|Date: July 22, 2007
|Venue: HP Pavilion |City: San Jose, California
|Attendance: 13,034 |Buys: 230,000
|Brands: Raw, Smackdown & ECW

|tweet me: @BastionBlogger

The Great American Bash returns for 2007 and the buyrate is the worst in this events history. John Cena will be defending the WWE Championship in the main event and it is against the winner of a beat the clock challenge that pitted the likes of Mr Kennedy, Randy Orton, King Booker and Bobby Lashley against one another. Bobby Lashley won the challenge and it’ll be two of the companies most popular superstars against one another. The two had a debate against one another on Raw last week, a debate that ended with Bobby Lashley hitting Cena with a brutal spear to end the show.

Over on Smackdown there has been a big shift in the landscape. Teddy Long announced Kane as the man to challenge Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship at The Great American Bash but one week later Edge got injured and relinquished his title. A battle royal to determine a new World Heavyweight Champion would end in The Great Khali winning the match and the gold. Kane and Batista met to decide who would challenge The Great Khali for the title but after Khali came out and attacked both men it was announced that The Great Khali would defend his title against both Batista and Kane at The Bash.

Over on ECW, Johnny Nitro has re-invented himself as John Morrison. He’s pretty much exactly the same but he has slightly different hair and new theme music. CM Punk gets his rematch against Morrison tonight for the ECW World Championship. The United States Championship is also set to be defended as MVP defends against the man that beat him in a non-title match a couple of weeks ago, Matt Hardy. Umaga’s Intercontinental title will be on the line too as he defends against the winner of a fatal four way match (also involving Santino, William Regal and Shelton Benjamin) Jeff Hardy.

Melina announced that she will be using her rematch clause against Candice Michelle at The Great American Bash. Melina has recently re-introduced her friend Beth Phoenix to Raw and Beth looks for revenge against Mickie James. Will these factors play into tonight’s women’s championship match? Also tonight Randy Orton takes on “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. Orton challenged Dusty after slapping him in the face with Dusty’s son Cody watching on. Dusty accepted but only if the stipulation is that the match is contested under Texas Bullrope rules. It’s a classic Great American Bash gimmick. Also tonight The Cruiserweight title will be defended in a cruiserweight open.

In a dark match prior to the event Chuck Palumbo defeated Chris Master.

A fast paced video kicks us off, first hyping up the Great Khali/Batista/Kane triple threat match and then the WWE Championship match between John Cena and Bobby Lashley. Michael Cole is the man to welcome us to San Jose, California, he’s joined by John “Bradshaw” Layfield. They throw to Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler who introduce us to Joey Styles and Tazz.

M.V.P. (c) vs. Matt Hardy – United States Championship match

This is a first singles match between these two men. Matt Hardy is 0-1 at Great American Bash events whilst MVP makes his debut at this event tonight. This is a second PPV defence of the United States title for MVP, he beat Ric Flair at Vengeance last month. Nobody has wrestled as many PPV matches without main eventing a PPV as Matt Hardy. The United States Championship has never changed hands at a Great American Bash PPV before. Hardy hits an arm drag in the early going causing MVP to scarper from the ring. Back in the ring and we get some chain wrestling between the two that results in Matt Hardy sending MVP to the outside again. Hardy then dives out at MVP before rolling the champion back into the ring for the first near fall of the night. MVP then takes the advantage, hits some right hands a hiptoss for a two count.

MVP applies a chinlock which Hardy counters into a test of strength. The two men exchange headbutts which breaks the hold. Hardy hits a suplex for a near fall and MVP again heads to the outside. Back in the ring and Hardy hits some right hands and then goes up to the middle rope but MVP pulls him down to the canvas for a near fall. MVP hits a drop toe hold and then a running boot to the side of the head for a near fall. MVP applies an inverted abdominal stretch which Hardy manages to break. MVP hits a throw off his shoulder but from nowhere Hardy hits a clothesline. Matt then heads to the top but he slips down. Hardy manages to get up to the top but MVP is up and hits him with a superplex for a near fall. The commentators sell head injuries for Matt Hardy. MVP attempts a side suplex off the top but Matt Hardy sort of reverses it into a cross body for a near fall.

Hardy hits some right hands knocking MVP down and then a clothesline in the corner. Hardy hits a bulldog off the middle rope for a near fall and follows it up with a legdrop off the middle rope for another near fall. Hardy attempts the twist of fate but MVP counters it into the playmaker which Hardy counters into the side affect for a near fall. The two men roll each other up for near fall and MVP takes Hardy down with a clothesline. MVP attempts the running boot but Hardy sidesteps and rolls up the champion for a near fall. Hardy attempts the twist of fate but MVP throws Hardy into the corner and hits him with the running boot. MVP hits the playmaker and it’s all over. MVP retains the United States Championship. Good match between these two.

Rating: 6.75/10

Todd Grisham interview Dusty Rhodes backstage. Nice promo from Dusty who talks about respect.

Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Jimmy Wang Yang vs. Shannon Moore vs. Funaki vs. Jamie Noble vs. Hornswoggle – Cruiserweight Open for the Cruiserweight Championship

First fall to a win in this one. In terms of Great American Bash records, Chavo is 0-1 at the event as is Jamie Noble. Everyone else makes their Great American Bash debut tonight. Hornswoggle slides into the ring as the bell rings which means that he is in the match! The four challengers dispose of Chavo in the early going. Wang Yang hits Moore with a hurricanrana and then Jamie Noble with a spinning heel kick. Chavo hits a side suplex on Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore hits Chavo with a cross body for a near fall. Funaki hits a cross body on both Chavo and Shannon and then a suplex on Moors. Noble clotheslines Funaki and then hits Wang Yang with a powerslam for a near fall.

Chavo slams Noble and then lays into Wang Yang and Shannon Moore. Chavo hits an uppercut on Wang Yang and then kicks Noble out of the ring. Wang Yang hits some chops on Chavo but Chavo takes Wang Yang down with a half Boston crab. Funaki breaks the hold with an enzeguri but Moore takes Funaki down. Shannon Moore lays into Funaki with chops and then smashes Funaki into the top turnbuckle. Jamie Noble hits Shannon Moore with some right hands but Moore slams Noble. Funaki knocks Moore out of the ring and then attempts a tornado DDT on Noble but Noble counters it into a suplex. Shannon Moore hits Noble with a legdrop for a near fall. Funaki hits Moore with an enzeguri. Chavo hits Funaki with the gory-special but Wang Yang breaks up the cover. Chavo hits Jimmy with two of the three amigos. Wang Yang counters the third and then hits a beautiful moonsault for a near fall.

Jamie Noble dives out the ring at Funaki and Shannon Moore rolls up Wang Yang for a near fall. Wang Yang then back body drops Moore out of the ring onto Funaki and Shannon Moore. Jimmy Wang Yang goes up top but Chavo Guerrero goes up with him and sets up for a superplex. Noble gets Chavo up on his shoulders for an elevated superplex on Wang Yang. Hornswoggle then appears on the top rope and hits the tadpole splash on Jamie Noble! He hooks the leg and gets the three! Hornswoggle wins the match and the Cruiserweight Championship! Hornswoggle runs to the back and the other Cruiserweights can’t believe it!

Rating: 5.5/10

There’s a video package showing Bobby Lashley’s rise to the top in the WWE.

The Sandman vs. Carlito – Singapore Cane on a pole match

Well this is a surprise match. It’s a Great American Bash debut for both men. Carlito goes for the can early but Sandman stops that from happening. This is a big spot for Sandman, just getting in a singles match on PPV. Sandman applies a hammerlock but Carlito gets to the bottom rope. Sandman then attempt to get the cane but Carlito stops that from happening. Carlito hits some left hands and Sandman back body drops Carlito out of the ring. Sandman then attemps to get the cane which is very very high. I have no idea how they’re going to get the cane. Carlito lays into Sandman and climbs to the top but Sandman drags him back down and hits him with a hard Irish whip. Carlito hits a dropkick and then lays in some lefts and rights.

Carlito hits a suplex, some lefts hands and stomps before climbing up the get the cane but Sandman hangs on to him. Sandman pulls him down but Carlito hits an Irish whip and a clothesline. Carlito looks to get the cane but again Sandman pulls him down. Carlito misses with a springboard elbow and Sandman climbs up the pole and grabs the cane! Sandman swings the cane but Carlito ducks and hits the backcracker! That gets Carlito the three! Carlito wins the match without needing the cane! Not the best match between these two.

Rating: 3.5/10

Randy Orton is backstage and says that he will be kicking Dusty Rhodes in the skull tonight.

Candice Michelle (c) vs. Melina – Women’s Championship match

This is the third PPV match between these two girls. Candice has won the previous two. Melina is 1-0 at GAB PPV’s. she beat Torrie Wilson two years ago. Candice makes her Bash debut tonight. Melina starts the match with a knee and a wristlock taking Candice down. Melina breaks the hold and Candice hits a headlock takedown. Melina counters into a head scissors which Candice counters. There’s a couple of near fall and Candice hits a snapmare and a running blockbuster. Melina takes the advantage hitting a double knee drop in the corner. Melina works the left arm of Candice and then hits some sort of slam that I can’t describe for a near fall.

Melina applies a keylock which Candice gets out of. Candice hits some forearms and then a couple of clotheslines and a dropkick. Candice hits a spinning clothesline for a near fall and then heads to the top where she hits a cross body for a near fall. Melina hits an elbow and then a split-legged neckbreaker for a near fall. Candice fires back with a clothesline but Melina gets out of the way of a spinning heel kick. Candice hits a jawbreaker and then a standing bulldog for the three! Candice beats Melina again! That’s three pay per views on the bounce! Apparently that finisher was called “The Candy Wrapper”.

Rating: 3.75/10

Matt Hardy is backstage telling Jeff Hardy to stay focused. Candice then shows up and pours water all down herself. Ron Simmons shows up and we all know how this one ends. Ridiculous segment.

Umaga (c) vs. Jeff Hardy – Intercontinental Championship match

This is a first PPV match between these two men and a first Great American Bash for both men too. This is Umaga’s second reign as Intercontinental Champion. He beat Jeff Hardy to become champion the first time. Hardy goes right to work on Umaga but gets knocked down with right hands. Umaga knocks Jeff out of the ring and smashes him into the ring apron before rolling Hardy back into the ring. Jeff hits a jawbreaker but Umaga catches him with a Samoan drop. Umaga hits some headbutts and then a legdrop before hitting a couple of hard Irish whips. Umaga applies a nerve hold in what is the first ever Intercontinental Championship match at a Great American Bash event. Umaga breaks the hold and attempts a powerslam but Umaga is too heavy and Jeff falls back. Umaga gets a near fall.

Umaga hits two banzai drops off the middle rope and then attempts a third but Jeff gets his knees up. Jeff goes up to the middle rope but Umaga catches him and hits a sidewalk slam for a near fall. Umaga goes up to the middle rope but Jeff Hardy gets out of the way of the diving headbutt. Jeff hits some clotheslines, a mule kick and a DDT before sending Umaga to the outside. Jeff hits a pendulum dropkick and then a cross body over the top which takes out Umaga. Back in the ring and Jeff hits a  low dropkick for a near fall. Umaga fights back with right hands but them misses with a splash in the corner. Hardy hits whisper in the wind for a near fall. Umaga again misses with a splash in the corner. Jeff Hardy goes up top and hits the swanton bomb but he’s too slow too make the cover and Umaga kicks out.

Jeff motions for twist of fate but Umaga pushes him away, hits a kick and then his running arse splash in the corner before taking Jeff down with the Samoan spike which is enough for the three! Umaga retains the Intercontinental Championship tonight! Both men are extremely talented but it’s Umaga that leaves with the title tonight.

Rating: 7/10

There’s a video package about John Cena next.

John Morrison (c) vs. CM Punk – ECW Championship match

John Morrison is the re-named Johnny Nitro. These two men met last month at Vengeance at and it Morrison that won that match. Morrison has a 0-1 record at Great American Bash PPV’s whilst CM Punk makes his Bash debut tonight. There’s a bit of chain wrestling in the early going which results in CM Punk applying a chinlock. Morrison gets out of it but CM Punk hits him with kicks and then a slingshot suplex for a near fall. Punk hits a snapmare and then a dropkick to the back of Morrisons head for another near fall. Punk hits a monkey flip sending Morrison sprawling to the outside. Punk follows but Morrison throws Punk into the ring steps and then into the side of the ring. Back in the ring and Morrison gets a one count. Morrison hits some kicks but Punk counters one and attempts the GTS but Morrison counters it, taking Punk down and then hitting a spinning legdrop for a near fall.

Morrison applies a rear chinlock with a body scissors. Morrison breaks the hold and hits a face first slam for another near fall. Morrison then hits some big right hands. Morrison heads to the top but Punk shoves him down and hits a high cross body. Punk hits some kicks, a powerslam and a flapjack before kicking Morrison in the chest for a near fall. Punk rolls Morrison up for Morrison reverses and grabs onto the ropes for extra leverage but the referee sees it. Punk hits an enzeguri for a near fall and then a running knee in the corner. Punk attempts his trademark bulldog but Morrison escapes it and rolls out of the ring. He grabs his ECW title but Punk goes after him and rolls the champion back into the ring. Punk attempts a springboard clothesline but Morrison catches him with a kick which is enough for the three! Morrison wins the match and retains the ECW Championship! Decent enough match between these two men but I think it could have been better. Much more potential from these two.

Rating: 6.25/10

There’s a video package showing what has led to the match between Randy Orton and Dusty Rhodes. It’s a fantastic video package.

Dusty Rhodes vs. Randy Orton – Texas Bullrope match

This is a first PPV meeting between these two men. It makes Great American Bash debuts for both men since the WWE bought back the event. The two men are tied to either end of the bullrope and Dusty plays with Orton to begin with, sweeping Orton off his feet. Dusty hits a couple of bionic elbows and then flips Randy over using the rope. Orton escapes the ring but Dusty pulls him back in. Randy escapes the ring again and this time Dusty pulls the rope to smash Orton into the ringpost. Rhodes then swings the cowbell into Orton but Orton ducks and Dusty hits the ringpost. Rhodes hits another bionic elbow and then throws Orton into the ring. Randy smashes the cowbell into the taped up knee of Dusty Rhodes. Orton then applies a chinlock and it takes Dusty a long time to get out of it, backing Randy into the corner.

Orton hits some right hands on Dusty but Dusty fires back with some jabs of his own and then a bionic elbow. Rhodes misses with an elbow drop and Orton smashes the cowbell into Dusty’s face. And that is enough for the three. Randy Orton beats Dusty Rhodes tonight. After the match Orton looks to punt Dusty in the face but Cody Rhodes is out to block it from happening.

Rating: 4/10

There’s a video package next for the triple threat world heavyweight championship match up next.

The Great Khali (c) vs. Batista vs. Kane – World Heavyweight Championship match

This is a first time triple threat match between these three men. Kane has met both in singles matches on PPV before. Batista is 0-2 at Great American Bash PPV’s, the other two men make their GAB debuts tonight. Batista is the third man to have wrestled at last years event and this years, following Jamie Noble and Matt Hardy who both lost at last years event and this years. Nobody in history up to now has lost as many PPV matches as Kane. This is Kane’s 100th PPV match. Batista and Kane double team Khali in the early going but Khali clotheslines both men down. Khali then lays into Batista with kicks and chokes him with his boot. Khali clotheslines Kane to the mat and then clotheslines Batista. Khali hits a big boot on Batista and then knocks Kane out of the ring.

Khali applies a nerve hold to Batista but Kane breaks the hold. Khali tosses Kane to the mat and then applies a nerve hold to Kane! Khali turns his attention to Batista and chokeslams him to the mat before doing the same to Kane. Both challengers roll to the outside and Khali celebrates in the ring. Khali takes apart the ECW announce table and Kane grabs him by the throat but Khali fights him off. Batista then looks to hit Khali with a Batista bomb but again Khali fights him off. Batista and Kane hit Khali with right hands and kicks on the outside and Kane then smashes Khali into the steps. Batista and Kane then hit a double spinebuster on Khali through the ECW announce table! Kane then hits Batista with an uppercut before both men roll into the ring.

Kane hits Batista with a sidewalk slam for a near fall. Batista hits a big slam on Kane for a near fall and then Batista pops Kane on the top turnbuckle. Batista looks to hit a superplex but Kane fights him off and then dives off the top with a clothesline. Khali appears back in the ring and Kane takes him down with a clothesline. Kane hooks the leg but Batista breaks up the pinfall. Batista clotheslines Kane out of the ring and then follows him out and pushes the big red machine into the ringpost. Batista then drops Khali on the top rope before getting back into the ring and walking right into The Great Khali’s boot. Khali attempts his big chop but Batista avoids it and hits the champion with a spinebuster. Kane breaks up the cover and then lays into Batista with a shoulder charge. Kane misses with a second and Batista sets him up for a Batista bomb but Kane counters it with a back body drop.

Kane hits Batista with a chokeslam for a near fall. Kane then exits the ring and grabs a chair but Batista catches him with a spinebuster. Batista motions for the Batista bomb and he hits it on Kane! Batista hooks the leg but Khali pulls him off Kane. Khali drags Batista out of the ring and throws him into the ring steps. The World Heavyweight Champion gets back into the ring and hits Kane with a double armed chokeslam. He hooks the leg and gets the three! The Great Khali retains his title tonight! It wasn’t as bad a match as I thought it would be.

Rating: 5/10

There’s a return video for Triple H. He returns soon. Summerslam apparently.

King Booker and Sharmell are out and Book lays into Triple H saying that he is not the king of kings. Booker is the only King in the WWE. Booker then turns his attention to “Jerome” Lawler asking him to get in the ring and relinquish his crown. Lawler asks Booker to come over and get it which anger King Booker. Booker says that he has no choice but to make it an act of treason and then leaves!

There’s a video package up next for John Cena and Bobby Lashley.

John Cena (c) vs. Bobby Lashley – WWE Championship match

This is a first time PPV singles match between these two men. Cena is 1-0 at at The Great American Bash whilst Lashley wrestles at this event for the first time. This is John Cena’s 8th PPV defence of the WWE title during this reign, nobody has ever had a title reign in which they have successfully defended the title 8 times on PPV. Lashley has new music. So far the Cruiserweight title is the only title to change hands tonight. The two men lock up as the bell rings in a test of strength that Lashley wins. This is John Cena’s 27th PPV main event, only 5 men in history have main evented more up to this point. Lashley wins another test of strength but Cena fights back. Lashley takes Cena down to the mat repeatedly with amateur wrestling holds. Lashley hits a clothesline but Cena hits a drop toe hold and Lashley escapes to the outside.

Back in the ring and Lashley knocks Cena down. Lashley misses with a splash in the corner and Cena takes him down with a bulldog. Cena hits a scoop slam and an elbow drop for a near fall. Cena hits some right hands and a floatover suplex for a near fall. Lashley hits a t-bone suplex for a two count. Lashley is bleeding from the top of the head now. He hits Cena with some knees and shoulderblocks in the corner and then a sidewalk slam for a near fall. Bobby hits a hard Irish whip and then a stalling vertical suplex for a near fall. Lashley misses with a clothesline and Cena hits a blockbuster before heading to the top and hitting a top rope fame-asser for a near fall. Lashley applies a reverse chinlock with body scissors which Cena gets out of and hits a side suplex. Cena hits the five knuckle shuffle and Lashley is up to his feet. Cena attempts the FU but Lashley escapes and hits a powerslam for a near fall.

Lashley hits a clothesline in the corner and then an overhead backbreaker. Cena hits the FU out of nowhere and both men are down. Cena manages to roll over to Lashley to pin him but Lashley kicks out at 2! Lashley is up first and hits a couple of clotheslines before motioning for a spear but Cena counters it into a drop toe hold before locking on the STFU! Lashley gets to the ropes and then hits Cena with a spear! Lashley pins the champion who kicks out at 2! Lashley forces Cena into the corner and pops him up top. Lashley looks to hit a superplex but Cena counters it into an FU off the top! Cena covers Bobby and gets the 3! Cena retains his WWE Championship! Good match between these two! After the match the two men shake hands.

Rating: 7.5/10

And that was The Great American Bash 2007. It was a fairly hit and miss show that probably evens out about average. MVP and Matt Hardy kicked off the show in a good match. MVP won and I like MVP as United States Champion so I’m happy with the result. The two men definitely have chemistry and it’s evident how far MVP has come over the past 6 months. I think working with Chris Benoit has improver this guys in-ring work leaps and bounds. Matt Hardy is just swimming around the midcard at the moment. He lost this match clean so I assume this rivalry is over. Chavo Guerrero then lost his Cruiserweight Championship to Hornswoggle! This match was good fun and it was Jamie Noble that took the fall. You know what, I don’t actually mind this. The Cruiserweight division is struggling at the moment with a small division full of names that don’t seem too fresh. Hornswoggle will bring something different to the division and make it more interesting.

The Sandman took on Carlito next in an unexpected match. The match wasn’t great but sometimes these PPV’s can be a bit stuffy and a match like this is light relief. Carlito beat Sandman without needing to use the Singapore cane and Carlito is getting a bit of a push at the moment. I’m baffled at how Sandman keeps getting on PPV but he does get a good reaction. Not a great match. And nor was the one that followed between Candice Michelle and Melina. Candice Michelle beats Melina again to retain the WWE Women’s Championship using her finisher “the candy wrapper”. Not sure about the name of the finisher. I’m not over-awed with Candice Michelle as women’s champion and I’m sure it’ll end sooner rather than later unless there’s another Playboy shoot planned for Candice.

Next up Umaga defeated Jeff Hardy. I liked this mesh of styles and both men are very good workers. Umaga won cleanly which to me says that this feud is over. Both men are on the cusp of the main event but for now the Intercontinental title is a good place for them. I wouldn’t mind seeing another match between the two, under some sort of gimmick. Good match between these two men. John Morrison beat CM Punk out of nowhere to retain the ECW Championship. Now this was a good match but the two men are so talented that I feel as though it could have been even better. Morrison has a new gimmick so I think he’ll get through this feud with CM Punk before going back to him down the line and losing the belt. CM Punk is very popular. Decent match between these two men. Randy Orton beat Dusty Rhodes next in an entertaining match. It wasn’t the highest quality but it was nice to see Dusty back in action. I’d expect this to lead into a feud between Orton and Cody Rhodes but we’ll see. Maybe Cody will turn?

The Great Khali successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Kane and Batista in an average match that surpassed my expectations. Kane took the fall as you would expect. Khali is a definitely a champion with style over substance. He’ll lose it sooner or later to Batista and it feels like Batista has suffered a lot of PPV losses as of late to The Undertaker, Edge and Khali. Smackdowns main event scene is pretty poor at the moment, especially with Edge and The Undertaker on the injury list so I can see the Batista/Great Khali feud continuing. In the main event John Cena defeated Bobby Lashley to retain the WWE Championship. This was a really good match and to me it showed that Lashley belongs in the main event scene. Lashley would be an early pick for me to win next years Royal Rumble. I don’t think this feud will continue though unless Lashley turns heel.

Overall Rating: 54.72/100 (ranked joint 140th out of 213)

Match Of The Night: John Cena vs. Bobby Lashley
Worst Match Of The Night: The Sandman vs. Carlito
Surprise Of The Night: Hornswoggle wins the Cruiserweight title
Worst Booking Of The Night: John Morrison wins cleanly
Superstar Of The Night: John Cena
The Great American Bash 2007 Will Be Remembered For: Dusty Rhodes returning to action