid-air. His determination pays off, making the climb whilst Tajiri and Kidman are fighting on the outside, pulling down the gold to win.
The Hurricane wins the Cruiserweight Title in 3:55.
Next up, the European Championship. Matt Hardy vs Rhyno. A strike heavy approach by Matt who tries to compete with the immense power of Rhyno. Hardy pulls out tornado DDTs and a Side Effect for a couple of near falls, but this match is mostly Rhyno in control. The man-beast gets near falls from a gutwrench powerbomb, a press slam and a powerslam. Matt Hardy is showing heart, but he suffers a Gore and loses the match.
Rhyno wins the European Championship in 4:10.
Lita and Trish meet once again over the women’s championship. This is incredibly competitive. A lot of counters, reversals and manoeuvres. The Irish whip is used a lot here too, both women catapulting their opponent into the ropes to hit them on the rebound. They trade a few submissions attempts. Lita tries to put away Trish with a bow & arrow whilst Stratus uses a sleeper hold. After a nice sequence of counters, Lita manages to hit the Blue Thunder Bomb to win the match.
Lita wins the Women’s Championship in 5:05.
Hardcore action next for the title, Al Snow vs Raven vs Hardcore Holly vs Maven. The match starts on the streets outside the arena. It is an absolute brawl between these 4 men. The action is hard to follow as they just kick the crap out of each other outside of the arena. Cars are driving up and down the street whilst these guys are fighting on the road. At the finish of the match, Raven hits the Raven Effect on Al Snow and beats him to win the match.
Raven wins the Hardcore Championship in 4:51.
Tag action for the titles. Booker T & Goldust vs the Dudley Boyz. This was the longest match on the show and possibly the best too. Booker T and D-Von start the match but it isn’t long until Bubba is tagged in and the Dudley’s double team Booker. Booker is on the back foot until he can manage to reach Goldust for the hot tag. Goldust and Booker now double team D-Von. Booker T hits the Book End but the pin is broken up.
D-Von low blows Booker, allowing an opportunity to turn the tide back in his favour. Bubba comes in and hits his Bubba Bomb but Goldust breaks the pin. The match breaks down as the 4 men kick each other’s ass. The referee is knocked down in the chaos, when Booker T hits the somersault leg drop the pin isn’t counted. The Dudley’s hit the 3D on Goldust but the pin is broken up by Booker. Bubba takes out Booker whilst D-Von drops Goldust with a piledriver to win the match.
The Dudley Boyz win the Tag Championships in 10:41.
Big Show vs RVD for the Intercontinental Championship is next. RVD is significantly smaller so he relies on quick strikes to try and stagger the giant. Big Show starts off hot with strikes and throwing RVD around. Rob perseveres and begins to rock the giant with his kicks. RVD shows his own strength by hitting Show with a top rope back suplex for a near fall. RVD takes a risk by setting up a ladder for a split-legged moonsault but he misses. Although Big Show is dominant, RVD shows heart and ultimately prevails with a Five Star Frog Splash.
RVD wins the IC Championship in 3:43.
Our main event, The Undertaker vs The Rock for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The Rock strikes first but Undertaker no-sells. These 2 megastars go blow for blow, it is a slobberknocker as Jim Ross would say. The action spills outside of the ring and back in again. Undertaker is kicking Rock’s ass but ‘The Great One’ manages to hit his comeback with clotheslines and suplex. Undertaker goes for a Big Boot but Rock dodges, dropping the referee instead. The Rock uses this opportunity to grab himself a chair and he brains Undertaker with it! The Rock hits a spinebuster on the chair, kicking it away before hitting the most electrifying move in Sports Entertainment. Rock hits the People’s Elbow and pins Undertaker.
The Rock wins the Undisputed WWE Championship in 4:26.
After the match, The Rock grabs a chair and begins to punish The Undertaker with it. The glass shatters and out comes Steve Austin. He drops The Rock with a Stone Cold Stunner, making the save and getting a small measure of revenge against his rival for the assault. Austin and Undertaker stand face to face as The Rock holds his championship on the entrance ramp.
Tune in next week to witness the fallout from WWE Backlash as we build towards the next PPV event, Insurrextion!
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