World Heavyweight Champion Batista will leave New Zealand with his title around his waist after completing a successful and at times controversial defense against the rising star of Smackdown, Mr Kennedy.

Batista set the Auckland crowd alight at Western Springs, although it was Mr. Kennedy who dominated much of the World Heavyweight Championship match.

Late in the bout, the referee was knocked down, and MVP then came to the ring to assault Batista! But the Champ rallied, nailing Kennedy with the Batista Bomb before making the pinfall!

As Batista celebrated, The Undertaker's music hit, and the Dead Man appeared on the entrance ramp! He then signalled for the belt around his waist to the delight of the crowd!

Also excelling in front of a huge and vibrant crowd at Auckland's Western Springs Stadium, United States Champion Chris Benoit retained his title after a long and scrappy encounter with MVP. ECW Champion Bobby Lashley also retained his title, defeating the monstrous Snitsky.

Westpac Stadium was packed with over 9,000 fans on Friday night, all eager to see the stars of SmackDown and ECW on the Road To WrestleMania 23 Tour. It might have been cold and miserable outside, but inside it was sizzling with action!

World Heavyweight Champion Batista successfully defended his title against Mr Kennedy. Kennedy, having not had his microphone delivered the way he likes it, proceeded to taunt the Cantabrians by calling the Crusaders losers, announcing that the All Blacks sucked and that New Zealand is nothing more than Australia's b*tch. By the time the Animal hit the ring, the crowd was ready for him to take Kennedy apart.

After a certain amount of shadow-boxing - and an unmentionable chant that got Kennedy's ire up - Kennedy kicked off the match with rights to the champ. This didn't faze the Animal, who retaliated with rights and kicks, followed by a body slam. Capitalising with a kick to the chin, Batista sent Kennedy out of the ring and slammed into the steel barrier.

Over the past few days, NZPWI has received dozens of enquiries from WWE fans wanting to know two key pieces of information - which WWE talent will be at the public appearances and will Diamond ticket holders be able to keep their chairs this year.

As of right now, the official word is that WWE talent for both appearances will be assigned on the day of each appearance.

And regarding Diamond seating, unfortunately no souvenir seating is available this time around. As such, Diamond ticket holders will not be taking seats home with them.