The backstage crew put out carpet on top of the stage and down the ramp. I didn’t understand why until I realized later that Undertaker’s smoke might cause condensation on the floor, which may cause people running in to interfere to slip and get hurt. I think that’s why, at least.
Edge came out to a good face pop, and cut an Elimination Chamber promo about who he could face. He ran down a list of names and reasons, when Jericho came down. His music hit, and I turned around just in time to catch pyro in the eye. Fun being blinded for the next minute. Jericho said that Edge better not face him at ‘Mania, because bad luck happens to Edge around him. Taker came out, and Edge sat at commentary.
6. Chris Jericho pinned The Undertaker in 9:00 in a No DQ, non-title match. The crowd popped for the (don’t shoot me) "Vintage Undertaker" moves in the legdrop on the apron, and a near Old School attempt. The crowd gasped and cheered when Taker clocked Edge with the big boot, and a huge pop for the Last Ride on Jericho, only for Taker to turn around into a spear by Edge. The ref sent Edge to the back, Taker got up and Jericho hit the Codebreaker for the pin. The air was sucked right out of the crowd.
Dark Match
1. Undertaker beat Batista to retain the WHC in 4:15. Batista did the staredown/do nothing routine for a minute or two until Taker took the offensive. Jericho came out and hit the Codebreaker. Hardy came down and hit the Twist of Fate on Jericho. The S.E.S. came out and Punk hit the GTS on Hardy. Kane came out and cleaned house and chokeslammed Punk, only to be speared by Batista. Taker hit a chokeslam on Batista for the pin. That’s how you send me home happy. The Brothers of Destruction celebrate in the ring and up the ramp to close the show.
Aside: I got a fist pump from Matt Striker during the dark match. Awesome. 😀
Again, the Who Dats rained down from the stands all night and you’ll see the wrestlers take advantage of that for some cheap pops. Marvin Hermanstyne may groan some more, and maybe rightfully so since (IIRC) he picked the Colts to win big. Who Dat, baby! Who Dat!
