Posted in: Smackdown SmackDown! Report (05/15/09): The Conspiracy
By MIK
May 16, 2009 - 12:18:41 AM
Friday 8/7 ET
Dayton, Ohio
The opening theme, which features the new draftees that were selected to be apart of the SmackDown! roster, plays and immediately afterwards, John Morrison’s theme song hits as he starts to make his way down to the ring to a nice ovation.
Half-way down to the ring, Morrison stops and looks back as his partner, CM Punk, is then introduced as well.
Their opponents are the former self proclaimed “World’s Greatest Tag Team,” Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas.
Match 1: John Morrison & CM Punk v. Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas
Punk and Haas start things off. As the match gets underway, Haas grounds Punk with a few punches followed by a bodyslam. Not long after however, Punk delivers a few kicks across Haas’s chest before tagging in Morrison. Morrison gives Haas a hip toss followed by a leg drop to receive the first near fall of the night. As Morrison lifts Haas back up, Haas strikes at Morrison’s abdominal area and quickly tags in Benjamin. Benjamin shows his aggression by kicking Morrison several times, but he eventually receives a swinging neckbreaker. At this point, Punk is tagged back in. After a few seconds of being on the offensive, Benjamin gives Punk a jawbreaker before tagging Haas back into the match. Haas clubs Punk in the back, but Punk quickly manages to snapmare Haas and kicks him across the back. Moments later, Punk armdrags Haas down and applies an armlock. After some time, Punk sets up for the GTS, but Benjamin gets into the ring. Punk sets Haas down and as Benjamin charges at Punk, Punk lifts Benjamin up for the GTS. Haas quickly pulls Benjamin off of Punk and Morrison enters the ring. Punk and Morrison hit a dropkick on each of the heels before we go to the first break of the night.
-Commercial-
As we return from break, Morrison appears to be in control of Haas until Haas sends Morrison into the corner where Benjamin gets in a cheap shot. Benjamin is tagged in and he leaves Morrison grounded with a neckbreaker that is followed by a sleeper hold. Haas is then tagged back in and pounds on Morrison with multiple forearm shots. Haas then tags back out and lets Benjamin apply a reverse chin lock. The crowd starts to get behind Morrison as he begins to fight back and eventually makes the hot tag to Punk. Punk strikes Benjamin with punch’s, kicks, and clotheslines, but Benjamin gets a blind tag to Haas. Therefore, when Punk attempts his signature knee to the face to Benjamin in the corner, Haas comes up from behind and drills Punk down with an overhead belly to belly. Following this, Haas powerslams Punk and applies a headlock. “CM Punk” chants emerge from the audience. Punk tries to fight back, but Haas continues the pressure before tagging Benjamin back into the ring. The brash Benjamin comes in and immediately connects with a vertical suplex. Punk does regain some momentary offense, but the Gold Standard clothesline Punk off his feet. Haas is now tagged back into the ring and he attempts a backdrop, but Punk slides off and rolls into Morrison for the blind tag. Haas clothesline’s Punk out of the ring, but Morrison grabs Haas and chokes him on the ropes. Morrison proceeds to dominate Haas and goes up to the top ropes when all of a sudden Benjamin leaps there as well. Morrison shoves Benjamin down which allows Punk to enter the ring and take the Gold Standard out on the outside. With Haas still down from the previous beat down, Morrison connects with the Starship Pain (Split-legged Corkscrew Moounsault) for the win!
Post-Match: JR says what an outstanding match we have just witnessed as the crowd is still going crazy. We gets replays from the match as both Punk and Morrison celebrate.
(Match Rating: 3.5/5. JR said it: Outstanding match! It’s good to see that Morrison’s time has finally come while Punk and Benjamin continue to show why they are superb athletes. And hey, Haas put on a good showing as well. Everyone wins.)
-Commercial-
WWE Did You Know? WWE offers all U.S military personnel free tickets to its live events in the U.S.
A small pyro goes off out comes the 2008 Superstar of the Year, Chris Jericho! As usual, he receives his heel heat as he grabs a microphone.
“This Sunday is Judgment Day. The end of the world as we know it, the day when all of us must attest and atone for all the things we’ve done as human beings on this planet. And while all you hypocrites are terrified at Judgment Day, I’m not afraid of Judgment Day and the reason is this, I am an honest man, I am a man of virtue, I am pure-hearted man who always does exactly what he says he is going to do.” As the crowd continues to “boo” Jericho, the former Undisputed Champion adds that there is a conspiracy going about on SmackDown! against him. It is a conspiracy “orchestrated and perpetrated by all of you fraugelent, gelatinous, parasitic tapeworms.” Jericho further blames GM Teddy Long and all the superstars in the back for the conspiracy and includes that after Judgment Day, this conspiracy will end and his rapture will begin, because he is the destroyer of dreams and a modern day conqueror, not to mention, this is his show! Jericho then shifts his attention to his opponent for Judgment Day, Rey Mysterio. Jericho claims that he will defeat Mysterio and become Intercontinental Champion for the unprecedented ninth time. “And in the process, I’m going to take something away from you. I’m going to take away the joy and delight you feel when you see Rey Mysterio hit a 619 and pin his opponent, because I guarantee you, I promise you, you will not see a 619 this Sunday and you will see a new champion named Chris Jericho. I call the shots, I run this show, I am the best in the world, and I guarantee you won’t see a 619 tonight either, because I don’t want to wait until Judgment Day. Rey Mysterio I command you, as the leader of this show, to come down to this ring right now.”
“You Think You Know Me” hits and out comes the World Heavyweight Champion, Edge. He doesn’t look to happy either as he grabs a microphone.
Edge says that he is sick and tired of having to hear Jericho’s voice and adds that he is the real face of SmackDown! because while Jericho was over on Raw getting beat by John Cena, he owned SmackDown! “You’re a nine time Intercontinental Champion if you win this Sunday at Judgment Day…I’m a nine time World Champion! As a matter of fact, this isn’t even your time to be out here. I’m claiming that this is my time to be out here!”
Jericho stops Edge and they argue with each other regarding their respective opponents at Judgment Day. Finally, GM Teddy Long interrupts the two. Long says that this is neither one of their shows because it is the WWE Universe’s show. Long then puts Edge and Jericho in a match against each other before leaving.
(Segment Rating: 5/5. Excellent segment here featuring superb microphone skills from both heels. Edge’s line that he is a nine time World Champion as supposed to Jericho’s Intercontinental reigns was priceless.)
Backstage, the extreme enigma, Jeff Hardy is shown headed towards the ring.
-Commercial-
“No More Words” hits and out comes Jeff Hardy to his usual rock-star like ovation!
Jeff Hardy’s opponent is Ricky Ortiz.
Match 2: Jeff Hardy v. Ricky Ortiz
Early “Hardy” chants circle throughout the arena. As the bell rings, Ortiz starts off on the offensive as he strikes at Jeff with multiple shoulder-blocks as well as knee strikes. Following a 2 count, Ortiz applies a headlock. As Jeff tries to break the hold, Ortiz headbutt’s the charismatic enigma. With Jeff down, Ortiz attempts the Big O, but Jeff gets his knee’s up. Moments later, Jeff connects with his spinning mule kick that sends Ortiz into the corner. Here, Jeff connects with his signature dropkick and eventually with the Whisper in the Wind. Jeff then hits the Twist of Fate followed by the Swanton Bomb for the victory.
Post-Match: JR complements Ortiz for the effort, but says that tonight is Jeff’s night. Jeff celebrates with the crowd as JR and Grisham hype the Edge/Jericho main event.
-Commercial-
We receive footages from moments ago when Jeff defeated Ricky Ortiz. Jeff is still in the ring and is about to be interviewed by Josh Matthews. Matthews asks Jeff to talk about carrying the momentum to Judgment Day and Jeff simply responds that after observing Edge’s recent streaks from winning a PPV to losing at the next, Edge will lose the World Heavyweight Championship at Judgment Day. Jeff celebrates some more with the crowd before heading to the back.
The RAW Rebound is shown featuring Batista’s domination of Legacy.
JR and Grisham review the Judgment Day card.
Diva’s action is up next.
-Commercial-
Michelle McCool and Alicia Fox find their way down to the ring.
Gail Kim is then introduced followed by the WWE Women’s Champion, Melina!
Match 3: Michelle McCool & Alicia Fox v. Gail Kim & Melina
Melina and Michelle McCool start things off. McCool tackles Melina to the mat, but Melina winds up pummeling McCool with numerous fist shots. Finally, the referee separates the women and they appear to want to go at it again, but this time McCool backs off and tags in Fox. Fox tries to use her size to her advantage, but Melina quickly snapmare’s her down before tagging in Gail Kim. Kim connects with a low dropkick and gets a 2 count before connecting with a nice standing hurricanrana. Kim then sends Fox the corner and charges at her, but McCool comes over and gets in a cheap shot on Kim. This then allows Fox to tag McCool back into the ring where McCool hits a spinning neckbreaker on Kim for a 2 count. Afterwards, McCool applies a dragon-sleeper, but Kim uses the ropes to flip back and reverse the hold into a nice reverse DDT. With both women down, the referee begins his 10 count. At 7, Kim gets the hot tag to Melina, who comes in and punishes McCool with multiple clotheslines and kicks as well as a double knee drop to the gut. Moments later, Melina kicks McCool in the head and attempts an inverted leg drop, but Fox intervenes. Kim quickly comes in and takes Fox to the outside where she rams Fox into the barricade. Back in the ring, McCool charges at Melina, but Melina kicks her and connects with the Last Call (Leg trap sunset flip powerbomb) for the win.
Post-Match: Melina is all smiles as her return to the blue brand was successful. She and Kim celebrate together as we get the usual replays.
(Match Rating: 3/5. Aside from a few sloppy points throughout the match, it was otherwise very good. I enjoyed the aggression Melina and Kim showed as well as McCool’s “no care” like attitude. I’m still not sure about Fox at this point. Nonetheless, if this is any indication to future diva matches, then I’m excited as the potential is definitely there.)
Chris Jericho vs. Edge is still to come!
-Commercial-
Jimmy Wang Yang is already in the ring. His opponent is Dolph Ziggler.
Match 4: Jimmy Wang Yang v. Dolph Ziggler
Bell rings and Ziggler offers a handshake. Yang refuses to and he takes Ziggler down, but not long after, Ziggler slams Yang down to the mat and proceeds to splash into him in the corner. Ziggler then applies a headlock and as Yang tries to fight back, Ziggler slams his head into the mat before striking with multiple elbow drops. Ziggler then applies yet another headlock. After some time, Yang finally fights back, but Ziggler continues to pound Yang in order to stay on the offensive. Ziggler then sends Yang to the corner and charges at him, but Yang kicks Ziggler and then trips him down before striking Ziggler with some more thunderous kicks. Yang eventually tries for his signature moonsault, but Ziggler dodges it and connects with a leaping reverse STO for the win.
Post-Match: Ziggler starts to celebrate when all of a sudden, the Great Khali’s music hits. The Punjabi giant has a serious look on his face as he walks towards the ring. As Khali attempts to enter the ring, Ziggler tries to take him down, but Khali grabs Ziggler by the throat and hurls him onto the outside floor. Khali continues to chase Ziggler as Ziggler hustles to escape.
(Match/Segment Rating: 2.5/5. Honestly it was a lackluster match as it was put together to make Ziggler look strong. If there was any positive, it was Khali’s appearance and manhandling of Ziggler, because it adds more purpose to a short-term rivalry between the two.)
-Commercial-
From this point on, the following report is from ProWrestling.net. I apologize for not having it myself as I went to an important meeting during SmackDown! and thought I would make it back in time to do the rest of the show. Unfortunately there was some delay's in the meeting.
5. R-Truth defeated Mike Knox at 2:35. Truth hit a dive over the top rope to Knox on the floor after spilling him to the floor. Knox worked mad power on Truth back in the ring. He hit a short arm clothesline for two. He hit an up slingshot into the second rope for two and locked in a chin lock. Truth fought out and ducked the Big Boot and hit the Corkscrew Elbow for the win…The announce team hyped Jericho/Edge again. An interview with Rey Mysterio is next…[C]
[Q7]Backstage, Josh Matthews interviewed Rey Mysterio. He called Jericho some names in Spanish and said Jericho had to earn respect. He said more Spanish and then said Jericho didn’t need to worry about a conspiracy, he needed to worry about the 619…The announce team was in the ring and ran down the Judgment Day card…Edge made his entrance…[C]
6. Edge and Chris Jericho fought to a no contest at 14:34. JR called this the Ego Bowl or Egomania. Funny. They started by mouthing off to each other in the middle of the ring. Edge held up his hands to pose and Jericho slapped him. Edge slapped him back. They tolled around brawling and fell out of the ring. Jericho rammed Edge’s head to the mat and tried for the announce table, but Edge countered and rammed Jericho’s head instead. Back in the ring, Jericho sidestepped a spear attempt and Edge hit the ring post. Jericho rammed Edge into the post again and locked in an arm bar. Edge fought out and hit a splash on Jericho who was in a 619 setup.
[Q8]Jericho retook control and hit a baseball slide to spill Edge to the floor. Jericho went to the floor and Edge reversed a whip, sending Jericho into the chairs. Edge dropped Jericho on the railing and tossed him back in. They battled on the top rope and both fell backwards to the floor. They recovered into the break…[C]
Back at the 8:42 mark, Edge hit a suplex for two. Jericho reversed a whip into a single arm DDT for two. Jericho locked in a hammer lock, even hitting a hammer lock slam. Jericho taunted Edge and tried for a bulldog, but Edge pushed him off into the corner. Edge hit a spear in the corner. Jericho pushed Edge down and covered with his feet on the ropes. The ref saw at two and stopped the count. Edge rolled up Jericho and put his feet on the ropes. The ref stopped at two again. Both men clotheslined each other and made their feet at eight. Jericho hit a bulldog and tried for a Lionsault. Edge moved and Jericho landed on his feet. Edge dropped him and locked in a Sharpshooter at 12:18.
Jericho made the ropes and Edge broke. Edge drug Jericho to the center of the ring and tried to relock the Sharpshooter, but Jericho rolled him up for two. Jericho locked in the Walls of Jericho and Edge made the ropes. Edge hit a spear and Jericho rolled to the floor. He hit a hot shot on Edge and got a chair. He swung it at Edge in the ring, but Edge kicked it into Jericho. The ref called for the bell and signaled no one won.
Edge picked up the chair and was going to hit Jericho, but Jeff Hardy ran in. He laid out Edge and went for a Swanton. Jericho tried to pull Jeff off the top, but Jeff kicked him to the floor and then dove off onto Jericho. Punk’s music hit and he came to the ring with a ref and the briefcase. Punk got in the ring and Umaga ran in. Punk ducked and hit Umaga with the briefcase and sent him to the floor. He dove on Umaga. Umaga stumbled away and flattened a charging Punk. Hardy attacked Edge again and they brawled into the crowd as Punk and Umaga brawled. Jericho stood at the top of the ramp looking happy. Mysterio ran out and attacked Jericho. All six men brawled to end the show…
Quick Match Results:
-Match 1: John Morrison & CM Punk def. Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas
-Match 2: Jeff Hardy def. Ricky Ortiz
-Match 3: Gail Kim and Melina def. Michelle McCool and Alicia Fox
-Match 4: Dolph Ziggler def. Jimmy Wang Yang
-Match 5: R-Truth def. Mike Knox
-Main Event: Edge vs. Chris Jericho ended in a No-Contest
Do you have any questions, concerns, or comments? If so, feel free to email me, MIK, at mik123@ymail.com
