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Gregory Helms
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=== World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment (2001–2010)=== ==== Early appearances (2001–2002) ==== Helms made his WWF debut on the July 5, 2001 episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'', using the name "Hollywood" Gregory Helms.<ref name=slam /> He was part of the [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|Invasion]] storyline as a member of [[The Alliance (professional wrestling)|The Alliance]] losing his Cruiserweight Championship in a one-on-one match to another Alliance member, [[Billy Kidman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/350674 |title=History of the Cruiserweight Championship – Billy Kidman |date=July 5, 2001 |access-date=September 27, 2009 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601235942/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/350674 |archive-date=June 1, 2009 }}</ref> [[File:Helms.jpg|thumb|left|Helms at an autograph signing in June 2002]] Helms began wrestling as "The Hurricane" on the August 27 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw is War]]'', and also began wearing a [[superhero]] costume. That night, he won the [[WWE European Championship|WWF European Championship]] from [[Matt Hardy]] with help from [[Ivory (wrestler)|Ivory]], but lost it to [[John Layfield|Bradshaw]] on the October 22 episode of ''Raw''.<ref name="euro" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/010827.html|title=Raw – 27 August 2001 Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 10, 2007|archive-date=October 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019235113/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/010827.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In September, The Hurricane formed a tag team with [[Lance Storm]] who was now managed by Ivory and Hurricane later picked up a sidekick, in [[Nora Greenwald|Molly Holly]] who began to call herself "Mighty Molly", and the two came to the arena in a custom "Hurri-Cycle" (with Molly in the sidecar).<ref name="hurricane" /> The team of The Hurricane and Storm began feuds with teams like The [[Hardy Boyz]] and [[Paul Wight|Big Show]] and [[Matt Hyson|Spike Dudley]]. The Hurricane and Storm got a shot at the [[WCW World Tag Team Championship|WCW Tag Team Championship]] against The Hardy Boyz at [[No Mercy (2001)|No Mercy]] on October 21 in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling's historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=109}}</ref> The Hurricane won the [[WWE Hardcore Championship|WWF Hardcore Championship]] at [[WrestleMania X8]] on March 17, 2002, but Molly [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Turn|betrayed]] him, hitting him in the back of the head with a frying pan, and defeating him for the championship.<ref name=pwi110>{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling’s historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=110}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingWM18/mar18_wrestlemania-can.html|title=Old vs. new at WrestleMania|date=March 18, 2002|last1=Powell|first1=John|last2=Molinaro|first2=John F.|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=June 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630174936/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingWM18/mar18_wrestlemania-can.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The Hurricane was later [[2002 WWF draft lottery|drafted]] to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown!]] brand following the [[WWE Brand Extension|brand extension]], and he won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship from [[Yoshihiro Tajiri|Tajiri]] and Billy Kidman in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|triple threat match]] on the May 16 episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020325.html|title=Raw – 25 March 2002 Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 10, 2007|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413104844/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020325.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="cruiser1" /> He lost it to Jamie Noble at [[King of the Ring (2002)|King of the Ring]] on June 23. The Hurricane was traded to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] brand, won the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|WWE Tag Team Championship]] with [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] as they defeated [[The Un-Americans]] ([[Christian Cage|Christian]] and Lance Storm) on the September 23 episode of ''Raw'', and held them for around a month before losing the titles to [[Chris Jericho]] and Christian on the October 14 episode of ''Raw''.<ref name="worldtag-kane" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/021014.html|title=Raw – October 14, 2002 results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=August 26, 2024}}</ref> ==== Teaming with Rosey (2003–2006) ==== {{Main|The Hurricane and Rosey}} [[File:The hurricane.jpg|thumb|right|Helms as "The Hurricane" with the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Championship]]]] In early 2003, The Hurricane feuded with [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030303.html|title=WWE Raw Results – March 3, 2003|date=March 3, 2003|access-date=July 24, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=June 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629224123/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030303.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In backstage segments, The Rock referred to The Hurricane as "The [[McDonaldland#Characters|Hamburglar]]" (in part because his mask was similar to the Hamburglar's) and latter retorted that anyone can beat The Rock, citing Brenden Fraser, whom The Rock worked with on the movie "The Mummy Returns".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030224.html|title=WWE Raw Results – February 24, 2003|date=February 24, 2003|access-date=July 24, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=January 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102114330/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030224.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The feud culminated in a match on the March 10 episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', in which The Rock dominated.<ref name="raw-Mar10-03">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030310.html|title=Raw – 10 March 2003 Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 10, 2007|archive-date=July 8, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070708205224/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030310.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Hurricane, however, was able to [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Roll-up|roll up]] The Rock from behind after The Rock was distracted by [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]]'s appearance on the ramp.<ref name="raw-Mar10-03" /> In August, The Hurricane "discovered" [[Rosey (wrestler)|Rosey's]] potential as a superhero and christened him "Rosey, the Super Hero in Training" (the "S.H.I.T."). On May 1, 2005, at [[Backlash (2005)|Backlash]], [[The Hurricane and Rosey]] defeated [[La Résistance (professional wrestling)|La Résistance]] in the finals of a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Tag team turmoil|Tag Team Turmoil match]] to win the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="PS131">{{cite news|author=Power Slam Staff|title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 131|work="WrestleMania rerun" (Backlash 2005)|publisher=SW Publishing|date=May 21, 2005|pages=32–33}}</ref><ref name="worldtag-Rosey" /> Not long after winning the championship, [[Stacy Keibler]] joined Rosey and The Hurricane as their sidekick, "Super Stacy".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/05/31/1064601.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713165953/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/05/31/1064601.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 13, 2012|title=Raw: Hassan gets his shot|date=May 31, 2005|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> In August 2005, Rosey and The Hurricane lost Keibler as their sidekick when she and [[Christy Hemme]] were traded to the SmackDown! brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/08/26/1189499.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731063417/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/08/26/1189499.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 31, 2012|title=Smackdown: Counting down the Thursdays|date=August 26, 2005|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the September 5 episode of ''Raw'', The Hurricane and Rosey were defeated by [[Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch]] during Cade and Murdoch's debut match on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/09/06/1203935.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904014100/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/09/06/1203935.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=September 4, 2012|title=Raw: Caught in the Master Lock|date=September 6, 2005|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> As a result, Cade and Murdoch earned a title match at [[Unforgiven (2005)|Unforgiven]] on September 18. During the title match, Murdoch delivered an [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Elevated DDT|elevated DDT]] on The Hurricane to the outside. The DDT caused The Hurricane to suffer a [[Kayfabe|storyline]] "[[Stinger (medicine)|stinger]]" and allowed Cade and Murdoch to beat The Hurricane and Rosey later in the match to win the World Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling’s historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=118}}</ref> During the next few weeks, the pair began a losing streak, mainly caused by The Hurricane's on-screen injuries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/09/20/1227358.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715235943/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/09/20/1227358.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Raw: The feuds roll on|date=September 20, 2005|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> During the October 17 episode of ''Raw'', The Hurricane was assaulted by [[Kurt Angle]] at the request of [[Vince McMahon]]. After the beating, footage was shown of The Hurricane ripping off his mask and striking Rosey because he did not help him fend off Angle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/10/18/1268095.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720221819/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/10/18/1268095.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 20, 2012|title=Raw: Honing in on Taboo Tuesday|date=October 18, 2005|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The next week, The Hurricane [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#No-show|no-showed]] a World Tag Team Championship match, leaving Rosey to face the champions Cade and Murdoch alone. During the match, The Hurricane (out of costume) appeared at the top of the entrance ramp, reverting to his real name, Gregory Helms, and watched as Rosey was double teamed and defeated. After the match, Helms announced that he was fed up with being funny for the crowd, and that he was sick of carrying Rosey as a tag team partner, turning [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for the first time since 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/10/25/1277702.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715003843/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/10/25/1277702.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Raw: Cena taps out?|date=October 25, 2005|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the November 7 episode of ''Raw'', Helms and Rosey faced off in a singles match, which Helms won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/11/08/1297695.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718131432/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/11/08/1297695.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 18, 2012|title=Raw: The long-awaited return of … Daivari?|date=November 8, 2005|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Subsequently, Helms wrestled mostly on ''Raw'''s sister show, ''[[WWE Heat|Heat]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/051212.html|title=Heat – 12 December 2005 Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 10, 2007|archive-date=March 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320115029/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/051212.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On the January 2, 2006 episode of ''Raw'', Helms confronted [[Jerry Lawler]] over jokes that Lawler had been making at Helms' expense, and Lawler said that when Helms was The Hurricane, he was entertaining and called Helms a joke. Helms responded by slapping Lawler, who hit Helms back.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/01/03/1377059.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722144655/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/01/03/1377059.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 22, 2012|title=Raw: Cena bleeds, Benji's momma arrives|date=January 3, 2006|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> This confrontation led to Lawler defeating Helms in a match at [[New Year's Revolution (2006)|New Year's Revolution]] on January 8.<ref name=pwi119>{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling’s historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=119}}</ref> ==== Cruiserweight Champion (2006–2007) ==== At the [[Royal Rumble (2006)|Royal Rumble]] on January 29, Helms participated in an Open Invitational match for the Cruiserweight Championship and won, even though he was a ''Raw'' superstar and the championship was defended solely on ''SmackDown!''.<ref name=pwi119 /><ref name="cruiser2" /> As a result, he moved to the SmackDown! brand to start a feud with [[James Maritato|Nunzio]], [[Kid Kash]] and the other cruiserweights. During this time, Helms defeated Nunzio in a one-on-one match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/02/10/1435575.html|title=Smackdown: Henry escapes The Dead Man|date=February 10, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=July 22, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722191159/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/02/10/1435575.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> The next week, he was supposed to defend against Kid Kash, but Kash was away on a family emergency, so [[Scotty 2 Hotty]] took his place. Helms defeated him and declared that he was better than all the other cruiserweights. As a result, all the cruiserweights at the show invaded the ring and attacked Helms.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/02/17/1448428.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716203636/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/02/17/1448428.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 16, 2012|title=Smackdown: Dead Man shocks Angle|date=February 27, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> It was later announced by SmackDown! [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General Managers 2|General Manager]] [[Theodore Long]] that at [[No Way Out (2006)|No Way Out]] on February 19, Helms would face all the cruiserweights in a match for the title. Helms was able to retain the championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/02/20/1452718.html|title=Main events salvage No Way Out|date=February 20, 2006|last=Sokol|first=Chris|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=July 16, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716035054/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/02/20/1452718.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Later, Long mandated that Helms had to defend his title against a cruiserweight each week on ''SmackDown!'' to prove that he truly was better than all the cruiserweights. Helms' first defense under this new rule was against [[Psicosis]] of [[The Mexicools]]; Helms retained by cheating.<ref name=pwi119 /> [[File:HelmsCruiserChampion.jpg|thumb|left|alt=|Helms has the longest reign in [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1991–2007)|WWE Cruiserweight Championship]] history, holding the championship for 13 consecutive months in 2006 and 2007.]] In early March, Helms suffered a broken nose. After complaining to Long about having to wrestle on the March 10 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Long told Helms that he did not have to defend his title, but put Helms in a champion versus champion match against the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Champion]], [[Chris Benoit]]. During the match, Helms attempted to leave, but was blocked by other cruiserweights who threw Helms back into the ring, resulting in Helms losing the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/03/10/1481542.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715193106/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/03/10/1481542.html |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |title=Smackdown: The bell tolls for Henry|date=March 10, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Helms underwent successful surgery on his nose and was expected to miss five to six weeks. During this time ''SmackDown!'' announcers stated that Helms had a no-compete clause in his contract allowing him to waive the thirty-day title defense rule due to any injury. Helms returned to the ring on the April 28 episode of ''SmackDown!'', teaming with [[MNM (professional wrestling)|MNM]] to face [[Super Crazy]], [[Paul London and Brian Kendrick|London and Kendrick]] in a six-man tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/04/28/1555122.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143619/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/04/28/1555122.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Smackdown: Angle-Mysterio do it again|date=April 28, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Helms continued to defend his belt during pay-per-views,<ref>{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling’s historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=121}}</ref> but he made more regular appearances on ''SmackDown!'''s sister show, ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060519.html|title=Velocity – 19 May 2006 Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 10, 2007|archive-date=October 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001005518/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060519.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Helms continued defending his title against other cruiserweights, while on occasion facing off against SmackDown!'s other title holders in champion versus champion matches. Helms faced [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Rey Mysterio]] on June 16 and United States Champion [[Bobby Lashley]] on July 7 but lost both matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/06/16/1636328.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719053712/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/06/16/1636328.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 19, 2012|title=Smackdown: King Booker gets crowned|date=June 16, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/07/07/1672951.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716103945/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/07/07/1672951.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 16, 2012|title=Smackdown: The Animal returns|date=July 7, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Eventually, Helms became the longest cruiserweight champion in WWE history, as well as the longest reigning champion of any kind in ''SmackDown!'' history.<ref name="wwebio" /> For much of late 2006, he feuded with Matt Hardy, with whom Helms exchanged several victories in matches on ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/02/1795814.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714024152/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/02/1795814.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Smackdown: Mr. Kennedy captures gold|date=September 2, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/16/1848935.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716200248/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/16/1848935.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 16, 2012|title=Smackdown: The King's court divided?|date=September 16, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/23/1884584.html|title=Smackdown: SuperShow Part Deux|date=September 23, 2006|last=Kamchen|first=Richard|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=July 15, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715095343/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/23/1884584.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> In Helms' hometown of [[Raleigh, North Carolina]], at [[No Mercy (2006)|No Mercy]] on October 8, Hardy beat Helms.<ref name=pwi122>{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling’s historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=122}}</ref> The two rivals also joined opposing teams at [[Survivor Series (2006)|Survivor Series]] on November 26, where Helms was in [[Rated-RKO|Team Rated-RKO]], and Hardy was a member of [[D-Generation X|Team DX]]; Team Rated-RKO lost the match.<ref name=pwi122 /> Helms went on to feud with [[James Yun|Jimmy Wang Yang]] over the Cruiserweight Championship, after a tag team match in which Matt Hardy and Yang defeated Helms and [[Sylvain Grenier|Sylvan]] on the November 10 episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/11/2314778.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720034635/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/11/11/2314778.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 20, 2012|title=Smackdown: Survivor Series takes shape|date=November 11, 2006|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The feud ended after Helms defeated him to retain the title at [[Armageddon (2006)|Armageddon]] on December 17.<ref name=pwi122 /> In 2007, Helms once again feuded with the entire Cruiserweight division on ''SmackDown!''. During this feud, Helms' reign as Cruiserweight Champion came to an end at [[No Way Out (2007)|No Way Out]] on February 18, when he was unable to win a Cruiserweight open invitational, which saw [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]] win the championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/02/19/3645387.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717093630/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/02/19/3645387.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 17, 2012|title=No Way Out an exercise in monotony|date=February 19, 2007|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Shortly after losing the championship, Helms formed a tag team with Guerrero, but they did not win any matches as a team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/04/07/3944064.html|title=Booker's kingdom continues to crumble|date=April 7, 2007|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=July 15, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715134411/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/04/07/3944064.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/04/21/4091669.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721022157/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/04/21/4091669.html |archive-date=July 21, 2012 |title=Smackdown: Kennedy and Finlay run wild|date=April 21, 2007|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=September 27, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On May 18, WWE reported that Helms had broken two [[vertebra]]e in his neck, one of which was pressing on his spinal cord.<ref name=neck>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/helmsnecksurgery|title=Neck surgery for Gregory Helms|last=Dee|first=Louie|access-date=May 19, 2007|date=May 18, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 20, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520054310/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/helmsnecksurgery|url-status=live}}</ref> He underwent surgery with Dr. [[Lloyd Youngblood]] to repair them approximately a week later. Following the surgery, Helms was announced to be out for a year and a half due to the injury.<ref name=neck /><ref name=matt>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/matthardy/willnotdieariesarchive/willlnotdiearies052907|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070531083129/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/matthardy/willnotdieariesarchive/willlnotdiearies052907|archive-date=May 31, 2007|title=Will Not Die-aries: Thoughts on rival Gregory Helms|date=May 29, 2007|last=Hardy|first=Matt|access-date=May 29, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> ==== The Hurricane's return (2008–2010) ==== Helms returned on the September 19, 2008, episode of ''SmackDown'' in a non-wrestling role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09162008/mainarticle|title=And at the Helm|date=September 19, 2008|last=Burdick|first=Michael|access-date=September 27, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=November 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126104528/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09162008/mainarticle|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout the show, he appeared in short video promos, called "Hurrapops", referring to himself as "Hurricane Helms", a modified version of his old ring name "The Hurricane", and mocked heel superstars including [[Shelton Benjamin]] and [[Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/19/6821331.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717195916/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/19/6821331.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 17, 2012|title=Smackdown: Big builds on Friday night|date=September 19, 2008|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=April 1, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/10/25/7198996.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715125931/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/10/25/7198996.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Smackdown: Last chizance to get some vizotes for CS|date=October 25, 2008|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=April 1, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> In the following weeks, he mocked several other superstars in the "Hurrapops", ending each promo with the phrase, "I'm just sayin'!". On the November 28 episode of ''SmackDown'', a "Hurrapop" appeared in which Helms announced that he would make his return to the ring on the next episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/29/7573791.html|title=Smackdown: It's time once again to beat the clock!|date=November 29, 2008|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=April 1, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=July 18, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718025553/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/11/29/7573791.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref> On the December 5 episode of ''SmackDown'', Helms defeated [[Montel Vontavious Porter]] (MVP) in his ring return.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/12052008/mainarticle|title=Undeniable altercations|date=December 5, 2008|last=Burdick|first=Michael|access-date=December 15, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103053156/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/12052008/mainarticle|url-status=live}}</ref> Helms was quickly scripted into a feud with the United States Champion [[Shelton Benjamin]], defeating him in two non-title matches on ''SmackDown'', although he failed to win a championship match on December 26.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/13/7740436.html|title=Smackdown: Armageddon on the horizon|date=December 13, 2008|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=April 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=July 14, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714071936/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/13/7740436.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/19/7810461.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724174112/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/19/7810461.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 24, 2012|title=Smackdown: Hardy tested on first night as champ|date=December 19, 2008|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=April 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/27/7860756.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715082422/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/27/7860756.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Smackdown: On the road to the Rumble|date=December 17, 2008|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=April 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On April 15, 2009, Helms was drafted to the ECW brand as part of the [[2009 WWE draft#Supplemental Draft|2009 Supplemental Draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2009draft/2009supplementaldraftresults/|title=2009 WWE Supplemental Draft results|date=April 15, 2009|access-date=April 15, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=December 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225191133/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2009draft/2009supplementaldraftresults/|url-status=live}}</ref> Helms made his ECW debut as a backstage interviewer on April 28, 2009, reverting to his Gregory Helms ring name, interviewing [[Evan Bourne]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/04/28/9283591.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731201451/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/04/28/9283591.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 31, 2012|title=ECW: Christian's first night as champion|date=April 28, 2009|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He started a storyline where, while he was interviewing someone, a scripted accident would occur, leading to Helms leaving the interview seconds before the person in distress was saved by The Hurricane.<ref name="2009-superhero">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/24/9906546.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115072224/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/24/9906546.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 15, 2013|title=ECW: Scrambling to The Bash|date=June 24, 2009|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=July 15, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the August 11, 2009 episode of ''[[ECW (WWE)|ECW]]'', Helms was attacked by [[Paul Burchill]] after Helms denied being The Hurricane. The Hurricane later attacked Burchill in the ring dressed in his Hurricane attire, to save [[Yoshi Tatsu]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/12/10437911.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714003741/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/12/10437911.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=ECW: Regal stretches Dreamer, sets eyes on Christian|date=August 12, 2009|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=August 19, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The next week on ECW, he made his in-ring debut for the brand as The Hurricane, and defeated Burchill.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/18/10506166.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730125556/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/18/10506166.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 30, 2012|title=ECW: Christian, Regal on collision course|date=August 19, 2009|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=August 19, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He continued to feud with Burchill, who attempted to expose The Hurricane's true identity, until the November 17 episode of ''ECW'' when The Hurricane defeated Burchill in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Luchas de apuestas|mask versus career match]]. He would then feud with [[Zack Ryder]]. On February 26, 2010, Helms was released from his WWE contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/helmsreleased|title=Shane Helms released|date=February 26, 2010|access-date=February 26, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=March 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301055112/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/helmsreleased|url-status=live}}</ref>
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