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.

Smackdown Road To WrestleMania 23 Auckland Results

• 10 man Battle Royal for the #1 contendership to the ECW Championship
  Snitsky def. Rob Van Dam, CM Punk, Hardcore Holly, Marcus Cor Von, Elijah Burke, Matt Striker, Sabu, Tommy Dreamer and Sandman to earn the right to challenge Bobby Lashley for the ECW Championship
  
  
• Kane def. WWE Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero
  
  
• ECW Extreme Rules
  Rob Van Dam def. Sabu
  
  
• WWE United States Championship
  Chris Benoit (c) def. Montel Vontavious Porter via DQ
  
  
• The Undertaker def. King Booker
  
  
• Diva Bikini Contest
  Kelly Kelly def. Michelle McCool and Krystal
  
  
• ECW Heavyweight Championship
  Bobby Lashley (c) def. Snitsky
  
  
• World Heavyweight Championship
  Batista (c) def. Mr Kennedy