SmackDown! Results 07-11-08: A Date With Destiny?
Submitted by MIK on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 2:21 PM EST
Good evening everyone! I am the new SmackDown! Reporter, MIK, here to give you the inside scoop of what exactly went down tonight on Friday Night SmackDown! Enjoy…
Friday Night SmackDown!
Fridays 8/7 ET
Baton Rouge, LA: Riverside Centroplex
After a fight with his fiancé, SmackDown! GM Vickie Guerrero, Edge said he’ll make his championship run alone. What repercussions will the Rated R Superstar face for such words? Will his Great American Bash opponent, Triple H have anything to say? Let’s find out!
Prior to the opening, a video is shown recapping Edge’s frustration from last week, including him calling off the originally planned wedding ceremony for tonight.
SmackDown! video package rolls and fireworks go off as JR and Foley welcome us to another edition of Friday Night SmackDown!
Edge’s music hits and he makes his way down to the ring alone. Edge grabs a microphone and is about to speak.
Edge states that there was a wedding planned for later on tonight, but Vickie does not tell him what to do and as a result, it his cancelled. He then goes on to say how he treated Vickie as though they were equals and that he can survive on his own. Edge then says that he will prove this at the Great American Bash when he takes on Triple H and emerges as the champion.
Vickie is rolled onto the stage area by Hawkins and Ryder. She calls him “baby” but doesn’t really mean it. She says that tonight she will book Edge in a “preparation” match against the Big Show in a No-DQ match.
Edge responds by saying, “You think you can put one over me!?”
Vickie then demands that the people in the back turn off Edge’s mic.
Edge kicks the ropes out of frustration as we head to break.
-Commercial-
A promo airs hyping Maria’s arrival to SmackDown!
Matt Hardy makes his way down to the ring. We are told that the next bout is a non-title match.
Hardy’s opponent is none other than the Gold Standard, Shelton Benjamin.
Match 1: Matt Hardy v. Shelton Benjamin
The two lockup as the bell rings and Hardy gets the advantage as he corners Benjamin. Hardy then teases for a punch, but backs off. They lockup again, and this time Matt gets in a headlock. After a brief series of reversals, Benjamin gives Matt an elbow to the head. Benjamin then proceeds to get a nice swinging neckbreaker. Instead of going for the pin however, he slams Matt’s head into the mat. Moments later, Benjamin tries tossing Hardy to the turnbuckle, but it is reversed and Benjamin is sent instead. However, Benjamin manages to jump onto the rope, turn around, and then leaps toward Hardy. Unfortunately, Hardy punches Benjamin in the gut while he is in mid-air. Matt Hardy then proceeds to deliver a few forearm shots and later connects with his signature bulldog. As the battle continues, Benjamin reveres an irish whip and turns it into a T-Bone Suplex. He covers and gets a long 2 count. The audience then gives Hardy a nice ovation and begins to cheer him on. In what then occurs in a good sequence, Hardy seems to be in control and attempts a Twist of Fate. However, Benjamin hangs onto the ropes and the referee tells Matt to back off. Off this distraction, Benjamin is able to hit the Paydirt and get the 3 count. (Rating: 3/5. It’s nice to see Benjamin get a clean win. I always admired Benjamin for his work and SmackDown! might be the place where it culminates to bigger and better things. As for Hardy, he continues to be impressive in his matches. I would definitely like to see a US Title Match between these two.)
Backstage, we see Vickie talking with Ryder and Hawkins. They said that what Edge did to Vickie was absolutely wrong. They say that they will stick with Vickie no matter what happens. They then ask for a rematch against Jesse & Festus. Vickie agrees.
-Commercial-
MVP is shown and apparently, he is about to do commentary for the next bout.
Mr. Kennedy comes out and plays around with the crowd. He then takes a shot at MVP and MVP isn’t happy.
Match 2: Mr. Kennedy v. Domino
The match begins with Kennedy in the early offensive as he gets in a few submissions and even a drop toe hold on Domino. Kennedy continues the damage by throwing Domino into the turnbuckle and following it up with numerous clotheslines. Kennedy then tries to kick Domino in the face, but Domino leaves the ring. Kennedy chases him and continues to hurt Domino. Kennedy throws Domino into the ring and tries getting in. It is at this point that Domino gets his first offensive moves as he strikes with numerous kicks. Domino then connects with a standing leg drop and proceeds with a chin lock. As Kennedy makes it back to his feet, the two exchange a few moves, but Kennedy gets the better of it as he strikes with his roundhouse kick. Domino flies into the turnbuckle and sits in the corner. Kennedy then delivers his running kick. Kennedy then attempts a body splash, but Domino puts his knees up. Domino picks Kennedy up and tries to clothesline Kennedy, but Kennedy reverses it into a Mic. Check. Kennedy covers and this match is over.
Post-Match: As Kennedy celebrates, Umaga enters the ring and delivers a Samoan kick to the chin of Kennedy. Umaga then strikes with the Samoan Spike. Crowd is booing as MVP is shown smiling.
(Match/Segment Rating: 3/5. This match was better than I had expected. I guess Domino can really make a match look decent. The offensive flow was well balanced and I am impressed. In addition was the aftermath, I am totally for a Kennedy/MVP matchup.)
Backstage, Chavo and Bam Neely are shown talking to Edge. Chavo says that Vickie had no right to put Edge in a match against the Big Show. Chavo then says that if he was in Edge’s position, he would be frustrated with Vickie as well. He then says that Edge will always be family and that he is going to give a peace of his mind to Vickie.
-Commercial-
Backstage, we see Chavo and Bam Neely in Vickie’s office. Chavo apparently is badmouthing Edge and is sucking up to the GM. Vickie however is on to him and tell him to cut the crap. She then books Chavo in a match against Triple H. Chavo is frustrated.
Match 3: The Miz & John Morrison v. Finlay & Hornswoggle
The match starts off with Finlay taking on Morrison. After a few reversals, Finlay takes Morrison down with a shoulder block. Finlay continues to build this momentum until Miz takes a cheap shot at Finlay. Finlay then grabs Miz from the apron and brings him inside the ring. After a few shots, Finlay tags in Hornswoggle and gets in some offense. Not long after however, Miz and Morrison get a double drop kick on the leprechaun. Morrison then presses all his weight on Hornswoggle. Miz and Morrison then continue to tag each in and out as they beat Hornswoggle. Finally, Finlay has enough of it and cleans house with clotheslines and even an enziguri. The finish came when Finlay ram Miz into the steel post while Hornswoggle was attacking Morrison. As the referee attended to Morrison, Finlay nailed Miz with the shillelagh and Hornswoggle successfully connected with the Tadpole Splash. (Rating: 3/5. Not bad, it was interesting to see Hornswoggle finally taking a beating.)
-Commercial-
As we return from break, we are shown a video of Jeff Hardy preparing to take shots for the WWE Magazine – Mission Possible Edition.
Game Time!
“Time to Play the Game!” hits and Triple H makes his way down to the ring to a great ovation. JR asks the people if they can feel the emotion and energy of the crowd here tonight.
Chavo Guerrero makes his way down to the ring accompanied by his body guard, Bam Neely. Bam Neely and Triple H have a brief stare down with each other.
Match 4: Triple H v. Chavo Guerrero w/Bam Neely
Right as the bell rings, the two lockup with Chavo apparently getting the upper hand with a headlock. After a few reversals, Triple H manages to hit Chavo in the head with his elbow. After Chavo complains to the referee, he gets into yet another lockup with The Game, but gets punched back down. Triple H then goes on the offensive with a wristlock. Not long however, Chavo nicely reverses this with a few flips and gets in a wristlock of his own. Unfortunately for Chavo, Triple H drills Chavo with another right hand, knocking the Mexican Warrior at least 5 feet back. Triple H then proceeds to send Chavo into the steel post, thus damaging the shoulder of Chavo. As Chavo screams in pain, Bam Neely yells a few words at The Game. Triple H tries focusing more on the arm of Chavo, but Chavo manages to counter back with a few punches and corners Triple H. Chavo then attempts to charge at Triple H, but he gets knocked off his feet as Triple H put his feet up. As the referee attends to Chavo, Bam Neely sneaks behind Triple H and trips him. Chavo takes advantage of the situation by delivering numerous kicks. Chavo then distracts the referee as Bam Neely gets another cheap shot in at The Game. Chavo then connects with a back suplex and goes for the pin. Triple H kicks out at 1 and a half. Chavo then proceeds to lock in a lower abdominal stretch like maneuver as Triple H’s face turns red from the pain. “Triple H” Chants emerge. As he gets to his feet, he shoves Chavo to the ropes, and connects with Harley Race high knee move. Triple H then gets in the face buster which is followed by a power clothesline. Triple H covers, but gets a 2 count. Triple H sends Chavo to the ropes, but Chavo kicks The Game in the chest and proceeds to charge at the cerebral assassin anyway. Triple H lifts Chavo and connects with the Double-A spine buster. Bam Neely gets on the apron, but Triple H knocks him down with a right hand. Off the distraction, Chavo punches The Game in the gut and tries to hit the 3-amigos. After a nice counter, Triple H connects with the Pedigree and this one is over. (Rating: 3/5. This bout actually lasted about 5 minutes, but was spread out with a balance of offense from both competitors. However, I will say that if Chavo is ever going to get that big push, he needs to show that he can last longer with the ‘big dogs.’)
Post-Match: After the replays of the finish is shown, Triple H gets on the top rope and poses for the crowd.
Big Show vs. Edge in a No-DQ match will occur later on tonight!
-Commercial-
Before our next contest, we are told that Michelle McCool will take on Natalya at the Great American Bash for the new Women’s Championship.
Match 5: Michelle McCool & Cherry v. Natalya & Maryse
McCool and Maryse started things off with McCool in the advantage as she takes down Maryse with a snapmare. She then tags in Cherry and she applies an arm wrench. Maryse gets a cheap shot in and immediately tags in Natalya. Natalya gets a nice whiplash on Cherry and works on her leg. Natalya eventually locks in the sharpshooter and this one is already over. (Rating: 2.5/5. Too quick of a bout in my opinion. I do like the idea of the women’s title as it brings more meaning to the women’s divison.)
Post-Match: McCool attends to Cherry when Natalya attacks her from behind. Natalya gives McCool a snap suplex on the outside floor.
-Commercial-
Match 6: Jesse & Festus v. Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins
The bell rings and Festus goes ballistic. However, Jesse tells him that he will start things off. Hawkins tries to take advantage of the distraction, but Jesse hits Hawkins with his elbow and pounds him in the corner. After some time, Hawkins finds some offense as he uses Ryders boot as a weapon and tags him in. As the match progresses, Jesse gets the hot tag to Festus and he cleans house. Ryder escapes the ring and he and Hawkins get purposely counted out.
Post-Match: The match is over and the bell rings. That means Festus is no longer ‘powerful.’ Hawkins and Ryder then get in the ring and dismantle Jesse and proceed to get a double spear in on Festus. This doesn’t last too long however as Jesse rings the bell and Festus takes out Hawkins and Ryder.
(Match/Segment Rating: 3/5. This was better from last week.)
A Triple H Promo Aired
-Commercial-
Back, we see Stevie Richards in the ring.
His opponent is Koslov. He has music now.
Match 7: Stevie Richards v. Vladimir Koslov
The two lockup, but Koslov gives a knee to the gut of Richards. The Moscow Mauler then proceeds a shoulder block and appears to be in control when Richards suddenly strikes with several kicks. Koslov is angered and manhandles Richards. Koslov then chokes Richards in the corner and proceeds with a firemans carry. Koslov locks in a bodyscissors and the crowd begins to get behind Richards. Richards slaps Koslov in the chest and the hold is broken. Not long after however, Koslov gives Richards a headbutt and this one is over. (Rating: 1.5/5. Same thing from the weeks before.)
Backstage, we see La Familia arguing. Edge asks for them to come to ringside with him against the Big Show. Vickie interrupts and says if anyone interferes, she will fire them. She then tells Edge to take his beating like a man.
-Commercial-
It’s main event time!
It’s the World’s Largest Athlete against the Rated R Superstar!
It’s The Big Show vs. The Cunning Edge!
The 441 lbs, Big Show is first to make his way down to the ring. Lot’s of Cheers! During his entrance, JR mentions Big Shows new leaner and meaner style.
Edge is introduced next and as he enters the ring, Ryder and Hawkins wheel Vickie Guerrero to the stage area.
Main Event: The Big Show v. Edge (No DQ Match)
The bell rings and Edge tries to be on offensive from the get-go, but Big grabs and hits a powerful headbutt, thus knocking the Rated R Superstar off his feet. Show then hurls Edge in the corner and begins the giant slaps across the chest of Edge. Show then manhandles Edge by throwing him across the ring and picking him up for a thunderous body slam. Edge then slides out of the ring and Show follows. Edge then tries getting back into the ring, but to no avail as Show grabs and pulls Edge back out by the tights. Show then throws Edge onto the barricade and proceeds to set the announcers table up. Show walks over to Edge and simply punches him back down. Show then lifts Edge up and teases the crowd that he will break Edge through the announcers table, but Edge slides out of it and spears Big Show down. Both men are out as we go to our final break of the evening.
-Commercial-
Back, it appears as though Edge is in control as he is shown taking out a kendo stick from beneath the ring. I guess during the break, Vickie rolled herself down, near the ring to get a ‘closer look’ as well. Edge, with a sadistic look on his face, attempts to whack Show with the kendo stick, but Show grabs it and then lifts Edge up in a Press-like position. Show is about to throw Edge through the announcers table, but Edge strikes shows head and escapes. Edge tries running into the crowd, but Show, in hot, pursuit catches and throws him across the floor. Show then rams Edge into the steel steps and Edge looks as though he is out of it. Vickie looks somewhat worried. Show then tells the crowd to get quiet and slaps Edge’s chest once more. JR adds that Edges body is being physically destroyed. As Show lifts Edge, the R rated superstar manages to poke the eyes of the world’s largest athlete. Edge proceeds to climb the announcers table and bulldog the big man off his feet. Edge, finally with some offense, drills show across the head with a kendo stick and Show falls back into the ring. Edge tries to attack Show, but Show shoves Edge off into the corner. Show then charges at Edge, but Edge puts his feet up and climbs onto the back of Show and manages a sleeper. Crowd begins to chant for Show, but after some time, Show is brought down to his knee. However, as time passes by, Show manages to fight through the pain and back drops Edge down onto the mat. Show looks angry and he headbutts Edge back down. Show proceeds to toss Edge into the corner and rams his entire body into Edge’s and follows it up with a shoulder block. Show signals for chokeslam and the camera zooms into Vickie’s face, who is looking even more worried than ever. Show grabs Edge by the throat and lifts him up, but Edge counters with a DDT. Edge then covers Show, but Show throws Edge off after a 2 count. Edge then slides out of the ring and brings in two chairs. Edge charges at Show, but Show punches the chair into Edges face! Ouch! Big Show lifts the Edge back up in attempts for another chokeslam, but Edge manages to low blow the big man down. Edge then whacks Show across his back with the steel chair. At this point, Edge slides one chair under the head of Shows and it looks as though Edge is preparing Show for a con-chair-to. Edge talks smack, but pays the price as Show grabs Edge by the throat and finally connects with the chokeslam. Big Show now tries for a con-chair-to of his own, but Vickie gets off her wheel chair and calls to stop the match. The bell rings and this one is apparently over.
Vickie enters the ring and covers Edge up. Show wants to attack Vickie with the chair, but the referee tells him to stop. Show, looks disgusted and puts down the chair and proceeds to head to the back. JR looks amazed as he responds by saying, “What are we seeing?” Vickie sits Edge up and the crowd boos! Edge is holding his throat and then looks into Vickie’s eyes. They say something to each other and Vickie smiles and laughs. The two make out as the show comes to a close with the fans booing.
(Match/Segment Rating: 3.5/5. The match itself was a good one, but the finish hurt the rating as this match did have the potential of receiving a 4 rating)
Quick Match Results:
-Match 1: Shelton Benjamin def. Matt Hardy
-Match 2: Mr. Kennedy def. Domino
-Match 3: Finlay & Hornswoggle def. John Morrison & The Miz
-Match 4: Triple H def. Chavo Guerrero
-Match 5: Natalya & Maryse def. Michelle McCool & Cherry
-Match 6: Jesse & Festus def. Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins
-Match 7: Vladimir Koslov def. Stevie Richards
-Match 8: Big Show v. Edge ended in a No-Contest
Smack of the Night! (Match of the Night): Big Show vs. Edge (No-DQ Match)
Impact of the Night!: Big Show delivering a thunderous Chokeslam to Edge
**NEW RATING SYSTEM!
0-3 Disappointing/Awful (F)
3.5-4.5 Mediocre/Lackluster (D+)
5 Average (C)
5.5-7 Worth a Watch (C+)
7.5-8.5 Very Good! (B+)
9-10 You never thought it would be this good! (A)
Overall, tonight’s show was a decent one. With 8 matches, some matches were obviously cut short. No Jeff Hardy either…that sucks. I also would have preferred that something should have been done to spice up the Edge/HHH encounter at the GAB which is only 9 days away. The progression is moving very slowly as of late -- nothing too spectacular. However, there were a few good bouts that did show some interest. Final Rating: 6/10. (Worth a Watch. C)
Any questions, comments, concerns can be sent to mik123@ymail.com
Is next week the return of a particular dead man? Rumors are flying. Are they true? Tune in next week to SmackDown! to find out!
Stacy Keibler and Friends on the Beach Playing Volleyball!
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