Smackdown 8th June, 2007
Submitted by Rudi Pavani on Friday, June 8, 2007 at 6:56 PM EST






G’day all, it’s Rudi here (rudip1@pacific.net.au) here with another review of the “A” brand of WWE’s wrestling shows, Smackdown! We’re off from One Night Stand where nothing much of any surprise happened to rock the boat. What we have to look forward too though is the ‘Draft’ on RAW next Monday and we’ll see who gets taken away from Smackdown and who they replace them with. With the current spate of injuries there is bound to be quite a shake up and it will be interesting to see what happens. As it stands I can see Benoit and King Booker moving to either RAW or ECW and in replacement I would not be surprised if someone like C M Punk or Marcus Cor Von come to Smackdown. I don’t want to make too many predictions though but will comment more next week after it’s all been said and done. Lets get on with the show!

The show begins with the usual credits and today we come to you from Orlando, Florida. Big shot of the crowd which looks pretty pumped up and we begin with Edge coming out to the ring for his Cutting Edge segment. Edge with mic in hand knows what we’re all thinking. We may still see him in action even though he’s doing the segment and Vickie may announce him in a match for later on. Edge’s guest last week was Batista, this week’s guest is bigger. He wants to be on the show. His wish is Edge’s command. It’s Vince McMahon! Vince walks slowly down to the ring with a smile on his face and without the usual swagger.

Edge asks McMahon how he is feeling. Vince starts to rattle off a psalm, 23:4 according to my friend Google and strangely enough looks like Milton Berle (located here for those who have no idea who he was: http://www.milton-berle.com/mberle.jpg) as we get a “you suck” chant. Monday night is Vince appreciation night and Edge won’t disrespect Vince like Cena, Flair or even McMahon. The reason everyone is here, including Edge is because of Vince as the crowd boos and Edge continues with the boot licking. Edge says that Vince really is the champ for everything he brings to the crowd, the ring and everyone else and gives him his belt as everyone boos. Vince looks all choked up for a while and then we get the first swerve of the night as he says that Edge is no better than anyone and vengeance is Vince’s as he makes a match between Edge and Batista for the Vengeance PPV. Edge doesn’t think it’s fair as Vince says that life sucks and then you die as we get a Batista chant. Vince keeps prattling in a crazy like manner and then he leaves the ring and wanders off as Edge just looks on.

Commercial break…

Back from commercial and we’ve got Big Boogey coming out with Lil’ Boogey for a match. They do their usual worm dribbling antics, smoke billowing crazy entrance before we get the music of Mark Henry and he makes his way to the ring. We’re blessed with stills from the Mark Henry vs. Kane match at One Night Stand where Kane was bored to death, I mean hugged to death almost. Big Boogey has a blank look on his face as he watches Henry come to the ring.

Match 1: Big Boogeyman (with Little Boogey) vs. Mark Henry

Boogey tries to take the advantage but Henry keeps beating him down. Henry with a bear hug trying to squeeze the life out of Boogey. Henry drops Big Boogey with a blow, then kicks Lil’ Boogey at the apron before going back to Big Boogey, giving him the world’s strongest slam and making the cover.
Mark Henry defeated Big Boogey (with Lil’ Boogey) in two minutes
Rudi’s rating - *
Rudi’s rant – This was quite the squash wasn’t it? You’d think Boogey may have made a bit more of a match here but they’re pushing Henry as the unstoppable beast. Henry looks the part but is it my imagination or has he come back even bigger? A nothing match to start the wrestling side of things. Let’s hope it gets better!

Post match and Henry then takes to Lil’ Boogey, drags him in the ring and bear hugs him before giving him the World’s Strongest Slam followed up with a big splash. JBL is subdued as he remembers King Kong Bundy doing it to a little guy in a match once but never that bad. Henry gets a big you suck chant as he leaves the ring. JBL says Henry does what he wants to do.

Backstage and we have Vickie Guerrero as Assistant GM on close up as she announces two main events tonight. Edge will compete against Chris Benoit and MVP will go one on one with Batista as Teddy Long stands in the background looking serious and we go to…
Rudi’s rant – What was Teddy Long doing in the background looking so stern? I’m interested to see what happens in the next couple of weeks with these two depending on what happens with the draft. I will make one prediction. I can see Teddy Long going to ECW though I’d be surprised if he doesn’t go to RAW.

Commercial break…

Back from commercial and Kristal is congratulating Vickie over her first announcement. Teddy says not bad for her first time as McMahon comes in with a strange smile and gets down on his knee and says magnificent to Vickie. Teddy whispers to Vince and McMahon puts his arm around Teddy. Teddy says there could be a problem and Vince says there is a problem and points at Kristal and Vince has that Milton Berle look happening again. Scary!


To the music of Chavo Guerrero, he, Jamie Noble and Daivari come down to the ring for a six man tag. They’re followed by Jimmy Wang Yang who comes down to ringside with his music. He’s followed soon after by Paul London and Brian Kendrick and the show is looking up!

Chavo Guerrero, Jamie Noble and Daivari vs. Jimmy Wang Yang, Paul London and Brian Kendrick

Noble and Yang begin, Lots of to and fro with arm holds before Noble knees Yang and tries to take control. London then with Noble before pushed into the corner and Chavo tagged in. Chavo in control for a little while before Kendrick tagged in and he is in control then tags in London and Yang tags himself in and flies onto Chavo and an almost pin. Yang then with Daivari and Daivari takes charge. Noble is tagged in and he kicks in Yang then has him in the corner with chops and blows. Yang is the man in peril as they continue to beat on him. Chavo tries the pin but it’s broken by Kendrick and then Daivari is in beating up on Yang. Yang finally makes the tag to Kendrick and he rushes in, takes down Chavo with a number of flying elbows, a dropkick and a big back body drop then takes down Daivari with a heel kick but then is tripped up on the ropes by Noble! The crowd are buzzing now as Chavo gives him a brain buster and tries to pin him but London takes Chavo out! Daivari tries to throw London out of the ring but London reverses it and throws Daivari to the floor! Noble rushes in and starts taking it to London but it’s Yang now with a spinning heel kick which knocks Noble through the ropes and to the floor with Daivari! Yang looks at London on hands and knees and decides to come off the ropes and use London as a springboard as he launches himself over the top rope and into the waiting arms of Noble and Daivari, flattening them! Back in the ring Chavo has picked up Kendrick and sits him on the top rope and mounts them with the intent of taking him to the canvas but Kendrick struggles which allows London to slide up under the legs of Chavo and he gives Chavo a power bomb to the canvas as Kendrick completes Sliced Break #2! Kendrick makes the cover and this one is over!
Jimmy Wang Yang, Paul London and Brian Kendrick defeated Chavo Guerrero, Jamie Noble and Daivari in 8 minutes
Rudi’s rating - *** 1/4
Rudi’s rant – I have rated this match highly and why? Because though it had a few missed spots it was lots of fun and it’s about time the Cruiserweights get their chance to shine. I wish we could see matches like this more often! This is certainly a jump up on the first match!
Post match and Yang, London and Kendrick celebrate their win as their opponents argue in the ring about whose fault it was they lost. We get a replay of Yang flying over the top rope and then the final double team by London and Kendrick on Chavo and we get it again because it was so well done and even JBL comments on how good it was!

We get confirmation of the two Vickie announced matches as we go to…

Commercial break…

Back from commercial and the music of Edge hits as he makes his way to the ring after setting off some big pyros. Music of Benoit hits and he walks to the ring with a purpose as he goes straight at Edge who exits the ring. Benoit is pushed back by the referee as JBL says Benoit is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

Match 3: Edge vs. Chris Benoit
Benoit with an early arm drag as Edge stares him down. Edge with an arm bar reversed by Benoit. Edge goes for the ropes. Lots of psychology wrestling in Benoit staring down Edge who finally kicks Benoit in the midsection then goes after him. Benoit though with a couple of big chops and we’re on action wise! Benoit works on the neck of Edge then rolls him up for a two count then goes to work on the left shoulder of Edge. Edge finally breaks out but Benoit with a huge whip into the corner and tries for the pin but Edge with a foot on the ropes. Benoit back to work on the arm and shoulder and tries to lock in the Crossface but Edge reaches the ropes. Edge on the apron and Benoit tries to suplex him to the floor but Edge beats him off and then comes after Benoit from the ring but Benoit from the apron flips Edge onto the floor as we go to…

Commercial break…

Back from commercial and Benoit is trying to cover Edge. Edge is being worked on still by Benoit who has him almost out before Edge rakes Benoit in the eyes. Benoit keeps going after Edge and chops him relentlessly on the ropes with Edge falling out of the ring. Edge gets up slowly then Benoit with a baseball slide kicking Edge into the barricades before exiting the ring and throwing Edge back in. Benoit fights back with knees to the head before a snap suplex and an attempted pin. Edge finally gets control by throwing Benoit face first into the corner after reversing a whip attempt. Edge now with arms up gets a jeer from the crowd as Benoit feels his injured shoulder. Edge mounts Benoit on the ropes then can’t suplex him as Benoit headbutts him back to the canvas then tries for the flying headbutt but Edge moves out of the way and tries to pin him. Edge now works on the shoulder of Benoit and gains more jeers from the crowd then moves slowly towards Benoit as he gets a you suck chant. Edge now works on the shoulder again before Benoit breaks the hold with a number of knees to the head.

Edge is in control again with a big boot to the face. More work on the arm follows as he tries to take away the chance of Benoit putting on a Crossface later. Enziguri by Benoit finally and both wrestlers are on the canvas getting a double count to 5 before they go after each other. A suplex by Edge and a Northern Lights and a two count before Benoit gives Edge the Eddie Guerrero vertical suplexes before landing his own three German suplexes and putting his thumb across his throat as he mounts the ropes and lands the flying headbutt this time! Almost a three count, Benoit thinks it was three. Edge staggers to the corner and Benoit goes after him but Edge picks him up and drops Benoit head first against the corner before trying for a spear which Benoit ducks out of then lands the Crossface and Edge almost taps out but just reaches the rope! Edge pulls Benoit into the steel post shoulder first as Benoit goes after him and Benoit is staggering with an injured shoulder as Edge this time lands the spear and makes the cover!
Edge defeated Chris Benoit in 18 minutes
Rudi’s rating - ****
Rudi’s rant – This is just getting better and better. Have we peaked in the show? I fear that Benoit, according to all the web reports has fought his last match on Smackdown before the draft and that will be a big shame. He works well with everyone as I’ve tried to say over the past few months and this match with Edge is no different. They put on a great match and it certainly showcases Edge as a great wrestler too who has certainly come of age and has been (knock on wood) injury free for the most part!

Edge exits the ring slowly but is feeling the pain as Benoit is left feeling the pain in the ring. A replay of some of the moves through the match as we see Edge backing up the ramp and Benoit looking at him from the ring feeling his shoulder.

Commercial break…

Back from commercial and Ashley’s hair is being brushed before Jillian walks in and says she’s never going to look as good as her. Jillian says she will never look as good nor does she have the talent or she wouldn’t have to interfere in the matches. Ashley says she’s going to end the career of Jillian who slaps her as we see Hardy signing autograph material in the back before Vince wanders up drinking a cup of coffee. Vince says he’s signing them for charity? Yes, says Hardy and Vince is good for charity as Hardy says he’s doing great besides the fact they lost the titles last week. Ashley runs in chasing Jillian and knocks the coffee all over Vince and he says no problems as Ashley apologises. Hardy says it was an accident and Vince says he has a match to worry about. Vince gets all serious after Hardy wanders off and tries to tell Ashley she meant to knock the coffee into him. Vince asks Ashley how she feels and Ashley said she feels really bad and Vince says he hates to do this and suspends Ashley. Vince teases her, gets in her face and Ashley starts to cry as Vince slaps her with the coffee cup getting her with the remainder of the coffee then storms off as we go to a commercial break with Ashley crying…Rudi’s rant – Vince is just more and more bizarre as the show goes on! It was Ashley’s best acting performance and I continue to ask myself why isn’t she managing London and Kendrick anymore since she’s been back?

Back from commercial and we get a view of the outside of the stadium as Cole and JBL discuss the Ashley incident and JBL says that something is wrong, “bad wrong” and feels sorry for him. We’re interrupted from that with the music of Deuce and Domino as they make their way to the ring with Cherry. Music of Hardy hits and he makes his way to the ring slowly as we see a replay of the Hardys last week losing their Tag Team Titles to Cade and Murdoch

Match 4: Deuce and Domino (with Cherry) vs. Matt Hardy
Deuce and Domino double team Hardy as a Hardy chant starts up a little before Domino tries to suplex him out of the ring but Hardy blocks it before Deuce takes control and is almost pinned by a roll up after Hardy has knocked Domino off the apron. Hardy tries to fight back but can’t as Deuce takes control again. Hardy tries for the Twist of Fate but it’s blocked by Deuce who regains control until Hardy comes off the ropes with a leg drop on Deuce. He tries for the pin but to no avail as Domino re-enters the ring and takes to Hardy ripping off his bandages and then lots of double teaming. Hardy now against the ropes is taken to by both wrestlers who continue to beat down on him as we go to…

Commercial break…

Back from commercial and Domino is on the top rope with Deuce holding him but Hardy pushes Deuce into the ropes crotching Domino in the process. Hardy lands the SideEffect on Deuce and almost gets the pin! Hardy now with the bulldog on Deuce, takes down Domino at the same time with a clothesline and continues to take to both wrestlers. Hardy throws Deuce out of the ring and almost gets a pin on Domino! Hardy with a Twist of Fate on Domino but Deuce enters and takes him down with the Crack ‘em in the Mouth and this one is over.
Deuce and Domino (with Cherry) defeated Matt Hardy in 8 minutes
Rudi’s rating - ** ¾
Rudi’s rant – I’m not a great fan of handicap matches but this one seemed to work okay and Hardy held his own ground until being overwhelmed by the superior numbers. Hardy just continues to excel and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next few weeks with him. Deuce and Domino? The draft may give more opponents for them to fight against and that could also be a good thing and they certainly don’t disappoint in the ring as much as some people think they do. They’re still a young team and speaking of which I think the Hillbilly team got lost? They haven’t been seen since their first brief interview…
Post match and we get a replay of the win and the champions celebrating up the ramp as Hardy is looking bruised and battered in the ring and slow to get up.

We go backstage and see MVP out back being interviewed and his thoughts being taken about his match against Batista which gets a cheer from the crowd. MVP says he’s a champion and Batista isn’t. MVP says he’s incredibly handsome, ridiculously rich, an athlete and better in so many ways more than Batista or anyone else! He’s straight up in the ring as we go to…

Commercial break…

Back from commercial and JBL and Cole are discussing Vengeance and what has happened during the show as we get the music of MVP and he makes his way to the ring with his promo. We’re then to a big cheer from the crowd given the music of Batista and he makes his way to the ring after his fireworks go off. He stares up at MVP fore making his way slowly into the ring. In the ring he salutes the crowd from the corners as he stares down at MVP who is talking to the referee. Batista then goes face to face with MVP who shows him his title then hands it to the referee.

Match 5: MVP vs. Batista
Batista pushes MVP into the corner then makes a clean break as we get a Batista chant. They lock up again and Batista pushed MVP to the canvas before MVP prances around and jabs Batista in the jaw, and then again and Batista is not looking impressed at all. He does it a third time then Batista goes after him but MVP ducks under and gives him a right hook and Batista is now cheesed off and throws MVP into the corner and shoulder blocks him. MVP during an Irish whip decides it’s time for a breather and exits the ring before coming back and putting the neck of Batista over the top rope. MVP works on Batista’s leg before Batista fights back and works on his leg for a while until MVP gains control and whips Batista into the corner. Batista explodes out of the corner as MVP charges in and takes him down with a big clothesline and pumps himself up in the ring as MVP rolls out of the ring and we go to…

Commercial break…

Back from commercial and Batista is working on MVP slamming him hard into the corner and almost getting the pin. Batista continues to work on MVP with a big suplex and another attempted pin. Batista with a big elbow to MVP after whipping him into the ropes then takes MVP into the corner with a big shoulder block and then as he walks in again is kicked in the face by MVP! MVP then yanks Batista head first into the steel ring post before taking Batista over the top rope and onto the floor with a big boot to the head! That deserves a replay and then another one! MVP takes to Batista out of the ring before rolling him back into it and attempting a cover. He beats down on Batista more and he’s in charge of this match! Batista finally powers out of a MVP hold but MVP comes back with a DDT on Batista and almost a three count except for Batista reaching the ropes. MVP then slingshots Batista neck first against the bottom rope! MVP then elbows Batista to the neck from the apron and then gets him with another big boot to the head as Batista is draped against the apron. MVP repeats the dosage!

MVP in the ring goes after Batista as he tries to re-enter the ring but Batista fights back until MVP once again takes control and works on the head and neck of Batista whilst straddling his back. MVP knees the head of Batista repeatedly but then is taken down by a back body drop from Batista and Batista has a second wind and takes to MVP in the corner with a follow up clothesline and then tries it again but it taken to with a boot by MVP who then walks into a sideslam by Batista and then a spinebuster! Batista stops and shakes the ropes, Ultimate Warrior style and turns around and Edge is in the ring! Batista meets him with a spear then tries to bomb him but Edge rolls out of the ring! The referee calls for the bell and this one is over!
Batista defeated MVP by disqualification in 13 minutes
Rudi’s rating - ***
Rudi’s rant – MVP continues to impress as he had a good battle with Batista who seems to be focussed again in his matches and with greater intensity than the past few months. They had a good tussle and MVP certainly wasn’t made to look weak at all. Whoever is training MVP certainly deserves a bonus!
Post match and Batista stares down at Edge who looks back up at him from the ramp with an intense look as we get a replay of Edge entering the ring before the show ends with Edge still looking up at Batista.

What a strange episode we just had. Vince, besides doing the Milton Berle lookalike thing with both his look and antics was just strange and I’m not sure quite what to make of it all though it had my attention trying to work out what he was on about! It was great to see the Edge and Benoit fight and to see the cruiserweights battle it out as well. Even the main event of MVP vs. Batista didn’t disappoint! I was only pretty much let down by the first match but 10 minutes of disappointment all up in a two hour show doesn’t lessen the show at all! Next week we’ll have new wrestlers and lets see how the show develops post draft! Have a happy and safe week everyone!










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