Opportunity Knocks for SmackDown Superstars

Tonight on SmackDown, a huge Battle Royal will be held to determine the No. 1 Contender for Rey Mysterio's World Championship at July 23's Great American Bash. WWE.com caught up with several of the competitors to get their thoughts on the opportunity that awaits them later this evening.

Two of the competitors, WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London and Brian Kendrick, see themselves as entering the battle with a distinct advantage. As London explained to WWE.com, "Brian and I have double the chance of success tonight. We're going to do our thing and watch each other's back, which we'll need to do because we have to face the King's Court and his subjects. They like to fight dirty, so we need to watch out for them, but we've been in this situation before, so we'll be ready."

If they do succeed in winning the Battle Royal, Brian Kendrick would look forward to facing the World Champion. "He's one of the guys that really popularized the high-flying style of wrestling that Paul and I specialize in." Said Kendrick. "To have a match with Rey Mysterio would be a dream come true. Championship or no Championship, I would like to face him before my career is over. I think it would be an excellent match."

Another of the participants, Simon Dean, thinks his fitness background will give him the edge necessary to outlast the competition.

"I'd like to think that being as physically fit as I am, I will have the advantage in this Battle Royal." said Dean. "My goal is to stay invisible and stay hidden. That way, no one will come after me. If nobody comes after me, then there's no way I'll get thrown over the top rope. That's the best way to do it. At the end, I'll be left standing."

If he does win, the Fitness guru says winning the World Championship would be a dream come true, and one that he is more than capable of accomplishing.

"It's a lifelong goal to be World Champion. That's the reason everyone wants to be a WWE Superstar in the first place." Said Dean. "I'm sure the odds are about a million to one that I actually pull it off tonight, and that's exactly why I'm going to bet on myself, to get that hefty payday. To some, winning the World Championship is an unobtainable goal, but I think I'll be able to pull it off."

For a certain member of SmackDown royalty, King Booker, the Battle Royal is a chance to further cement his place in wrestling history.

"For King Booker, the Battle Royal means an opportunity at destiny. It means the opportunity for King Booker to solidify his greatness in professional wrestling." he said. "Now, as King, I get to rule SmackDown, but as Champion, I'll be able to rule the wrestling world. The Queen and I will go towards the ring and they will roll out the red carpet. We will walk to that ring, get in, do our business and walk out the No. 1 contender to the World Championship."

For these SmackDown Superstars, actions will speak louder than words when they get their chance at WWE immortality. Who will end up facing Rey Mysterio at The Great American Bash? Find out tonight at 8/7 CT on UPN.

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