The Great American Bash (2007)

Infobox Wrestling event
name=The Great American Bash (2007)


theme="The Church of Hot Addiction" (Cobra Starship)cite web|first=Kara A.|last=Medalis|date=2007-07-19|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2007/exclusives/cobrastarship|title=Cobra Starship rocks The Bash|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-17]
promotion=World Wrestling Entertainment
brand=Raw
SmackDown!
ECW
date=July 22, 2007
venue=HP Pavilion
city=San Jose, California
attendance=14,900
lastevent=
nextevent=SummerSlam (2007)
event=The Great American Bash
nextevent2=The Great American Bash (2008)
lastevent2=The Great American Bash (2006)

The Great American Bash (2007) was the fourth annual Great American Bash professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It took place on July 22, 2007 from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California and featured talent from the Raw, SmackDown!, and ECW brands.cite web|author=Dale Plummer and Nick Tylwalk|date=2007-07-27|url= http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/07/23/4361554.html|title=Cena still champ after busy Bash|publisher=SLAM! Sports|accessdate=2007-11-17]

The main match on the Raw brand was John Cena versus Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship, which Cena won by pinfall after executing an FU on Lashley from the second rope.cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|date=2007-07-22|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2007/matches/4081164111/results/|title=One WWE Champion, but two champions at heart|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-17] The predominant match on the SmackDown! brand was a Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship between The Great Khali, Batista and Kane. Khali won the match and retained the title after pinning Kane.cite web|first=Mike|last=McAvennie|date=2007-07-22|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2007/matches/408116411/results/|title=The Great Khali wins the big one|publisher=WWE| accessdate=2007-11-17] The primary match on the ECW brand was John Morrison versus CM Punk for the ECW Championship, which Morrison won by pinfall after hitting Punk with both of his knees.cite web|first=Andrew|last=Rote|date=2007-07-22|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2007/matches/42789821/results/|title=Morrison enlightens the Straightedge Superstar|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-17] The featured matches on the undercard included Montel Vontavious Porter versus Matt Hardy for the WWE United States Championship and Randy Orton versus Dusty Rhodes in a Texas Bullrope match.cite web|first= Lennie|last=Difino|date=2007-07-22|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2007/matches/427898222/results/|title=Bringin' the noise|publisher=WWE|accessdate= 2007-11-20] cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|date=2007-07-22|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2007/matches/42789822/results/|title=A Great American Nightmare|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20]

The event had 229,000 buys, up slightly on the 2006 figure of 227,000 buys.cite paper|title=WWE® Reports 2007 Third Quarter Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|date=2007-11-01|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/documents/3QF2007pressrelease.pdf|format=PDF|accessdate=2008-08-06]

Background

The main feud heading into The Great American Bash on the Raw brand was between John Cena and Bobby Lashley over the WWE Championship. The feud began on the June 11, 2007 edition of "Raw", when Lashley was drafted to the Raw brand and stripped of his ECW Championship.cite web|first=Mike|last=McAvennie|date=2007-06-11|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06112007/|title=One Wild Night|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-17] Three weeks later, on the July 2 edition of "Raw", a "Beat the Clock" tournament was held to determine Cena's opponent for the WWE Championship at The Great American Bash.cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|date=2007-07-02|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07022007/articles/beattheclock|title=Time is on Lashley's side|publisher=WWE|accessdate= 2007-11-17] The tournament matches included: Randy Orton versus Jeff Hardy, King Booker versus Val Venis, Mr. Kennedy versus Super Crazy, and Bobby Lashley versus Shelton Benjamin. Lashley ended up winning the tournament by defeating Benjamin in less than 5 minutes and therefore becoming the number one contender to the WWE Championship.

The main feud on the SmackDown! brand was between The Great Khali, Batista, and Kane, with the three battling over the World Heavyweight Championship. At the previous pay-per-view, , then-World Heavyweight Champion Edge defeated Batista in a "Last Chance" match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.cite web|first=Mike|last=McAvennie|date=2007-06-24|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/matches/40811641/results/|title=Batista's last stand falls|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-17] On the July 6 edition of "SmackDown!", SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long announced that Edge would be defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Kane at The Great American Bash.cite web|first=Andrew|last=Rote|date=2007-07-06|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07062007/|title=A big surprise|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-18] cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|date=2007-07-06|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07062007/articles/edgeratedirate|title=Edge Rated-iRate over championship match with Kane|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-18] The next week on "SmackDown!", The Great Khali issued an open challenge for a match at The Great American Bash, which was accepted by Batista.cite web|first= Andrew|last=Rote|date=2007-07-13|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07132007/|title=Officially on|publisher= WWE|accessdate=2007-11-18] Later that night, Edge legitimately injured his left pectoral muscle after Kane, who was disguised as a character, attacked Edge during his Mardi Gras celebration.cite web| first=Craig|last=Tello|date=2007-07-13|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07132007/articles/monstersball|title= Monster's ball|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-18] cite web|first=Craig|last= Tello|date=2007-07-17|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07202007/articles/edgerelionquishestitle|title=Edge stripped|publisher=WWE| accessdate=2007-11-18] cite web|first=Blackjack|last=Brown|date=2007-07-22|url= http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20070722/ai_n19386733|title=Edge injury puts Khali in title role|publisher= Chicago Sun-Times|accessdate=2007-11-18] On the July 20 edition of "SmackDown!", Edge was forced to vacate the World Heavyweight Championship due to his legit injury.cite web|first=Lennie|last=DiFino|date=2007-07-20|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07202007/|title=Giant change to Friday nights|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-18] Theodore Long then announced that there would be a 20-man Battle Royal later that night to determine a new World Heavyweight Champion.cite web |first=Louie|last=Dee|date=2007-07-20|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07202007/articles/worldtitle|title=Once, twice, three times a shocker|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-18] Khali ended up winning the Battle Royal by last eliminating Kane and Batista. That same night, Kane faced off against Batista to determine Khali's opponent for The Great American Bash, which ended in a no-contest after Khali interfered. Long finalized that both Kane and Batista would end up facing Khali for the championship at The Great American Bash.

The main feud on the ECW brand was between John Morrison and CM Punk with the two battling over the ECW Championship. At Vengeance, Morrison (then known as Johnny Nitro) defeated Punk to win the ECW Championship, which was vacant since then-champion Lashley had been drafted to the Raw brand.cite web|first=Bryan| last=Robinson|date=2007-06-24|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/matches/40811641113/results/|title=ECW World Title goes A-list|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-18] Nitro was a replacement for Chris Benoit, who was absent due to "personal reasons."cite web|first=Adam|last=Martin|date=2007-06-24|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2006/1182739600.shtml|title=Vengeance PPV Results - 6/24 - Houston, TX|publisher= WrestleView|accessdate=2007-11-18] On the June 26 edition of "ECW", CM Punk defeated Elijah Burke in a two out of three falls match to once again become the number one contender to the ECW Championship.cite web|first=Corey|last=Clayton|date=2007-06-26|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/06262007/|title=Punk makes mark in wild night of ECW action|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-18]

Event

Before the event started, Chuck Palumbo defeated Chris Masters in a dark match.

Preliminary matches

The first match of the event was between Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Matt Hardy for the WWE United States Championship. Hardy was in control early in the match but later MVP took control of the match and focused his attacks on Hardy's head. MVP delivered a Playmaker to Hardy and pinned him to win the match and retain the United States Championship.

The second match was a Cruiserweight Open match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Chavo Guerrero defended the title against Funaki, Jimmy Wang Yang, Shannon Moore and Jamie Noble. Hornswoggle, who wasn't booked to be in the match, became a part of the match when he entered the ring as the bell rang. All the cruiserweights were eliminated except Noble. Hornswoggle, who was under the ring for the match, entered- surprisingly and delivered a Tadpole Splash on Noble. Hornswoggle went on to pin Noble to get the victory and win the Cruiserweight Championship.cite web|first=Mike| last=McAvennie|date=2007-07-22|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2007/matches/42789824/results/|title=A leprechaun's pot o' Cruiserweiwght gold|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20] cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/18137422|title=Hornswoggle's first Cruiserweight Championship reign| publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20]

The third match was a Singapore Cane on a Pole match between Carlito and Sandman. The rules of the match were that the one who retrieved the cane from the pole was allowed to use the cane. Sandman retrieved the cane, but before he could use it, Carlito delivered a Backstabber and pinned him to win the match.cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|date=2007-07-22|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2007/matches/42789823/results/|title=Carlito Cane do|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20]

The fourth match was a Divas match between Candice Michelle and Melina for the WWE Women's Championship. After a back and forth match, Candice executed a Candy Wrapper on Melina, and pinned her afetr to retain the title.cite web|first= Bryan|last=Robinson|date=2007-07-22|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2007/matches/427898221/results/|title=Not just another pretty fluke|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20]

The fifth match was between Umaga and Jeff Hardy for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Hardy started the match attacking Umaga with moves such as dropkicks, inverted mule kicks and a Whisper in the Wind. Hardy had a chance to make the cover, but instead attempted to perform a Swanton Bomb. Umaga avoided the move and charged Hardy in the corner. Umaga then executed a Samoan Spike and pinned Hardy after to win the match.cite web|first=Bryan| last=Robinson|date=2007-07-22|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2007/matches/40811641111/results/|title=Firmly in the grip of a Samoan Bulldozer|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20]

The sixth match was between John Morrison and CM Punk for the ECW World Championship. Punk was on the verge of winning the match until Morrison left the ring and took the belt. Morrison left the match, but Punk chased, tackled, and pushed him to the ring. Before Punk could attempt a slingshot maneuver, Morrison hit him with both of his knees. Morrison pinned Punk after to win the match and retain the ECW Championship.

Main event matches

The seventh match was a Texas Bullrope match between Randy Orton and Dusty Rhodes. Rhodes started the match by hitting Orton with a series of elbows on Orton's head. Orton, however, took the advantage after hitting Rhodes' head several times with the cowbell, which was in the middle of the rope connecting the two men. After a final hit to the head, Orton pinned Rhodes to win the match. After the match, Orton attempted to punt Rhodes in the head, but Rhodes' son, Cody, made the save.

The eighth match was a Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship between The Great Khali, Batista, and Kane. In the beginning, Batista and Kane double-teamed Khali after trying to put him down. Kane and Batista put Khali through an announce table following a double-team spinebuster and chokeslam. While Khali was on the floor, Batista and Kane fought inside the ring, with Batista executing a Batista Bomb. As Batista went for the pinfall, Khali pulled Batista outside the ring and smashed his head into the steel ring steps. Khali then went inside the ring and executed a Khali Bomb to Kane. Following the Khali Bomb, Khali pinned Kane to win the match and retain the title.

The main event was between John Cena and Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship. In the beginning, Lashley performed a series of powerslams and spears to Cena. Cena, however, was able to execute the Five Knuckle Shuffle. After a back and forth match, Cena performed an FU from the second rope, and pinned Lashley to retain the title.

Aftermath

Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Matt Hardy continued their feud over the WWE United States Championship. Hardy defeated MVP in an arm wrestling contest on August 3 edition of "SmackDown!".cite web|first=Alissa|last=Fuhrman|date= 2007-08-03|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08032007/|title=Handing notice|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20] On August 18 edition of "Saturday Night's Main Event", Evander Holyfield replaced MVP against Matt Hardy in a boxing match, which Holyfield won.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/snme/070818.html|title=Saturday Night's Main Event results - August 18, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-11-20] cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|date=2007-08-18|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/articles/boxingmatch|title=MVP = TKO|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20] On August 24 edition of "SmackDown!", the two had a basketball challenge which was no contest because they were attacked by Deuce 'n Domino.cite web|first= Lennie|last=Difino|date=2007-08-24|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08242007/articles/mvphardyteaming|title=MVP and Matt Hardy Ballin' together?|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20] At SummerSlam, Stone Cold Steve Austin replaced Matt Hardy in a Beer Drinking Contest against MVP which was a no contest because Austin delivered a Stone Cold Stunner to MVP.cite web|first=Mike|last= McAvennie|date=2007-04-26|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/matches/39000883121/results|title=Austin serves MVP the sting of beers|publisher=WWE| accessdate=2007-11-20]

John Morrison and CM Punk continued to feud over the ECW Championship. On the July 31 edition of "ECW", CM Punk defeated Elijah Burke and Tommy Dreamer in a Triple Threat match to earn a 15 Minutes of Fame match with Morrison the next week.cite web|first=Andrew|last=Rote|date=2007-07-31|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/07312007/|title=A chance for fame|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20] On "ECW" the following week, Punk defeated Morrison in the 15 Minutes of Fame match he earned the previous week.cite web|first=Andrew|last=Rote|date=2007-08-07|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/4791328/|title=CM Punk breaks on through|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20] As a result of winning, Punk became the number one contender to the ECW Championship at SummerSlam. At SummerSlam, Morrison defeated Punk to retain the ECW Championship.cite web|first=Lennie|last=Difino|date=2007-08-26|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/matches/3900088311/results/|title=Enlightened robbery|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20]

On the July 27 edition of "SmackDown!", Khali had his Championship Celebration which was interrupted by Batista. After Khali fled from the ring, Batista announced that he had challenged Khali to a match for the World Heavyweight Championship match.cite web|first= Alissa|last= Fuhrman|date=2007-07-27 |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07272007/|title=Who's ready to clash after The Bash|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20] At SummerSlam, the two faced each other for the World Heavyweight Championship in a match which Batista won by disqualification after Khali hit him with a chair. Since a championship cannot change hands via countout or disqualification, Khali retained the title.cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|date=2007-08-26|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/matches/39000883/results|title=Punjabi robbery|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20]

On the July 23 edition of "Raw", John Cena teamed with Candice Michelle in a 3-on-2 handicap match against Umaga, Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch. Cena and Candice went on to win the match. After the match, Randy Orton delivered an RKO to Cena. Orton was then made the number one contender to the WWE Championship.cite web| first=Corey|last=Clayton|date=2007-07-23|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07232007/|title=One bad apple leads to Dominator destruction|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20] The two had a match at SummerSlam for the WWE Championship, which Cena won.cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|date=2007-08-26|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/matches/3900088/results|title=Champ's legend lives on|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-11-20]

Results

References

External links

* [http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/ Official Great American Bash 2007 website]