Posted in: Smackdown SmackDown! Report (08/14/09): The Charm?
By MIK
Aug 14, 2009 - 10:00:01 PM
Friday 8/7 ET
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
The opening SmackDown! video plays and fireworks go off as JR and Todd Grisham welcomes everyone to another exciting edition of Friday Night SmackDown!
The announcers hype CM Punk vs. John Morrison as match that will take place later on in the night. Plus, in other action, JTG will face Big Show!
A video then airs replaying the vicious assault that CM Punk gave Jeff Hardy last week, including the announcement made by GM Long that Punk will face Jeff at SummerSlam in a TLC match.
Tony Chimel then introduces the Number 1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam, CM Punk!
CM Punk’s music hits and out comes the Straightedge superstar to a loud chorus of “boo.” Punk grabs a microphone.
Punk starts off by saying that GM Long is wrong by claiming that TLC is Jeff Hardy’s specialty because everyone knows the kind of damage he can do with a chair, such as destroying Jeff Hardy in recent weeks, and his success with ladders in Money in the Bank, where he is a 2 time back to back winner. “I can waste my breathe and try to tell you the importance of virtues like honesty and integrity, but you’re all just slaves to Jeff Hardy and his hip little ‘in the moment’ propaganda. Besides anything I do or say will make you cheer and love Jeff Hardy that much more.” So then Punk realizes the “daunting” task ahead of him that he has to complete, one in which the people will actually contribute to society. “I figured that all I have to do is end Jeff Hardy,” Punk stated. He then added that Jeff always screws things up and is well on his way to screwing this one up as well, because Jeff may not even make it to SummerSlam.
This prompted GM Long to cut Punk right off, much to the crowds delight. Long made his way down to the ring with a microphone in hand.
Long called Punk’s actions last week deplorable and asked him if he realized that he could’ve ended Jeff’s career. “But I’ll tell you what, before you start to make alternative plans for SummerSlam, I came out here to tell you that Jeff Hardy will be here tonight and he has assured me that he will be ready to face you Punk at SummerSlam.” Then as Long started to remind Punk that he will be facing John Morrison later in the night, Punk said he was done with GM Long and started to leave when Jeff Hardy’s music hit.
Out comes the Charismatic Enigma, Jeff Hardy, dressed up in street clothes. He walks very gingerly to the ring and grabs a microphone.
“I am hurt, but I am here…in your face!” Jeff exclaimed. Jeff then said that he will successfully defend his title at SummerSlam before holding the championship high above his head. Jeff’s music hit and he slowly made his way back up the ramp as Punk mocked Jeff’s injuries.
(Segment Rating: 4/5. Good, heated segment with Jeff selling his injuries perfectly.)
The announcers’ then show footage from last week where Kane abducted Ranjin Singh, the Great Khali’s translator. Following the footage, JR informs the people watching at home that Kane has brought Singh to the arena her tonight.
-Commercial-
A SummerSlam ad airs promoting the second biggest PPV of the year.
Backstage GM Long is shown doing some paperwork when he receives a call from Mr. McMahon. Mr. McMahon reminds Long that he is on probations and orders Long to put Jeff Hardy in action tonight against the Hart Dynasty. GM Long has no other choice but to make the match official.
Well I guess they better use Jeff Hardy’s character to bring up some of the other younger talent before he leaves
Finlay makes his way down to the ring and gets a nice pop.
Dolph Ziggler then makes his way down to the ring as JR reminds everyone that Ziggler will face Rey Mysterio at SummerSlam for the Intercontinental Championship.
Match 1: Finlay v. Dolph Ziggler
Finlay takes Ziggler down with a shoulderblock before striking with a devastating European Uppercut. Moments later, as Finlay tries to Irish Whip Ziggler to the corner, Ziggler reverses it and sends Finlay onto the outside. Ziggler then quickly tries for a baseball slide, but Finlay pulls the ring skirt of the apron and traps Ziggler. After pounding Ziggler a couple of times Finlay brings Ziggler onto the apron. Suddenly, Ziggler uses his head as a battering ram and hits Finlay in the lower abdominal area. With Finlay down on the apron, Ziggler charges at Finlay and catches the Irishman with a kick to the face causing Finlay’s head to bounce off the ringpost! At this point, Mike Knox is shown making his way down to ringside. Back in the ring, Ziggler pins Finlay but gets a 2 count.
-Commercial-
Back, Ziggler is in control as he has a modified shoulderlock applied. As Finlay breaks loose, Ziggler catches Finlay with a clothesline. Moments later, Ziggler connects with a standing elbow drop and proceeds to apply a sleeper hold. After some time, Ziggler releases the hold and pounds on Finlay in the corner. Finlay however finds some separation and tackles Ziggler to the floor and starts pounding on him. Shortly thereafter, Finlay kicks Ziggler in the face and connects with the rolling fireman’s carry slam for a 2 count. After drilling Ziggler with a few clotheslines, Finlay then brings Ziggler onto the outside. Finlay leaps off the apron and catches Ziggler with a clothesline. Finlay then throws Ziggler back into the ring and as Finlay tries to get inside the ring via the apron, Mike Knox walks near Finlay, Finlay quickly kicks Knox away. Ziggler sees an opportunity and charges at Finlay, but Finlay blocks him and chokes him on the ropes. As Ziggler falls back, the referee checks up on him. Finlay then enters the ring, but from behind, Knox grabs Finlay’s shillelagh and strikes at the Irishman’s calf area. As Finlay stumbles, Ziggler recovers and hits Zig-Zag (reverse STO) for the win.
Post-Match: As Ziggler celebrates his victory back up the ramp, Mike Knox gets into the ring. Finlay shoves Knox off, but Knox hits a crossbody on the Irishman. Knox takes Finlay onto the outside and knocks Finlay out with a sidewalk slam onto the steel steps. Knox then grabs a microphone and says that he is fascinated to know that even the slightest trauma on the cervical vertebrae leaves one in excruciating discomfort.
(Match Rating: 3.5/5. Very physical match. Though I’m somewhat tired of Finlay’s character, I must admit that he is a very good worker as he is very believable in his matches. I’m also glad to see Ziggler continuing to get his push)
Still to Come: CM Punk vs. John Morrison and Jeff Hardy vs. Hart Dynasty in a handicap match.
Somewhere in the backstage area, we see Ranjin Singh strapped onto a chair and he is yelling the words, “I didn’t do anything.” Kane’s voice can be heard and he orders Singh to look into the camera and say “it.” Singh tries to refuse, but Kane comes in and chokes Singh. Singh finally says his name and that he is being punished because of his association with Great Khali. Singh then says that he has been treated fairly and he has been well taken care of. Singh quickly tries to ask for help in his native language, but Kane punches Singh in the face several times and orders him to stay quiet. Kane then looks into the camera and says that he wants Khali to meet him at that spot.
(Segment Rating: 4.5/5. Alright! Spooky Kane is back! Singh did some terrific acting which actually made me like this feud now)
-Commercial-
WWE Did You Know? More than 7 times as many people watched SmackDown last Friday on MyNetworkTV, than ESPN.
A video aired hyping R-Truth
Backstage the lovely Melina and Maria are shown talking about SummerSlam weekend when Layla intervenes. She has a message for Melina and that is that Michelle McCool will be returning next week. Melina responds to Layla by saying that she too has a message for Layla to take back to McCool, but says that she will give it to her in the ring.
The Friday Night Delight, John Morrison, made his way down to the ring and received a nice ovation from the crowd.
-Commercial-
CM Punk made his way down to the ring.
Match 2: John Morrison v. CM Punk
Following an early lockup, the two superstars exchanged a couple of wristlocks. Not long after, Punk struck Morrison with a couple of Moon Thai kicks thus bringing the Shaman of Sexy down to his knees. Punk then lifted Morrison up and charged at him, but Morrison tripped Punk and hit the Straightedge superstar with a springboard moonsault. Following a 2 count, Morrison allowed Punk to get up and Morrison immediately took Punk back down with the flying chuck kick. As Morrison tried to pin Punk, Punk slid onto the outside area. As Morrison tried to escape, Punk tripped Morrison on the apron and kicked him across chest. With Morrison still lying on the apron, Punk went up to the middle rope and struck Morrison with a double knee drop!
-Commercial-
Back, Punk was still in control of the match as he had a figure four head lock applied. With his head exposed, Punk also struck Morrison in the head with a few elbow shots. Punk the released the hold and attempted a catapult to the corner, but Morrison landed on the turnbuckle and as Punk got up, Morrison came down and caught Punk with a crossbody for a 2 count. As both men stood back up, Punk charged at Morrison and took him down with a quick clothesline. Following yet another 2 count, Punk applied a sleeper but after some time Morrison broke free and punished Punk with an STO backbreaker. As Punk made it back up, Morrison caught Punk with a few clotheslines followed by a standing moonsault. 1…2…No! Punk kicked out. At this point, Morrison went up to the top rope and successfully connected with the flying crossbody. As Punk sat up, Morrison tried his signature knee to the face, but Punk pulled Morrison in for an inside cradle. After Morrison kicked out, Punk hit his slapping combo to bring Morrison back down for a 2 count. Punk then signaled for the GTS and has Punk lifted Morrison up, Morrison caught Punk with an elbow to the temple. Punk however still had Morrison up on his shoulders and rammed Morrison’s head into the turnbuckle. Ouch! Punk the let Morrison down and connected with his signature knee lift followed by the bulldog. Punk pinned Morrison, but Morrison again kicked out! Then, as Morrison tried to use the ropes to get back to his feet, Punk struck Morrison with a low kick and attempted an Irish Whip to the ropes. As Morrison came near Punk, the Straightedge superstar quickly tried to reel Morrison in for a sidewalk slam, but Morrison spun around the shoulders of Punk and hit a thunderous DDT! “Morrison” chants broke out. Morrison crawled over to Punk and hooked the leg for a pinfall attempt. 1…2…NO! Punk kicked out! Morrison then dragged Punk near the corner as Morrison signaled for Starship Pain. As Morrison springboarded off the ropes for his finishing maneuver, Punk dodged it, but Morrison landed on his feet and quickly cradled Punk up for another 2 count. Punk sat up and argued with the referee, but Morrison came in and caught Punk with a running knee strike that nearly took Punk’s head off! Morrison then pulled Punk towards the corner again and once again tried for Starship Pain, but before Morrison could come down, Punk split Morrison on the turnbuckle. With Morrison then in the Tree of Woe position, Punk charged at Morrison and struck his lower abdominal area with his knee eight times, thus running the wind out of Morrison. Punk then set Morrison up on his shoulders and connected hit the GTS for the dramatic finish.
Post-Match: JR described how Punk’s level of aggression had changed as we got replays of what was a fantastic match. Punk smiled back up the ramp as the crowd continued to “boo” him.
(Match Rating: 4/5. Very fun and fast paced match. I absolutely loved the way the announcers put over Punk’s new found aggression. Morrison is a strong fan favorite and it’s just a matter of time before he gets the World title around his waist.)
Still to Come: Jeff Hardy vs. Hart Dynasty
-Commercial-
The lovely Melina made her way down to the ring.
Layla then made her way down to the ring.
As she made her entrance, a footage showed Ranjin Singh tied up in the backstage area again. Kane asked Singh why Khali is such a freak. Singh didn’t answer and so Kane knocked Singh down with the chair. Kane then asked his question again. Singh said Khali is not a freak, but he is his brother. Kane smiled and asked Singh if he was jealous of Khali and if he thought that Khali would come to save him. Before Singh could answer, Kane said that Khali had better hurry, because he is running out of patience.
(Segment Rating: 4.5/5. Like I said before, freaky Kane is awesome!)
-Commercial-
Match 3: Melina v. Layla
To start the match, Layla slapped Melina across the face and ran to the outside of the ring. Melina quickly chased her, but Layla caught Melina with a clothesline and proceeded to bring her back inside the ring for a 2 count. Layla then Irish Whipped Melina to the corner and charged at her, but Melina kicked Layla right in the face. Melina then tried for a tornado DDT, but Layla chopped Melina and pulled her off the turnbuckle and onto the mat for a hard crash. Layla then rubbed Melina’s face into the mat, but not long after, Melina recovered and kicked Layla in the head and connected with a super facebuster off the top rope. Melina then connected on a few clotheslined and proceeded to lay Layla on the middle ropes in the corner. Melina then jumped up and dropped both of her knees onto the abdominal region of Layla much to the crowds delight. Shortly thereafter, Melina caught Layla with a flapjack and drilled her with the Primal Scream (Inverted Leg Drop Bulldog into a Split-Legged Pin) for the win.
Post-Match: Melina celebrated on the top rope as we got replays of the divas match.
(Match Rating: 2.5/5. A good effort from the ladies, but the crowd just didn’t care until Melina hit her finisher for the win)
Still to Come: Video of Degeneration X reforming on Monday Night RAW
-Commercial-
Cryme Time made their way down to the ring and grabbed a microphone.
JTG and Shad mention that “Christina” (Chris Jericho) got dealt with last week and come SummerSlam, they would leave the new Unified Tag Team Champions.
-Commercial-
Big Show made his way down to the ring accompanied by Chris Jericho, who is dressed up in a tuxedo. Shortly after the bell rings, Jericho joins JR and Todd Grisham on commentary.
Match 4: Big Show v. JTG
Bell rings and Show immediately takes JTG down with a shoulderblock. Show then connects with a bodyslam and proceeds to slap JTG across the chest before applying a modified shoulder-lock. Shad tries to get the crowd pumped up from the outside of the ring and eventually Show releases the hold and tosses JTG into the turnbuckle. Show then charges at JTG, but JTG moves out of the way causing Big Show to hit the turnbuckle. JTG then charges at Show, but Show grabs JTG by the throat and throws him onto the outside. As Shad checks up on JTG, Jericho leaves the commentary area and shoves Shad into the steel post. Show then brings JTG back into the ring and destroys him with the Chokeslam followed by the Colossal Clutch for the submission victory.
Post-Match: Show and Jericho celebrate with their championships as we get the replays. As they leave the ring, Shad comes running in from behind and tackles Show out of the ring! Shad dares Show to get back into the ring, but they walk back up the ramp.
(Match/Segment Rating: 3/5. Squash match, but Jericho’s tricky antics as well as Shad’s passion to become champion really saved this part of the show.)
Backstage, we see Ranjin Singh hanging off a cage-like structure upside down when the Great Khali walks in. Khali sets Singh down, but all of a sudden, Kane emerges with a lead pipe and strikes Khali with it several times. Kane then drops the weapon and smashed Khali onto the cage several times until the Punjabi giant was unconscious. Before Kane left, the Big Red Machine said that Khali should be very afraid of him.
(Segment Rating: 4.5/5. Predictable that Khali would eventually suffer tonight. This match between the giants should be added to SummerSlam with stipulation that it should be a Punjabi Prison match or something of that nature otherwise it won’t get over with the crowd. Nonetheless, the writers did manage to stretch this feud out over the past few months and since they really care about it, then I wouldn’t mind seeing it under the stipulation that I’ve mentioned.)
-Commercial-
WWE Did You Know? In addition to over 1,000,000 females, more males watched SmackDown last Friday than any show on ABC, NBC, Fox, or CBS.
The RAW Rebound is aired and it shows Triple H going down to Texas to find Shawn Michaels working at a restaurant. DX vs. Legacy is on for SummerSlam!
“No More Words” hits and out comes the World Heavyweight Champion, Jeff Hardy!
-Commercial-
The Hart Dynasty, including Natalya, make their way down to the ring to a mixed reaction.
The rules of this match is that the Hart Dynasty must tag in and out.
Handicap Match
Main Event: Jeff Hardy v. Hart Dynasty
Tyson Kidd and Jeff Hardy start things out. Jeff clotheslined Kidd down and dropkicked Smith off the apron. Jeff then threw Kidd to the corner and connected with his signature dropkick in the corner maneuver, but Jeff got hurt as well as he sold his injuries from last week. Smith is tagged in and he clotheslines Jeff down. Following a 2 count, Smith connects on a nasty looking neckbreaker. Kidd is then tagged back in and the Hart Dynasty knock Jeff down with a double shoulderblock. After another 2 count, Kidd applies a headlock and as Jeff tries to break free, Kidd throws Jeff to the corner and tags in Smith. Smith immediately takes Jeff down with a quick snapmare before applying another headlock. JR and Grisham mention how these headlocks are further injuring Jeff Hardy’s neck. As Jeff breaks free, he quickly goes for the Whisper in the Wind, but Smith trips Jeff on the turnbuckle! Smith then goes for the pin, but gets another 2 count. Smith then slams Jeff down and tags Kidd back into the ring. Kidd climbs the turnbuckle and goes for a body splash, but Jeff moves out of the way. After some time, Smith is tagged back into the match and he charges at Jeff. Jeff sidesteps Smith and proceeds to connect with his signature front suplex. Jeff then throws his shirt into the crowd and goes up for the Swanton Bomb, but Kidd tries to knock Jeff off. Jeff kicks Kidd away, but Smith attacks Jeff and brings him onto the apron. Smith tries for a suplex, but Jeff reverses his way into the ring and attempts a Twist of Fate. Smith shoves Jeff away and catches Jeff with a big boot. Smith then tags in Kidd and they connect with Hart Attack for the shocking win.
(Match Rating: 3.5/5. Wow! I knew Jeff was selling his injuries, but the Hart Dynasty just squashed Jeff out there. Nonetheless, this match still told it’s story that Jeff was hurt. Plus, it was good to see the Hart Dynasty get a main event win.)
Post-Match: Natalya gets in the ring as the Hart Dynasty celebrates. CM Punk comes marching down to the ring and he strikes Jeff Hardy with several elbow shots. John Morrison then runs down to the ring and knocks Punk out of the ring. The Hart Dynasty get involved, but Morrison continues to roll. Finally, Punk grabs a steel chair from ringside and smashes Morrison across the back with it. Punk then grabs Jeff and takes him out of the ring. Punk tries to further injure Jeff, but out of nowhere, Matt Hardy comes down and attacks Punk! The crowd is going crazy! The Hart Dynasty try to double team Matt, but Morrison helps evening the odds. Matt and Morrison clean house as Punk escapes up the ramp.
A huge “Hardy” chant breaks out. Jeff is shown struggling in the corner to make it back to his feet as Matt watches on. Matt then helps Jeff up and the two brothers have a brief discussion. Very emotional as Matt gives his younger brother a hug.
Backstage, GM Long seems very pleased watching the reunion on a TV set. Mr. McMahon walks in and asks GM Long what the main event for SmackDown! will be next week. GM Long proudly announces that it will be a 6 Man Tag man that will feature CM Punk teaming up with the Hart Dynasty against John Morrison and the Hardy Boys! Mr. McMahon seems pleased, but reminds GM Long that he is still on probation.
Back in the ring, John Morrison joins the Hardy Boys in celebration as the Hart Dynasty and CM Punk look on from the stage area…
(Segment Rating: 5/5. Man how good was the post-match stuff? Very touching conclusion!)
Quick Match Results:
-Match 1: Dolph Ziggler def. Finlay
-Match 2: CM Punk def. John Morrison
-Match 3: Melina def. Layla
-Match 4: Big Show (w/Chris Jericho) def. JTG (w/Shad)
-Main Event: Hart Dynasty def. Jeff Hardy in a 2 on 1 Handicap Match
Smack of the Night: CM Punk vs. John Morrison
SmackDown! has been really consistent in recent months by producing excellent quality matches and tonight was no different. Morrison, Ziggler and Cryme Time are all deserving of a big push and now that their opportunity has come, they are making the most out of it. The addition of TLC at SummerSlam is awesome and I cannot wait to watch that match as I’m sure most of you are too. Very fitting end to SmackDown! tonight and if Jeff Hardy is scheduled to leave WWE following SummerSlam, then it will be an emotional week next week when we see the Hardy Boys reunite for presumably the last time. Final Rating: 8.5/10
**Note: Be sure to join me next week as I also provide my SummerSlam predictions!
Do you have any questions, concerns, or comments? If so, feel free to email me, MIK, at mik123@ymail.com
