Past SMACKDOWN Shows 2008
All discs are in the U.S. -
NTSC format,
English
language only.
SMACKDOWN
# 438
1-4-08 Taped 12-30-07
Richmond Coliseum
Richmond, Virginia
New year, same bad luck for Chuck Palumbo. The revved-up Superstar joined Michelle McCool in a Mixed Tag Team Match on
SmackDown against Kenny Dykstra & Victoria, but the two friends were unable to find a way to prevail. Palumbo has had a
string of bad luck recently, and his frustrations erupted after the loss; Palumbo verbally assaulting McCool, and then
left her behind as he rode out of the Richmond Coliseum on his motorcycle.
Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore continued their impressive 2007 hot streak into the new year when they faced former WWE
Tag Team Champions Deuce & Domino. The boys from the Other Side of the Tracks have been searching for a win for some time,
but their 2008 began on a sour note. Yang & Moore hope they can carry their recent success to Tuesday night, challenging
reiging champions John Morrison & The Miz for the gold in a 15 Minutes of Fame Match on ECW on Sci Fi. Will WWE's resident
redneck Yang and his partner Moore's 15 minutes end with a golden celebration?
When JBL departed the commentary booth to make his in-ring return on Raw, General Manager Vickie Guerrero used her power
to bring Jonathan Coachman to Friday Night SmackDown as Michael Cole’s new broadcast colleague. (Meet Jonathan Coachman)
Also joining the SmackDown team as its new correspondent is Lena Yada, one of the finalists from the 2007 Diva Search.
After being defeated by Finlay in the Beat the Clock Challenge, United States Champion MVP was seen in the locker room
area on his cell phone, still seething. 2007 was an impact year for MVP, but the Ballin’ Superstar has his sights set even
higher in 2008. His first resolution: To end the career of the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. What plans does MVP have for the
16-time World Champion, a man he has beaten before?
The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry, and on SmackDown Friday night, Edge and General Manager Vickie Guerrero
found out what it’s like to be said rodents. As a result, the Rated-R Superstar now has a date with a former partner at
the Royal Rumble. In what’s sure to be the first of many memorable SmackDown moments in 2008, Rey Mysterio beat the odds,
beat the clock and, perhaps most importantly, beat the champion himself to earn a World Heavyweight Championship Match at
the Royal Rumble. For the first SmackDown of 2008, the GM set up a Beat the Clock Challenge, in which a half-dozen of
SmackDown’s top Superstars would compete. The Superstar winning his match in the shortest time would earn the opportunity
to face the Ultimate Opportunist at the Royal Rumble. There were, however, two caveats: No one knew their match opponent
in advance, and while both Batista and Undertaker would be involved, if either of them put their hands on the Rated-R
Superstar at all during the night, their chances of once again becoming champion would, as Vickie put it, “go up in
smoke.” Finlay and United States Champion MVP kicked off the challenge, with the ornery Irishman setting the first
benchmark. Thanks to a little help from Hornswoggle and a pair of well-placed shillelaghs, Finlay finished his victorious
night in 9:46. That benchmark was quickly topped by late entrant Chavo Guerrero. After failing to take down CM Punk to
earn a chance at his ECW Championship this past Tuesday, the fiery Guerrero lobbied Vickie for a spot in the challenge.
She agreed, and when her nephew defeated Funaki in 6:02, Chavo became the clubhouse leader. That’s when things seemingly
got even fishier. When it was Batista’s turn to beat the clock, Curt Hawkins marched to the ring as his opponent. However,
Vickie had an ace up her sleeve in Zack Ryder, as she turned the bout into a Handicap Match. Our fans in the Richmond
Coliseum cheered on The Animal as he fought valiantly, but the 2-on-1 odds were too much to beat in such a short time.
Batista tried to Batista Bomb Hawkins, but Ryder clutched The Animal’s leg to prevent his partner’s impending doom. Time
expired, and with Hawkins & Ryder’s dirty work done, Batista was eliminated from contention. Next up was Undertaker, and
as he stood in the ring waiting, Matt Striker’s entrance theme filled the air. Instead of coming to compete, however,
Striker appeared in a referee shirt. After announcing that he was in fact the special referee for Undertaker’s bout,
Striker introduced his real opponent – the World’s Strongest Man, Mark Henry. To everyone’s amazement, Striker called the
match fairly – until The Phenom dropped Henry with a chokeslam with less than 15 seconds left in the match. Striker’s
count stopped at two, and as Undertaker stared him down, the buzzer sounded once again. The Deadman had failed to beat the
clock, and when it became imminent that he would take his aggression out on Striker, the deceitful arbiter ran for the
hills, leaving Henry behind to get body slammed by the angry Phenom. Chavo’s time still stood with only one more Superstar
left with a chance to beat the clock: Rey Mysterio. As the Master of the 619 stood in the ring waiting for his opponent,
however, our fans – and even Michael Cole and new SmackDown color commentator Jonathan Coachman at ringside – were thrown
for a loop as the World Heavyweight Champion himself, Edge, sauntered down to the ring, accompanied by Hawkins & Ryder.
For Vickie Guerrero, at least, an Edge vs. Chavo Guerrero match-up at the Royal Rumble might seem like a win-win
situation. But it was not to be, as a very angry pair of failed qualifiers made sure that Mysterio wasn’t as unlucky as
they were. With just under four minutes left for Mysterio, Batista stormed to ringside, taking out Hawkins & Ryder – who
had already interfered liberally in the bout. Then, with just over two minutes left, it was Undertaker’s turn to get back
at the already-distracted Edge. After The Phenom made his way to ringside, the lights went out for nearly 30 seconds at
The Deadman’s behest. When they flickered back on, Edge was slumped face-first into the second rope. No one knows whether
Undertaker had violated Vickie Guerrero’s no-touch rule or not, and Mysterio didn’t care; he nailed the champion with a
619 and springboard splash, securing the victory with 90 seconds to spare to beat the clock and earn his World
Heavyweight Title opportunity with the Rated-R Superstar at Madison Square Garden. Mysterio is a former World Champion
himself, and stated during SmackDown that he would do whatever it took to wear the gold once again. Beating the clock was
only Step One, however; for Rey to reign supreme on SmackDown a second time, he must once again defeat the man with whom
he once co-held the WWE Tag Team Championship in 2002. Mysterio has that chance at the Mecca of sports-entertainment,
Madison Square Garden, on Jan. 26. Two years after his improbable run as a No. 2 entrant won him the Royal Rumble Match –
and ultimately led to him earning the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 22 – will his extensive history with
both Edge and Vickie be enough to help him conquer the Rated-R Kingdom?
MATCHES:
- BEAT THE CLOCK CHALLENGE MATCH -
( NON TITLE )
Fit Finlay defeated United States Champion M.V.P.
- MIXED TAG TEAM MATCH -
Kenny "The Dyke" Dykstra & Victoria
defeated
Chuck Palumbo & Michelle McCool
- BEAT THE CLOCK CHALLENGE MATCH -
Chavo Guerrero defeated Funaki
- BEAT THE CLOCK CHALLENGE MATCH -
Dave "The Animal" Batista
vs
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
ended in a no contest
Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore
defeated
Deuce & Domino
- BEAT THE CLOCK CHALLENGE MATCH -
The Undertaker vs Mark Henry
ended in a no contest
- BEAT THE CLOCK CHALLENGE MATCH -
( NON TITLE )
Rey Mysterio
defeated
World Heavyweight Champion Edge
to become Number 1 contender
Run Time: 2:00:01
SMACKDOWN
# 439
1-11-08 Taped 1-8-08
Wachovia Arena
Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
After being cheated out of winning the Beat the Clock Challenge last week on SmackDown by special guest referee Matt
Striker, Undertaker came into his SmackDown Handicap Match against Striker & Mark Henry with retribution on his mind.
While The Phenom found a measure of that revenge when he delivered a Tombstone to Striker for the victory, he was quickly
assaulted by Big Daddy V & the World’s Strongest Man. Not one to be denied, Undertaker managed to fight off the half-ton
of humanity.
As announced earlier in the week on WWE.com, United States Champion MVP will look to end the career of Ric Flair at Royal
Rumble when the two face off in a Career Threatening Match with the “Nature Boy’s” livelihood at stake. Well before that,
however, former Flair protégé Batista took issue with the Ballin’ Superstar on SmackDown. The Animal may have won the
match by count-otu after knocking MVP to the floor, but the Franchise Playa’s night wasn’t finished. He grabbed a steel
chair to try and decimate Batista, but The Animal erupted and laid the U.S. Champion out with a spear.
While Ranjin Singh claimed that he strictly followed the training regimen of The Great Khali prior to an Arm Wrestling
Contest against Hornswoggle, it was the power of the mind that would give Mr. McMahon’s illegitimate son the upper hand
for the win. With Finlay in his corner – armed with an electro-shock device for extra protection – Hornswoggle took full
advantage of his opportunity and secured another improbable victory. The Punjabi giant didn’t like the outcome, however,
and tried to devastate the pint-sized prankster after the contest. But as has been the case recently, the Irishman made
sure Khali did not have the chance, nailing him with a steel chair to chase him off.
Jamie Noble defeated Chuck Palumbo for the fourth time in as many tries, this time in a Royal Rumble Qualifying Match.
Noble now will head to the Rumble, while Chuck appears to be headed toward a breakdown. After the loss, the revved-up
Superstar once again took out all his angst on good friend Michelle McCool. The All-American Diva was embarrassed by her
supposed confidant’s verbal bashing, and the friendship appears to be on the rocks. Jamie Noble showed his chivalrous
side, however, and McCool once again seemed to appreciate the kindness.
Earlier in the week on WWE.com, Kane was named one of the 30 participants in this year’s Royal Rumble Match, and he showed
why he is one of the most feared Rumble competitors when he dismantled Domino on SmackDown. As Kane readies himself to
make another Rumble impact, Domino and his partner Deuce are still looking for their first victory of 2008.
An old proverb states that blood is thicker than water. But when it comes to SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero and
her lover Edge, even her own extended family thinks that something else there is pretty thick. Vickie opened the broadcast
in the ring, wanting to congratulate Rey Mysterio on becoming No. 1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Naturally, after all he and Vickie have been through in the last two years – not to mention the GM’s relationship with the
current World Heavyweight Champion – Mysterio was a little hesitant to accept that praise. Instead, the Master of the 619
used the forum to question his best friend’s widow on just what she was doing. “I still care about you and your family,
Vickie,” Mysterio revealed, “but your relationship with Edge…” He was quickly cut off by a defensive Vickie, who claimed
that she was still young and could have more children, and that Edge would make a great father figure. The Rated-R
Superstar then came out to defend his love for the General Manager, but after a quick and heated verbal exchange between
Edge and Mysterio, Chavo Guerrero came to the ring and surprised everyone by choosing an unexpected side. “Rey, no matter
how hard you try, you will NEVER be a Guerrero!” Chavo chided. “But I am … and I want to know how you, Vickie, can call
yourself one when the entire Guerrero family is disgusted by your relationship with Edge!” Once again, the Rated-R
Superstar and the General Manager got defensive in a hurry, and Vickie had an easy solution to show that she was still the
boss: Make a bout between Rey and Chavo for later in the evening. When the announcement was made, the two men – whose
long-standing rivalry is well documented – stared at each other uneasily, but seemed for a moment to be on the same page.
That would all change later. Come main event time, Edge made his way to ringside to do guest commentary and perhaps scout
his Royal Rumble opponent. What he as well as all of our fans watching saw was another classic Rey vs. Chavo battle that
saw momentum change hands numerous times. In the end, however, a 619 and a top rope splash in homage to his late friend
gave Mysterio another hard-fought victory over the third-generation Superstar. Once the bout was over, however, Edge showed
why he is the Ultimate Opportunist by deciding to take advantage of Rey’s condition. The World Heavyweight Champion
instantly ambushed the weakened Mysterio; Rey tried to fight back, but just when momentum seemed to swing to his side,
backup arrived in the form of Edge’s buddies, Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder. Hawkins & Ryder helped their mentor destroy his
former partner, as the 3-on-1 advantage was too much for even the Ultimate Underdog to overcome. After successfully
subduing his rival, Edge thrust the World Heavyweight Championship in Mysterio’s face and reminded him that after Royal
Rumble, he will still have both the gold and his love for Vickie Guerrero. The X-factor in this whole equation is, of
course, Chavo. He and Mysterio are definitely not friends, they both – along with the entire Guerrero family – don’t
believe that everything is as it seems between Vickie and Edge. And while he has been seemingly pre-occupied with wresting
the ECW Championship away from CM Punk, Chavo had no hesitation about getting involved in the Beat the Clock Challenge to
earn a chance at Edge’s gold. Where must his head be at right now, and will his state of mind and resulting actions have a
long-term effect on the battle between Mysterio and Edge? With love, family and friendship all falling into different
camps, just about anything can happen. It’s said that blood is thicker than water, but it’s also theorized that love
conquers all; if he’s not careful, Rey Mysterio might soon find out the hard way how true both of those statements really
are.
MATCHES:
- ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFYING MATCH -
Jamie Noble defeated Chuck Palumbo
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Batista defeated United States Champion M.V.P.
via a count out
- HANDICAP MATCH -
Undertaker defeated Matt Striker & Mark Henry
- ARM WRESTLING CONTEST -
Hornswoggle defeated Ranjin Singh
Kane defeated Domino
Rey Mysterio defeated Chavo Guerrero
Run Time: 2:00:00
SMACKDOWN
# 440
1-18-08 Taped 1-15-08
Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center
Birmingham, Alabama
With Royal Rumble looming a week from Sunday, Undertaker kicked off SmackDown by grabbing the ring mic and issuing a grim
warning: “In nine days, I will step into the ring at Royal Rumble. If you stand before me, you will fall before me. If you
enter that ring, you will rest in peace!” After Undertaker’s rare appearance on the mic, Matt Striker and Big Daddy V came
down the ramp to have their say in the matter. While the quarter-ton ECW mastodon sneered at Undertaker, Striker -- still
recovering from last week’s Tombstone -- asked The Phenom, “How do you plan to move this man over the tope rope and onto
the floor?!” Things soon escalated, with Undertaker and V exchanging blows. The two stopped before a full blown battle
ensued, but next week, these beasts will collide in the middle of the ring on SmackDown.
Although they squared off at Armageddon, this was the first time Khali and Finlay met up on SmackDown. With revenge on his
mind, Khali dominated the Irishman for most of the match and finished him off with his brutal Vise Grip.
After the match, the Chairman had a little talk with Finlay, who was supposed to take care of Khali, “but Khali took care
of you,” he said. To potentially give Finlay the advantage against the Punjabi giant, Mr. McMahon lined up a Belfast
Brawl street fight between the two next week on the debut of SmackDown in HD.
Sixteen-time World Champion Ric Flair made an appearance on MVP’s VIP Lounge to talk about his upcoming Royal Rumble match
against the United States Champion. After trading verbal barbs about who really is THE man, Flair smacked MVP in the
chest, knocking him to the mat. Will Flair be forced into retirement at Royal Rumble? Or, will he put the younger
MVP in his place?
Batista – winner of the 2005 Royal Rumble – looked to be on form for the 30-man over-the-top rope war by taking out The
World’s Strongest Man, Mark Henry. The Animal roared and appeared more than ready for the Rumble. But, with his massive
size and strength, Henry will surely not go over the ropes without a fight next Sunday.
In Diva action, Michelle McCool defeated Layla and was later surprised to find a bouquet of flowers for her in the locker
room area. At first, Michelle thought Jamie Noble got them for her, but Chuck Palumbo quickly stepped in to explain he
gave the flowers – an effort to get back in McCool’s good graces for his actions on last week’s SmackDown. Stuck between
the two testosterone-pumped Superstars, McCool had to play mediator to get them to agree to “all get along.”
Deuce & Domino wore down Shannon Moore & Jimmy Wang Yang. But in the end, it was a moonsault
press from Yang to Domino that helped give his team the win.
As Royal Rumble approaches, rivalries over the ECW and World Heavyweight Championships are heating up; but for World
Champion Edge & Chavo Guerrero, the events of Friday night may have thrown more logs onto the fires burning inside Rey
Mysterio & ECW Champion CM Punk than they intended. Ever since defeating Edge two weeks ago to Beat the Clock and earn a
title opportunity at Royal Rumble, Rey Mysterio has been left crumpled in a heap every time he comes up against the
Rated-R Superstar and his entourage. Chavo can sympathize, as over the last few weeks, he has been chasing CM Punk in
hopes of earning an ECW Championship opportunity. He was finally successful on this past Tuesday’s ECW on Sci Fi, as a
little unexpected help from Edge earned Chavo a count-out victory over Punk and an ECW Title Match on the final ECW before
the Rumble. Then, there’s the X-factor: Vickie Guerrero. She’s Edge’s girlfriend, Chavo’s aunt, a thorn in Mysterio’s side
and, most importantly, SmackDown’s General Manager. So when Chavo announced last week that he – along with the entire
Guerrero family – were disgusted by her relationship with Edge, eyebrows were raised and whispers floated about whether or
not the relationship between aunt and nephew was fractured beyond repair. Obviously, that all changed on ECW, and the
union was further cemented shortly before SmackDown’s main event. Chavo & Edge were due to face Mysterio & Punk, and our
fans found out that Vickie’s men were a united front when Chavo made the following proposal: “Vickie, I’ve had a change of
heart about last week,” he said, “and Edge, I think you’re a pretty good guy. I’d like it if we could just be one big,
happy family.” An overjoyed General Manager took both men’s hands and shrieked with joy, and it was clear to our fans – as
well as Mysterio & Punk – that they were up against an even bigger force than they anticipated. Come match time, Edge &
Chavo worked cohesively as a unit, but Mysterio & Punk were a step better in the early going. After taking a moment to
regroup – one necessitated after Mysterio & Punk tossed them to the arena floor and followed with a pair of suicide
dives – however, Edge & Chavo regained control and dominated CM Punk, who may have still been suffering the lingering
effects of the attack he endured days earlier on ECW on Sci Fi. Finally, the ECW Champion escaped his opponents and made
the tag to Mysterio, who came in like a house of fire. After knocking Edge off the apron – repayment for the Rated-R
Superstar doing the same earlier when Punk was trying to tag out – Rey nailed Chavo with a 619 and prepared to launch
himself off the top rope. That never got off the ground, however, as the World Heavyweight Champion blasted Mysterio in
the knee with a steel chair. Referee Jim Korderas immediately disqualified Edge & Chavo and called for the bell, but that
didn’t stop the attack. A 2-on-1 beatdown of Mysterio began, and when Punk tried to help his partner, more backup arrived
in the form of Edge’s cronies, Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder. Punk & Mysterio were unable to combat the 4-on-2 advantage, and
both were left laying after the beating culminated in the Ultimate Opportunist spearing Mysterio into oblivion. It was the
second week in a row that Mysterio had been decimated by Edge, and the second broadcast in a row that CM Punk was left
beaten by the Rated-R Superstar and Chavo Guerrero. As two big title matches approach – Chavo vs. Punk on ECW and Edge vs.
Mysterio at the Royal Rumble – will the constant beating leave the ECW Champion and the Master of the 619 in any shape to
be successful in those contests? Now that he has two Guerreros on his side, Edge looks a powerful as ever; when all is
said and done, will this Edge-Chavo alliance leave his kingdom with another crown jewel – the ECW Championship?
MATCHES:
The Great Khali defeated Fit Finlay
Shannon Moore & Jimmy Wang Yang
defeated
Deuce & Domino
Batista defeated Mark Henry
Michelle McCool defeated Layla
Rey Mysterio & ECW Champion C.M. Punk
defeated
World Heavyweight Champion Edge & Chavo Guerrero
via a disqualification
Run Time: 1:57:16
THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE
Nearly one year after Mr. McMahon and Donald Trump came to billion-dollar blows at WrestleMania 23, the two media
juggernauts cross paths again – this time on The Donald’s turf – on NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice.
On Thursday 1-24-08, McMahon will make a very special appearance on Trump’s hugely popular corporate-themed
competition starring celebrities such as Stephen Baldwin, Lennox Lewis, Vinnie Pastore and Marilu Henner.
“I invited Vince to come on because I loved my victory over him at WrestleMania 23, and I thought maybe I’d take it to the
next step,” Trump explained. “Vince is the greatest showman there is. Whether you like him or not, Vince is a smart guy.
He’s cunning, he’s sharp and I did listen to his opinions.”
This truly special episode of The Celebrity Apprentice marks the first time the mane-shaven McMahon and the fully-coiffed
Trump encountered one another since the record-breaking WrestleMania in April. Given their clouded history, The Donald
carefully coupled his praise with self-assertion, making sure it was known who he believed was the dominant force in the
executive chair on the show.
“Vince likes to … think that he’s got this power,” Trump said. “I’m taller than Vince, I’m stronger than Vince, I’m better
looking than Vince. He continued confidently, “If I walk into a restaurant and he walks into a restaurant anywhere in the
world, I can tell you who gets the best table … and it’s Trump.”
It’s natural to wonder whether there is actually a board room big enough for these well moneyed moguls to share – let alone
make decisions together about the contestants’ business prowess. “You could tell there was a bit of tension in the board
room,” Mr. McMahon admitted. “I’m accustomed to board rooms, I have a public company. I hold a grudge and [Trump] knows
it. Notwithstanding my short hair, I am still … far more handsome than Donald.” With these two earth-sized egos colliding
at the same polished cherry wood board room table, the contestants will face arguably the greatest challenge of the
season. And, by the show’s end, one underperforming celebrity will hear those very damaging words that terminate his or
her apprenticeship – something Mr. McMahon adamantly claimed is his forte that The Donald shamelessly stole.
“A long, long time ago, Mr. McMahon came up with the phrase ‘You’re fired,’” claimed the WWE Chairman. “Trump is smart; he
copied from the best. So, he copied me.” The difference? Simple. “I do it a little differently than he does,” Mr. McMahon
explained, before his eyes suddenly filled with an unusual rage that drew several large veins upon his forehead. “I say:
YOU’RE FIRED! “I mean it,” he stressed. “[Trump] does too, but the person being fired feels a little different having been
fired by me as opposed to Donald.”
But, before you expect to see the Battle of the Billionaires: Part 2 explode onto network television, you might want to
consider the WWE Chairman and the Trump Enterprises overlord to be the most powerful pairing in the world. “I really
wouldn’t call this Battle of the Billionaires 2,” Mr. McMahon surprisingly argued. “Donald and I were on the same side …
which is a very interesting combination considering the cunning marketing skills that we have. I would suggest the two of
us would make quite a tag team champion.” The thought of the two powerhouses partnering is indeed intriguing, but more
importantly, alarming. While Trump did not comment on whether he would step in the ring with Mr. McMahon and actually
share one side of it, there was something both billionaires actually agreed on.
“This episode was spectacular,” The Donald affirmed. “You will see something about Vince and learn something about him
that you never knew before.” Like Trump, Mr. McMahon claimed that his experience on his rival’s program will
unquestionably yield huge success. Describing his appearance as a rare opportunity for WWE fans, Mr. McMahon guaranteed
viewers will see the WWE Chairman in a way he has never been seen before.
“For WWE fans, it’s going to be interesting to see how Vince McMahon does outside of his environment,” said the Chairman.
“They may see a different side of Vince McMahon on The Celebrity Apprentice.”
Run Time: 59:36
SMACKDOWN
# 441
1-25-08 Taped 1-22-08
John Paul Jones Arena
Charlottesville, Virginia
With just 48 hours until Royal Rumble, the SmackDown Superstars were upping their game in preparation for the showdown at
Madison Square Garden. Among those ready to clash in the Big Apple are two of WWE’s biggest athletes – the 6-foot,
10-1/2-inch Undertaker and the 500-pound man-mountain from Harlem, N.Y., Big Daddy V. But on Friday night, it was The
Deadman who displayed his dominance. Using a submission move never seen before, Undertaker defeated V, leaving him with
blood flowing from his mouth – and requiring the World’s Strongest Man, Mark Henry, to help him exit the ring. Somehow,
The Phenom always finds a way to win. Will he find a similar way to defeat the 29 other men come Royal Rumble?
In addition to The Phenom, Batista – another serious Rumble contender and former World Heavyweight Champion – grabbed the
SmackDown mic to let everyone know about his chances of being the last man standing in New York City. Making a bold
prediction, the 2005 Rumble winner proclaimed, “I’m putting every competitor on notice. History is going to repeat itself.”
On last week’s SmackDown, Finlay was on the receiving end of The Great Khali’s brutal Vise Grip, which almost crushed the
Fighting Irishman’s cranium. To potentially allow Finlay to get some payback, the Chairman set up a no-rules Belfast Brawl
between the two. Revenge came swiftly and severely when the Chairman’s illegitimate son, Hornswoggle, looked to be in
danger of being slammed into the announce table by Khali. This launched Finlay into a relentless attack; using his
shillelagh, fists, boot and a chair, he opened a wound on the Punjabi giant’s forehead. Will Finlay be able to carry this
aggression forward and use it to his advantage in the Rumble? For Hornswoggle to survive the 30-man over-the-top rope
Royal Rumble, he’ll surely need Finlay at his side. But, according to the Chairman, Hornswoggle cannot trust the Fighting
Irishman. In the locker room area, Mr. McMahon pulled his son aside and advised him not to trust anyone in Royal Rumble.
“Your last name isn’t Finlay,” he said. “Your last name is McMahon, and don’t you ever forget it.”
Days before the Career Threatening Match at Royal Rumble, the verbal battle between Ric Flair and United States Champion
Montel Vontavious Porter continued on SmackDown. Taking a sarcastic look into Flair’s future, MVP taunted “Naitch” with
what it might look like, including the “Nature Boy” playing shuffleboard in his retirement. Flair brushed off MVP’s
prognosticating and flatly proclaimed he is not ready to retire, “not ready to go home.” All the talk will come to a head
on Sunday, when Flair’s fate in WWE is decided. If Flair defeats MVP, the Nature Boy carries on. Lose, and he must retire,
as per the Chairman.
In a Six-Person Tag Team Match, Chuck Palumbo, Jamie Noble & Michelle McCool were set to face off against The Miz, John
Morrison & Layla. But, before the match could really get going, McCool’s team got into trouble early. While bickering in
the middle of the ring, Palumbo shoved Noble against the ropes, launching Michelle off the apron and down to the ground.
With the match stopped for medical staff to check on Michelle’s condition, Chuck seemed to snap, delivering a vicious
beating to Noble, his own teammate. After recovering, McCool tried to intervene, only to have Palumbo ruthlessly throw her
to the ground again – this time requiring emergency medical technicians to take her out of the arena on a stretcher.
Later, as Michelle was brought to a waiting ambulance, Noble apologized for how things went down.
For fans wondering where Jesse and Festus have been in recent SmackDown action, Jesse offered an explanation. In an effort
to help with his bizarre personalities, Festus is seeking professional help. Best friend Jesse explained there is the
calm, cool and reserved Festus. And then there is the crazy, madman Festus. Which will we see when Festus gets “well”?
On the debut of SmackDown in HD, fans saw Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore defeat Deuce & Domino in tag team action. Also,
fans learned that next week, Eve – winner of the 2007 WWE Diva Search – will be coming to SmackDown in HD.
After World Heavyweight Champion Edge’s actions helped Chavo Guerrero become the new ECW Champion this past Tuesday on ECW
on Sci Fi, CM Punk came to SmackDown looking for retribution against the Rated-R Superstar. With Royal Rumble opponent Rey
Mysterio at ringside, the World Champion Edge was hoping to send a message of his own to the Master of the 619 just two
days before they clash over the gold, and he might have done just that by defeating Punk to earn the victory heading into
the Rumble. In the non-title affair, Edge defeated the Straightedge Superstar with a perfectly delivered spear that
appeared to come out of nowhere, sealing the victory and building his final momentum before the Royal Rumble. After the
win by the Rated-R Superstar, Rey entered the ring to check on CM Punk – and possibly get his hands on the champion –
while the Ultimate Opportunist exited and celebrated up the aisle with Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder. Earlier in the night,
Mysterio fended for himself in a Handicap Match against Edge’s associates. In a match made by General Manager Vickie
Guerrero, Hawkins & Ryder were on a mission to punish the Master of the 619 before his championship encounter with Edge
this Sunday. But as Rey has shown time and time again during his career, he is at his best with the odds against him. As
the No. 1 contender had set up Ryder for the 619, Hawkins entered the ring with a chair, but was quickly surprised when
Mysterio kicked the chair into his face, a sign that Mysterio’s growing frustrations have made him more dangerous than he
has ever been. Mysterio claimed the victory by disqualification, and more importantly, delivered a statement of his own:
That he is focused on winning the gold this Sunday and nothing is going to stand in his way. While he may have made the
clear statement on SmackDown as he faces the task at hand on Sunday, Mysterio will still have to contend with Edge,
Hawkins & Ryder, General Manager Vickie Guerrero and now, his longtime rival, ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero. If Rey hopes to
reclaim the title he held in 2006 as the biggest underdog in WWE history, lightning will have to strike once more at the
site of perhaps his greatest underdog feat, the Royal Rumble. The question now is: Can Rey Mysterio find a way to win,
despite the deck being stacked against him in the “Guerrero family,” or will the World Heavyweight Champion Edge and those
aligned with the Rated-R Superstar make it impossible for Mysterio to find his way back to the “richest prize in the game”?
MATCHES:
- HANDICAP MATCH -
Rey Mysterio
defeated
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
via a disqualification
Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore
defeated
Deuce and Domino
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin, John "Nobody" Morrison & Layla
vs
Chuck Palumbo, Jamie Noble & Michelle McCool
ended in a no contest
- BELFAST BRAWL -
Fit Finlay vs The Great Kahli
ended in a no contest
The Undertaker defeated Big Daddy V
- NON TITLE MATCH -
World Heavyweight Champion Edge
defeated
C.M. Punk
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:58:45
SMACKDOWN
# 442
2-1-08 Taped 1-29-08
Sovereign Center
Reading, Pennsylvania
With General Manager Vickie Guerrero sidelined this week after being injured while protecting her lover Edge at Royal
Rumble, Theodore Long was given the power on Friday Night SmackDown, and the Assistant GM wasted little time in making big
moves involving No Way Out. Claiming SmackDown would not be outdone by Raw, Long announced to our fans that there would be
an unprecedented second Elimination Chamber Match on pay-per-view involving Superstars from SmackDown and ECW: Batista,
Big Daddy V, MVP, The Great Khali, Finlay and Undertaker. The prize for the Superstar who comes out of the Chamber
victorious at No Way Out: An opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXIV. All six Chamber
competitors saw action on Friday night, hoping to gain early momentum two weeks before the showdown in the sadistic
structure.
Undertaker reunited with his brother Kane on SmackDown to defeat the team of Big Daddy V & Mark Henry. The Most Dominant
Force in WWE and the World’s Strongest Man were looking for revenge after last week when The Phenom took down Big Daddy V
with a new submission maneuver — a move Henry said had “gone too far.” Both Kane and The Deadman have had their
difficulties with the dangerous duo of Big Daddy V & Henry in 2-on-1 assaults, but on SmackDown, the Brothers of
Destruction evened the odds. Unleashing the brutality they have exhibited repeatedly, the “Brothers Grimm” proved why they
are one of the most intimidating duos in WWE history. Once more, Undertaker used his new submission maneuver, this time
forcing Mark Henry to bleed from his mouth and submit, reminiscent of Big Daddy V last week.
In a Royal Rumble rematch, United States Champion and Chamber participant MVP looked to once again end the career of Ric
Flair in a Career Threatening Match. This past Sunday, MVP was unsuccessful in his bid to be the man who beat “the man”
into retirement. In his second opportunity to cement his place in sports-entertainment history, MVP again failed when he
refused to break his reversal of Flair’s Figure Four Leglock, causing the disqualification. The Franchise Playa then
delivered a vicious assault to the “Nature Boy,” leaving the 16-time World Champion injured. Will the Ballin’ Superstar’s
beating put Flair’s career in jeopardy when he faces Mr. Kennedy at No Way Out, or will “Naitch” show the resilience he
has shown throughout his 35 years in sports-entertainment and keep “wooing” our fans?
After protecting Hornswoggle from harm in the Royal Rumble Match this past Sunday, Finlay, one of the six Superstars
competing in the Elimination Chamber at No Way Out, teamed up with his pint-sized partner to defeat the reeling Deuce &
Domino. Hornswoggle spent most of this past Sunday under the ring, but as Big Daddy V & Mark Henry prepared to destroy
him, Finlay saved the little guy. When confronted by Mr. McMahon on SmackDown for his Rumble motives, the Irishman told
the Chairman that his reasons were his “loyalty and friendship” to Hornswoggle.
2007 Diva Search Winner Eve made her debut on SmackDown, and the newest Diva’s first task was interviewing Batista about
the upcoming Elimination Chamber Match at No Way Out. The Animal told Eve and our fans that he would win the match and go
on to WrestleMania XXIV to challenge for the title.
One week after causing injury to his “best friend,” Chuck Palumbo’s apology to Michelle McCool seemed sincere, until
Palumbo began blaming Jamie Noble for his actions last week. Chuck’s words weren’t what McCool wanted to hear, and the
SmackDown Diva decided to make a statement of her own, slapping the revved-up Superstar across the face in the middle of
the wrong and rejecting his apology.
Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore had been on an impressive winning streak over the past few weeks, but it ended at the
hands of Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder on SmackDown. Yang & Moore have quickly become one of the top tag teams in WWE, but
Hawkins & Ryder have designs of their own to take over the tag division.
Jesse told our fans that next week, he and Festus will return to SmackDown. Festus has been out of action while receiving
treatment for his bizarre personality condition. What will the duo do in their return to Friday nights and will Festus be
cured? WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison speak out on Jesse & Festus' return.
Friday night on SmackDown, Edge & Chavo Guerrero found out that the family that stays together doesn’t always win
together. While Royal Rumble week may have been a good one for the “familia” – Chavo won the ECW Championship from CM Punk
on ECW on Sci Fi, Edge beat Punk on SmackDown and then defeated Rey Mysterio to retain the World Heavyweight Title at
Royal Rumble – this past one wasn’t quite as fantastic. Coincidentally, their downward spiral also began at the Rumble.
Although Edge defeated Mysterio, he did so at a price: The health of his lover, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero,
who was injured when she threw herself in front of Rey’s 619 to shield Edge and spur him to victory. It only got worse on
Tuesday night, as Chavo’s Championship Fiesta on ECW on Sci Fi was cut short by a guest appearance from Punk. Dressed as a
member of the mariachi band brought in to help Chavo celebrate, the Straightedge Superstar brained the new ECW Champion
with a guitar, turning his fiesta into an unwanted siesta. So, heading into their big tag team battle with Mysterio & Punk
on Friday Night SmackDown, it seemed as if Edge & Chavo had all the motivation they needed. But when it rains, it pours.
Having been placed in charge by Mr. McMahon due to Vickie’s absence, Assistant General Manager Theodore Long opened
SmackDown with two huge announcements for No Way Out. In addition to sanctioning an Elimination Chamber Match – in which
six SmackDown and ECW Superstars will vie for the right to face the World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania XXIV – he
also made a Royal Rumble rematch between Edge and Mysterio for the gold. An angry Rated-R Superstar came out to protest,
but the much-maligned (by Edge, anyway) Assistant GM turned a deaf ear to his complaint. When it came time for the main
event, a frustrated and focused pair of champions made their way to the ring to battle Punk & Mysterio. And for most of the
match, Edge & Chavo dominated their opponents, letting their frustrations loose and particularly targeting Mysterio’s
previously injured left knee. Late in the bout, however, the Master of the 619 was able to escape a double team and make
the tag to Punk, which was the beginning of the end for the ECW & World Heavyweight Champions. After a momentary melee,
Mysterio forced both men into position for the 619. Edge bailed out of the ring, but no matter; Rey nailed Chavo with the
move and then flattened the Rated-R Superstar with a breathtaking cross bodyblock. Meanwhile, inside the ring, Punk got a
little retribution on Chavo, dropping him with the Go to Sleep to claim the winning pinfall. While Mysterio & Punk stood
victorious in the ring, the beaten tandem of Edge & Chavo stood in the entrance aisle still displaying the one thing each
victor wants most: The World Heavyweight and ECW Championships, respectively. But will Mysterio & Punk’s physical victory
on SmackDown springboard them back to the gold? The Master of the 619 knows he has another opportunity at No Way Out,
while Punk’s future is a little less clear. Can the newfound “familia” of Edge & Chavo keep it together and stay a golden
duo with this dual threat staring them straight in the face – and perhaps without ringleader Vickie Guerrero physically
able to help them do so?
MATCHES:
- CAREER THREATENING MATCH -
( NON TITLE )
"The Nature Boy" Ric Flair
defeated
United States Champion M.V.P.
via a disqualification
Rey Mysterio & C.M. Punk
defeated
World Heavyweight Champion Edge
&
ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero
Fit Finlay & Hornswoggle
defeated
Deuce & Domino
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
defeated
Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore
The Undertaker & Kane
defeated
Big Daddy V & Mark Henry
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:57:00
SMACKDOWN
# 443
2-8-08 Taped 2-5-08
American Bank Center
Corpus Christi, Texas
Batista, the only SmackDown participant who has fought in the Elimination Chamber before, opened SmackDown by telling our
fans that he meant what he said last week: He would win the unprecedented second Chamber at No Way Out. The other
participants, however, didn’t share the same view as The Animal, and the dissent led to a Six-Man Tag Match later in the
night. United States Champion MVP was the first to voice his displeasure, followed by Big Daddy V and his mouthpiece, Matt
Striker. The Great Khali entered the arena to show his dissent, as did Finlay. Suddenly, the lights then went out, and
Undertaker appeared in the ring ready to show his dominance. The Chamber at No Way Out is going to be literally the
biggest ever, with the combined weight of the Superstars equaling nearly a ton. Instead of an all out brawl to begin
SmackDown, the six Chamber opponents were put into a Six-Man Tag Team Match with the Irishman, The Animal and The Phenom
teaming up to face The Dominating Force in WWE, the Punjabi giant and the Ballin’ Superstar. With each man trying to gain
momentum before the Elimination Chamber, the tension in the ring was as intense as the action. When it looked as if Khali
and his partners had the match in hand, Finlay turned the tables, nailing the 7-foot-3, 420 pound giant with his
shillelagh. All hell broke loose, and no Superstar could trust the others, evident by the stare down between Batista,
Finlay and Undertaker. But the message was sent by all the participants: There will be no intimidation and no way out as
they will all fend for themselves in the Elimination Chamber on Feb. 17.
One Superstar who stayed true to his own personal mission is Chuck Palumbo. Last week, the revved-up Superstar warned
Michelle McCool that whatever he did to Jamie Noble would be her fault and that he would make her watch. On SmackDown,
Palumbo lived up to his word when he defeated Noble for the first time and then unleashed a maniacal assault on the
already weakened Noble. Despite McCool’s desperate plea, Palumbo destroyed her friend Jamie Noble, even making our fans and
McCool believe he was unhinged enough as he teased running over Noble with his motorcycle. The attack was one of the most
brutal in SmackDown’s recent history, and re-injured the previously bruised ribs of Jamie Noble.
The returning Jesse & Festus hoped to pick up where they left off a few weeks ago before they left SmackDown to seek help
for Festus’ changing personalities. Paraded out in a paper bag by Jesse, Festus’ “new” look was ultimately unveiled, and
the face of the returning Superstar seemed to remain the same. Another thing that didn’t seem to change was the focus of
Festus when the bell rang, which gave the “Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy” duo the victory over the boys from the Other Side of the
Tracks.
Two weeks ago on ECW on Sci Fi, Kane defeated ECW’s “Gold Standard” Shelton Benjamin by count-out. On SmackDown, Benjamin
returned the favor, albeit inadvertently. After a thunderous blow that sent Shelton flying back into the ring, Kane was
unable to answer the referee’s 10-count, giving Shelton the victory. Will these two Superstars continue to clash, and will
Kane find a way to bring to a halt the man who claims, “There ain’t no stoppin’ me?”
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder continued their recent string of successes with another win over Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon
Moore. Hawkins & Ryder’s rise to prominence in the tag team division was at the expense of SmackDown’s resident redneck &
Moore, who have now lost two straight to Edge’s cohorts.
With No Way Out just nine days away, Friday’s edition of “The Cutting Edge” included events that could have implications
on Rey Mysterio’s battle to regain the World Title, but also life outside the ring for Edge and SmackDown General Manager
Vickie Guerrero. With Vickie back on SmackDown, Edge kicked off his controversial show by saying that he had a Valentine’s
Day surprise in store for her next week – one that could have “life-altering” implications. He continued to show his love
by demanding an apology from Rey Mysterio for the 619 to the GM during their Royal Rumble match. “If you don’t, I will
come back there and grab you by your mask to do it,” Edge roared over the mic. It didn’t take long for Mysterio to make
his way into the ring and approach the wheel-chair-bound GM. She immediately confronted him, saying, “Rey, I demand an
apology tonight!” Mysterio could only utter a few words: “Vickie I think…” before he was met with a swift backhand from
the GM. As he tried to get out more words, he was the recipient of yet another smack. “I’m here to explain my side of the
story,” Mysterio offered as he put his hand on Vickie, as if to comfort her. But, she wanted no part of it and grabbed his
arm. This drew an immediate attack from Edge, who pushed the masked Superstar to the mat. The Rated-R Superstar then went
after Mysterio with two steel chairs he grabbed from outside the ring. But, his attack backfired as the No. 1 contender
kicked one of the chairs back into Edge’s face, knocking him to the ropes. Mysterio then capitalized and went in for the
619, knocking the champion out of the ring. Next, he West Coast Popped from the apron onto Edge, forcing him down onto the
announcer table. As Edge lay delirious outside the ring, Mysterio came back in to confront Vickie. It looked as if he was
going to lay a hand on her, but instead he stared her down and finally gave her what Edge demanded. “I almost forgot. I’m
sorry,” he said. Later, Diva Eve caught up with the recovering Rated-R Superstar in the locker room area to follow-up on
his earlier announcement. She inquired, “Are you going to ask the question that every woman wants to hear? Are you going
to propose to Vickie?” Clearly offended by Eve’s line of questioning, Edge declined to answer, saying everyone will have
to wait until next week’s SmackDown to find out. Despite all of the personal issues between Rey, Edge and Vickie, it’s
clear the Master of the 619 has a burning desire to become champion once again at No Way Out. But before Rey meets Edge on
pay-per-view, the shape of their encounter could be completely altered once Edge asks his life-changing question. Whatever
the Ultimate Opportunist asks the GM next week, will it be out of his burning love for her, or will it be part of a
brilliantly laid plan to build even closer ties to management to continue his championship reign?
MATCHES:
Shelton Benjamin defeated Kane
via a count out
Chuck Palumbo defeated Jamie Noble
Jesse & Festus
defeated
Deuce & Domino
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
defeated
Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore
Batista, The Undertaker & Fit Finlay
vs
Big Daddy V, The Great Khali & United States Champion M.V.P.
ended in a no contest
Air Time: 1:59:49
Run Time: 1:57:29
SMACKDOWN
# 444
2-15-08 Taped 2-6-08
Toyota Center
Houston, Texas
With No Way Out just two days away, and the biggest Elimination Chamber in history looming, all six of the Superstars
scheduled to compete in the sadistic structure saw action on SmackDown. Chamber opponents Batista and United States
Champion MVP kicked off SmackDown in a one-on-one contest. The Animal and the Ballin’ Superstar had hopes of gaining
momentum before fighting this Sunday for the right to become No. 1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship. And
while MVP believes that winning the “richest prize in the game” is his destiny, the stars were aligned for Batista on
Friday night. After MVP seized control of the match and looked to steal a victory from the former World Champion, The
Animal turned the tables and delivered a thunderous Batista Bomb to silence the cocky MVP and get the win.
Another Superstar hoping that his path to a title match at WrestleMania XXIV goes through the Elimination Chamber is
Undertaker. On SmackDown, The Phenom stayed the course when he defeated ECW’s lone Chamber representative, Big Daddy V.
The rivalry between the two behemoths has been fierce and brutal, and The Dominating Force in WWE found out weeks ago on
SmackDown that Undertaker is more dangerous and focused than ever when he was bloodied by The Deadman’s newest submission
maneuver.
The final two participants in the unprecedented second Elimination Chamber on Sunday in Las Vegas, Finlay and The Great
Khali, revisited their volatile rivalry on SmackDown when they went toe-to-toe. The Irishman once again received an assist
from Hornswoggle, whom Finlay saved from Mr. McMahon this past Monday night. With the referee distracted by the Chairman’s
illegitimate son, Finlay nailed Khali with the shillelagh to get the win. All six Superstars are headed to the most
dangerous match in WWE on Sunday when they step into the Elimination Chamber, and the stakes have never been higher with a
trip to WrestleMania XXIV and World Heavyweight Championship opportunity on the line.
As CM Punk continues his pursuit of ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero’s title, the Straightedge Superstar enlisted the help of
Kane in tag action against Chavo & Shelton Benjamin on SmackDown. After showing Chavo up yet again this past Tuesday on
ECW on Sci Fi, Punk gained another leg up with the Big Red Monster in his corner, as the duo defeated the ECW Champion and
ECW’s “Gold Standard,” when Punk hit the Go To Sleep on Chavo.
Last week, Michelle McCool watched in horror as Chuck Palumbo decimated her friend Jamie Noble. On SmackDown, the
All-American Diva took on Victoria and McCool’s former friend, Palumbo, who made his presence known when he rode his
motorcycle to ringside. Palumbo’s distraction allowed Victoria to hit the Widow’s Peak on McCool for the victory. Then,
after her loss, McCool received another caution from the revved-up Superstar, who warned the beatings on her friend,
Jamie Noble, will continue.
Looking to get back on track after two consecutive losses, Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore joined forces with Jesse &
Festus to take on the foursome of Deuce & Domino and Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder. SmackDown’s resident redneck picked up the
win for his team when he hit a Moonsault on Domino. After the match was over, a brawl ensued, but Jesse rang the bell once
more, and the “new” Festus unleashed his aggression on their opponents.
The Ultimate Opportunist made the ultimate commitment on Friday when World Heavyweight Champion Edge asked SmackDown
General Manager Vickie Guerrero to marry him. Although love was in the air, it was an airborne assault from Rey Mysterio
which quickly killed the mood. Edge pulled out all the stops for the big night by arranging for a string quartet to
perform at the arena, and having the ring adorned with flowers, balloons and heart-shaped rugs. And, just before asking
the GM to marry him, he serenaded her with a rendition of fellow Canadian Bryan Adams’ “Heaven.” All of his
“Rated-Romantic” efforts paid off, as the GM emphatically accepted his proposal, sealing the moment with a sloppy
tongue-kiss. However, things weren’t all roses, according to Edge’s No Way Out opponent, Rey Mysterio.“This is the most
disgusting thing I’ve seen in my entire life,” he said as he approached the ring looking up at the doting duo. “I hope
you’re thinking of dropping the Guerrero name, because you’re disgracing it,” he added, addressing Vickie. Offended by
Mysterio’s take on the planned nuptials, Edge demanded the Master of the 619 enter the ring and apologize to Vickie. “If
you don’t – after No Way Out – you’ll be the one in that wheelchair,” the Rated-R Superstar promised. Rey entered the
ring, but after last week, he said he was done apologizing. Edge then retaliated for the non-apology by kicking Mysterio,
but the No. 1 contender quickly turned the tables and delivered his signature 619, leaving Edge dazed in the ring. Looking
to capitalize, Rey set up for a West Coast Pop from the top rope. However, the Ultimate Opportunist ducked under Mysterio,
leaving the wheelchair-bound GM to take the full brunt of a West Coast Pop – knocking her out cold. As the GM lay lifeless
in the ring, a look of shock came over both the champion and Mysterio at what just transpired. Edge then kneeled over his
fiancée to assess her condition, but she did not respond. Mysterio exited the arena, while Edge nervously looked on, still
trying to get a response from Vickie. Come Sunday at No Way Out, will Edge be able to put aside his concern for his
re-injured fiancée and mount a successful defense of his World Heavyweight Title? Or, will the ultimate underdog, Rey
Mysterio, finally regain the coveted title he once held? Regardless of who comes away the victor, the “Guerrero family”
will never be the same now that the Ultimate Opportunist and Vickie have made the ultimate commitment.
MATCHES:
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Dave "The Animal" Batista
defeated
United States Champion M.V.P.
Jimmy Wang Yang, Shannon Moore, Jesse & Festus
defeated
Curt Hawkins, Zack Ryder, Deuce & Domino
Victoria defeated Michelle McCool
The Undertaker
defeated
Big Daddy V
Kane & C.M. Punk
defeated
Shelton Benjamin & Chavo Guerrero
Fit Finlay defeated Khali
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:57:29
SMACKDOWN
# 445
2-22-08 Taped 2-19-08
I Pay One Center
San Diego, California
Coming off an explosive No Way Out, SmackDown kicked off the final Road to WrestleMania with World Heavyweight Champion
Edge beaming from his win over Rey Mysterio. The World Champion came to San Diego intent to fire the first salvo toward
his WrestleMania XXIV opponent, a man who is undefeated on The Grandest Stage of Them All: Undertaker. “You think I’m
afraid,” Edge asked our fans, only to vehemently state: “I’m not afraid. Undertaker is an opportunity to cement my
legacy.” The Rated-R Superstar then made the boldest statement of his career, telling our fans and The Deadman that “The
Streak” would be broken this year. “I will not fall like those before me.” The Phenom had heard enough, and the lights
went out in the arena. When they came back on, Undertaker unleashed his fury, disposing of Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder to
make a statement of his own. Edge took his Ultimate Opportunity to escape the ring and the clutches of The Phenom, the man
who will look to add to his 15-0 WrestleMania record by winning back the World Heavyweight Championship.
Coming off the heels of the Elimination Chamber Match this past Sunday, Batista and MVP entered their match still showing
the effects of the sadistic structure. Last week, Batista scored a victory over the Ballin’ Superstar, but MVP declared
that as far as The Animal was concerned, “Lightning will not strike twice.” But after three thunderous spinebusters to his
sore back, and an earth-shattering Batista Bomb, the United States Champion could not weather the storm, losing his second
straight non-title match to The Animal.
In a rematch of their WrestleMania 23 collision almost one year ago, Kane and The Great Khali clashed once more when the
two behemoths stepped into the squared circle on SmackDown. Khali was without Ranjin Singh, who was injured during the
Elimination Chamber Match at No Way Out. When it appeared that the Punjabi giant had the match won with his devastating
Khali Vise Grip, the Big Red Monster shocked his opponent with an unexpected reversal that brought both men down and
pinned Khali’s shoulders to the mat for a three-count – with Kane’s head still clutched in the paws of his foe.
Shelton Benjamin and Jimmy Wang Yang fought on SmackDown with a spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania
on the line. SmackDown’s resident redneck has been on an impressive streak in 2008, but ECW’s “Gold Standard” would not be
denied the chance to compete with a guaranteed title opportunity up for grabs. As Yang went for his Moonsault, Shelton
ducked and then dropped Yang for the pin – earning Benjamin a spot in his third Money in the Bank Match. Shelton’s victory
puts him alongside Jeff Hardy and Mr. Kennedy in Money in the Bank Ladder Match at The Granddaddy of Them All.
After failing to win the Elimination Chamber Match this past Sunday, Big Daddy V arrived in San Diego with one thing on his
mind – retribution. That vindictive attitude spelled bad news for his opponent, Shannon Moore, who was overmatched from the
moment the bell rang. Big Daddy V controlled the match, and with each offensive move he seemed to grow angrier. Moore gave
it his all against the mountainous monster, but after a huge Samoan drop and a 500-pound elbow, “The Reject” had no
chance, as Big Daddy V was victorious.
Chuck Palumbo rode to the ring Friday night with a mission: To send his ex-friend Michelle McCool and her friend, Jamie
Noble, a message. Palumbo’s message would go through Matt Jackson, but the revved-up Superstar made it clear that physical
punishment is not good enough in his eyes. Chuck Palumbo toyed with Jackson before getting the win, as McCool watched in
disgust from a monitor in the locker room area.
Since returning a few weeks ago to SmackDown, Jesse & Festus have not tasted defeat. The duo stepped into the ring against
Deuce & Domino, intent to keep that streak alive. The boys from the Other Side of the Tracks tried anything to turn the
tide in their favor – including using Cherry as a shield – leading to a bloodied nose for Jesse, but the biscuits ‘n’
gravy tandem found a way to win.
The beautiful Maryse returned to SmackDown, and requested to speak with Assistant General Manager Theodore
Long, who gladly obliged the blond bombshell in a closed-door meeting.
An injured Rey Mysterio told his hometown fans that his injured biceps would require immediate surgery and a solemn
Mysterio added, “I won't be able to be a part of WrestleMania.” One person in San Diego unsympathetic to Rey’s pain was
SmackDown’s General Manager Vickie Guerrero, who ordered Rey into one-on-one action with ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero … but
Vickie wasn’t finished. After Rey somehow defeated Chavo, Vickie brought out Big Show, who demolished Rey in an attempt to
send a message to Mysterio’s friend, Floyd Mayweather.
MATCHES:
- MONEY IN THE BANK QUALIFYING MATCH -
Shelton Benjamin
defeated
Jimmy Wang Yang
Jesse & Festus
defeated
Deuce & Domino
Big Daddy V.
defeated
Shannon Moore
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Dave "The Aniaml" Batista
defeated
U.S. Champion M.V.P.
Kane defeated Khali
Chuck Palumbo defeated Matt Jackson
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Rey Mysterio
defeated
ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero
Air Time: 1:59:48
Run Time: 1:57:09
SMACKDOWN
# 446
2-29-08 Taped 2-26-08
Tucson Convention Center
Tucson, Arizona
Competing for the first time in more than a year, Big Show wasted little time in sending a loud message to all the
Superstars of WWE and, more importantly, his WrestleMania XXIV opponent Floyd Mayweather. The “World’s Largest Athlete” is
back and bigger, stronger and more dangerous than ever. In a Handicap Match, Big Show laid waste to his unfortunate
opponents, decimating two challengers in dominating fashion. With just four weeks until WWE descends onto Orlando, Fla.,
the giant showed the world why he has always been one of the most feared competitors in sports-entertainment. Big Show
KO’d his competition with a barrage of left and right hooks and other boxing moves for the impressive victory, and then
had some choice words for Mayweather, warning, “I am going to break Floyd Mayweather in two at WrestleMania.” This Monday
on Raw, Show will have another chance to display his power when he faces a professional fighter in the ring.
Moments before Batista and tag team partner Kane entered into action against United States Champion MVP and The Great
Khali, The Animal approached General Manager Vickie Guerrero and requested to represent SmackDown against Raw’s Umaga at
WrestleMania XXIV. SmackDown Diva Maryse had been in the GM’s office currying the favor of Vickie and encouraged Guerrero,
who then granted Batista his wish. The former World Champion will take on the Samoan Bulldozer in the Citrus Bowl. Later,
with a focused attack, Batista & Kane defeated Khali & MVP when The Animal displayed his unbelievable strength by
delivering both a spinebuster and a spear to the Punjabi giant to seal the win.
Jesse & Festus got the biggest win yet in their impressive winning streak when they defeated WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz
& John Morrison in a non-title affair. The “biscuits ‘n’ gravy” duo’s victory may have proven to the champions that they
can't brush aside the awkward tandem, and may have given unexpected momentum to another team looking to win the titles,
Tommy Dreamer & Colin Delaney, who challenge the champions Tuesday on ECW on Sci Fi.
With Michelle McCool by his side, Jamie Noble headed to the ring to take on Chuck Palumbo, hopeful to gain retribution for
the injury he sustained at the hands of Palumbo weeks ago on SmackDown. With his new attitude feeding his rage, revved-up
Superstar Palumbo once again took his aggression out on Noble, leaving him punished in the center of the ring after a
devastating Full Throttle.
Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore faced Deuce & Domino on Friday night, and SmackDown’s resident redneck
Yang picked up the win for his team when he delivered a Moonsault to Deuce.
World Heavyweight Champion Edge’s payback plan went horribly awry on SmackDown, as Undertaker left the Rated-R Superstar’s
minions, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder, battered and bloodied in the ring. The Ultimate Opportunist and his pals were out
for revenge for The Phenom putting his hands on the champion and chokeslamming Hawkins last week on SmackDown. As Edge and
fiancée Vickie Guerrero mulled over honeymoon ideas in the locker room, the mood quickly shifted as Hawkins and Ryder
interrupted to plan some payback on Undertaker. “Zack, you’re just the man to do it,” the champion said, adding, “Don’t
worry, we got your back.” Perhaps sensing the Ultimate Opportunist had something up his sleeve, Undertaker welcomed the
fight before the vengeful trio could strike first. After intervening in the match between Balls Mahoney and Big Daddy V –
and promptly ridding the ring of both opponents – The Phenom grabbed the mic and called out the champion. “Death waits for
no man. Edge, bring me your minion … so he too can meet his fate. The same fate that you will meet at WrestleMania,” he
growled. The World Heavyweight Champion, Hawkins and Ryder promptly emerged from the locker room to look up at The Phenom
towering above them in the ring. Ryder was the first sacrificial victim offered up to The Deadman. Ryder may have hung in
longer than expected, but was eventually demolished by Undertaker – while the Rated-R Superstar and Hawkins could only
look on. Then, as Undertaker wrapped Ryder up in his deadly new submission move – and blood flowed from his mouth – Edge
and Hawkins jumped into the ring to save him from The Phenom’s asphyxiating grip. They freed Ryder and began a 2-on-1
assault on Undertaker. But, as the No. 1 contender turned the tables on the two, Edge hightailed it so fast, he left his
title in the ring. With Ryder still out of commission, it was Hawkins who was left to take the brunt of Undertaker’s
wrath. Putting the nail in the coffin, Undertaker wrapped Hawkins up in his newest submission move, constricting long and
hard. The blood soon flowed from Hawkins’ mouth and he was left unconscious on his back. Finally, while staring down at
the champion outside of the ring, The Phenom grabbed the World Heavyweight Championship and hoisted it above his head –
sending a strong message to the champion about what he seeks at WrestleMania XXIV. Days before The Deadman’s grim display
on SmackDown – at the Wrestlemania press conference – Edge vowed he’d find a way to win and retain his title. Can the
Ultimate Opportunist possibly break Undertaker’s 15-0 WrestleMania streak? Can anyone or anything stop Undertaker, who
appears hell-bent on crushing all those in his path?
MATCHES:
- 2 ON 1 HANDICAP MATCH -
The Big Show
defeated
Joey Ryans & Jay Garlin
Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore
defeated
Deuce `n Domino
Chuck Palumbo
defeated
Jamie Noble
Dave "The Aniaml" Batista & Kane
defeated
The Great Khali & M.V.P.
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Jesse & Festus
defeated
WWE Tag Team Champions
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin & John "Nobody" Morrison
Big Daddy V.
vs
Balls Mahoney
ended in a no contest
The Undertaker
defeated
Zack Ryder
Air Time: 1:59:19
Run Time: 1:56:37
SMACKDOWN
# 447
3-7-08 Taped 3-4-08
Quicken Loans Arena
Cleveland, Ohio
With WrestleMania just 23 days away, the SmackDown Superstars have started stepping up their game in preparation for the
biggest event in sports-entertainment. Perhaps broadcasting the strongest message is the “World’s Largest Athlete,” Big
Show, who continues to destroy all in his path to WrestleMania and his bout with boxing champion Floyd Mayweather. On
Monday Night Raw, he tossed around a local boxer like he was a rag doll. (WATCH) Then on Friday Night SmackDown, a low
blow from Jamie Noble in his match against the goliath enraged the giant. Awarded the victory by DQ, Big Show showed his
pugilistic skills by demolishing his diminutive opponent with a series of body blows, leaving him a quivering, bloody ball
in the ring. "The Biggest and The Best” match-up between the 7-foot, 430-pound athlete and the undefeated boxing champion
has created quite a buzz in the boxing community. Recently, trainer Freddie Roach, ring announcer Michael Buffer, and
boxing legend Thomas "Hitman" Hearns all weighed-in on the bout.
Speaking of champions, United States Champion Montel Vontavious Porter faced Batista for the gold after several weeks of
The Animal earning non-title victories over Porter. Their back-and-forth battle for the gold eventually spilled into the
capacity crowd, and MVP saw an opportunity to leave his opponent stranded outside the ring by kicking him onto the
announce table. As Batista tried to re-enter the ring he was counted out, giving MVP the win and a successful title
defense. There will be a No Holds Barred title rematch between the champion and Batista next week on SmackDown. At
WrestleMania, The Animal will face Umaga in the SmackDown vs. Raw Match. Will he represent SmackDown as the new
United States Champion?
In a battle of SmackDown’s big men, Kane faced off against Chuck Palumbo. Earlier in the week on ECW, Palumbo kept a
watchful eye over Kane by stalking him around the ring on his motorcycle during the Big Red Monster’s match. On SmackDown,
Palumbo matched up well and held his own against Kane, but in the end, it was the Big Red Machine who walked away with a
victory after chokeslamming and pinning the motorcycle-ridin’ Palumbo.
Divas Eve, Cherry, Maryse, Victoria and Michelle McCool delighted our fans with an in-ring swimsuit competition. But as
the competitive juices started flowing, things heated up and got physical among the Divas. Stay tuned to SmackDown
as one Diva will be eliminated each week according to your votes. Despite her strong showing in the Swimsuit Competition,
one contest McCool seemed happy to be out of was the one for Jamie Noble’s affection. Earlier in the evening, the two
spoke backstage. At first, Noble arrogantly presumed McCool was interested in a relationship with Noble. But, as he went
on to explain he couldn’t be a “one woman man,” McCool saw the opportunity to end the relationship before it started and
was in agreement with his decision. As Noble walked away, a look of relief came over McCool’s face.
In tag action, CM Punk, Jesse & Festus defeated ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero & WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John
Morrison in a Six-Man Tag Team Match.
World Heavyweight Champion Edge made the most of the 3-on-1 Handicap Match against WrestleMania XXIV opponent Undertaker,
ducking The Phenom in the battle until an opportune moment for a perfectly timed spear. For most of the match, Edge’s
partners, Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder, tried to wear The Phenom down, allowing the “master manipulator” to choose his
battles after avoiding being tagged early in the contest. The victory by the Ultimate Opportunist only served to back up
his bravado earlier in the night, when Edge claimed that he and his “minions” would defeat Undertaker. As Edge and The
Phenom head toward their WrestleMania showdown for the World Heavyweight Championship, the battle for momentum continued
on SmackDown. After weeks of The Deadman destroying anyone in his path to get to Edge, including Hawkins & Ryder last
week, the Rated-R Superstar finally fired back, this time physically. Undertaker tried as he could to force the World
Heavyweight Champion to face him in the ring, hungry for the head of the champion, but Edge had other plans. The win in
the 3-on-1 Handicap Match for Edge also sent a clear message to another Superstar who may suffer the same fate next week –
16-time World Champion Ric Flair. Earlier in the night, Edge welcomed Flair to “The Cutting Edge,” where he told “Naitch”
that WrestleMania XXIV “is shaping up to be the most depressing event in WWE history.” The Rated-R Superstar then
explained that he believed two legacies would come to an end in the Citrus Bowl – Undertaker’s undefeated streak at
WrestleMania, and Flair’s 35-year legendary career. Never one to back down from a challenge, the “Nature Boy” assured Edge
and our fans, “I will beat Shawn Michaels, and will wrestle well beyond WrestleMania.” The 2008 Hall of Fame inductee then
voiced his disgust about Edge’s “sham of a relationship” with SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero, angering both the
champion and his lover. The World Heavyweight Champion took exception to Flair’s scathing comments, and Edge told “Naitch”
to pay close attention to the 3-on-1 Handicap Match against The Deadman – because next week on SmackDown, Flair will face
the same odds. Still, Vickie wasn’t satisfied, and informed Flair that Friday on SmackDown, he would face the Ultimate
Opportunist, Hawkins & Ryder – all three men – inside a steel cage. A stern warning followed from the Rated-R Superstar:
“We won't jeopardize your career, Ric, just your physical well-being.” Edge then mocked Flair with his own “Woooooo,” and
the “Dirtiest Player in the Game” responded by slapping the champion across the face, much to the delight of our fans in
Cleveland and Assistant General Manager Theodore Long, who grinned while standing by. Friday on SmackDown, Ric Flair will
have the odds stacked against him, with just more than two weeks before he puts his legacy on the line at WrestleMania
XXIV in a Career Threatening Match against HBK. As Flair prepares for his WrestleMania experience, the World Heavyweight
Champion will hope to continue building momentum for his title defense in Orlando, Fla., at the expense of the Nature Boy,
inside a 15-foot high steel cage.
MATCHES:
Jesse & Festus with C.M. Punk defeated
ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero
&
WWE Tag Team Champions
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin & John "Nobody" Morrison
" U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP "
United States Champion M.V.P.
defeated
Dave "The Animal" Batista
via a count out
Kane defeated Chuck Palumbo
Big Show defeated Jamie Noble
- 3 ON 1 HANDICAP MATCH -
World Heavyweight Champion Edge,
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
defeated
The Undertaker
Air Time: 1:59:28
Run Time: 1:56:03
SMACKDOWN
# 448
3-14-08 Taped 3-11-08
Allstate Arena
Chicago, Illinois
Fans at the Allstate Arena got a taste of the intensity to come in just 16 days at WrestleMania XXIV as the SmackDown
Superstars collided in the ring, on the unforgiving concrete arena floor, and within a 15-foot-high steel cage. There is
no doubt, The Granddaddy of Them All is near. Since his comeback, Big Show has continued to demolish any opponent who has
dared get in the ring with the 7-foot, 430-pound giant. Friday was no different in a match against two Superstars, as the
“World’s Largest Athlete” dispatched Shannon Moore with a direct punch to the head, followed by an effortless pin using
his size-22 boot. Next, in what is becoming a common occurrence, the goliath pressed Jimmy Wang Yang overhead and tossed
him to the arena floor to cap off his exhibition of force. After Floyd “Money” Mayweather suffered the same fate on Raw
the boxing champion must be asking himself if the risk is going to be worth the reward when he does battle with Big Show
in “The Biggest and The Best” at WrestleMania.
Speaking of the almighty dollar, the opportunity for the last spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania
was enough to turn friend into foe as WWE Tag Team Champions John Morrison and The Miz battled each other on SmackDown. A
swinging neckbreaker from Morrison allowed him to pin his teammate, The Miz. With Morrison earning the final spot
in Money in the Bank, the stage is now set for one of WWE's most coveted opportunities on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
More on The Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
After finally beating The Animal by count-out one week earlier, United States Champion Montel Vontavious Porter battled
Batista in a No Holds Barred Title Match. The back-and-forth struggle for dominance included steel chairs, a chokehold
with a neckchain, and a slam to the exposed concrete arena floor. But, the odds quickly shifted when Raw’s Umaga inserted
himself into the match and delivered a vicious Samoan Spike to The Animal. His sneak attack left the door open for MVP to
capitalize on the fallen Batista and get the pinfall. Earlier in the week, Batista paid a visit to Raw where he delivered
a spear to Umaga. After a tumultuous week, both Superstars will be looking to settle the score when they battle for brand
supremacy, SmackDown vs. Raw, at WrestleMania.
While Friday was family night for some, Finlay choked back emotion as he updated fans on his son Hornswoggle’s condition
following a recent brutal assault from JBL. For payback for the initial injury – as well as ruthlessly slapping
Hornswoggle during a hospital visit – the Fighting Irishman vowed to deliver a beating to JBL at WrestleMania.
Chuck Palumbo & The Great Khali squared off against Kane & Jamie Noble – who was still nursing injured ribs, courtesy of a
Big Show beating last week on SmackDown. Taking advantage of his most vulnerable opponent, Khali slammed Noble to the mat
and got the easy pinfall. The match offered a preview of what is to come at WrestleMania, as all four Superstars will be
part of a special 24-Man Battle Royal, featuring members of Raw, ECW and SmackDown. The winner of the over-the-top rope
encounter will receive an ECW Title Match that same night against ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero.
The SmackDown Diva Contest continued on Friday – hosted by Playboy cover girl and Chicago’s own, Maria. After
learning that Maryse was eliminated based on your votes, the remaining Divas competed in an obstacle course, with Michelle
McCool taking first place.
SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero stacked the deck even more in favor of her lover, World Heavyweight Champion
Edge, by changing the scheduled 3-on-2 Handicap Steel Cage Match to a 4-on-2 brawl by announcing ECW Champion Chavo
Guerrero would join the Ultimate Opportunist’s team. Along with Guerrero & Edge, Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder helped
relentlessly punish Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels. After the Rated-R Superstar’s team wore down HBK and beat Flair to a
bloody pulp, Undertaker emerged within the steel cage to shift the balance of power, but Edge still managed to find the
ultimate opportunity.
MATCHES:
- 2 ON 1 HANDICAP MATCH -
The Big Show
defeated
Shannon Moore & Jimmy Wang Yang
- MONEY IN THE BANK QUALIFYING MATCH -
WWE Tag Team Champion John "Nobody" Morrison
defeated
WWE Tag Team Champion Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
" U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP "
Montel Vontavious Porter
defeated
Dave "The Animal" Batista
retaining the title
Chuck Palumbo & The Great Khali
defeated
Kane & Jamie Noble
- 4 ON 2 HANDICAP STEEL CAGE MATCH -
Edge, Curt Hawkins, Zack Ryder & Chavo Guerrero
defeated
"Nature Boy" Ric Flair & Shawn Michaels
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:58:00
SMACKDOWN
# 449
3-21-08 Taped 3-18-08
Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Biloxi, Mississippi
They say strange things happen on the night of a full moon. But it didn’t take lunar activity, just the onset of
WrestleMania XXIV for wild things to take place on Friday Night SmackDown. A Deadman, a Big Red Monster, an Animal, a
Silverback, two 7-foot giants and a Rated-R Superstar were on the prowl, looking to vanquish their opponents on The Road
to WrestleMania.
For the first time in almost six years, Raw’s Chris Jericho paid a visit to the land of SmackDown as a guest on U.S.
Champion MVP’s VIP Lounge. The two Money in the Bank Ladder Match opponents traded verbal barbs, including Jericho poking
fun at alternative names for MVP. The self-proclaimed highest paid entertainer tried to elevate himself with a lot of
tough talk, but Jericho literally brought him back down to earth when he knocked the United States Champion from atop a
ladder in the ring. Is this symbolic of what we’re going to see when the two meet in just nine days at WrestleMania?
For yet another week, Big Show crushed those foolish enough to step into the ring with the angry, dominant giant. This
week, it was three competitors who fell victim to the 7-footer. Big Show made quick work of the trio, finishing off the
least fortunate with a powerful knock-out blow, followed by an easy pin. As the WrestleMania showdown between Big Show and
Floyd Mayweather draws near, the risk for the boxing champion appears to increase with each passing week.
The look in Batista’s eyes on SmackDown told the story: You don’t want to get in his way – not now, not when The
Granddaddy of Them All is just nine days away. Deuce & Domino found this out the hard way, as The Animal went on the
offensive right from the start of their 2-on-1 Handicap Match. Despite their two-man advantage, the former WWE Tag Team
Champions were no match for their opponent, who Batista Bombed Domino for a decisive win. The Animal appears to be right
on form to face Umaga in their Raw vs. SmackDown battle for brand supremacy at WrestleMania.
Earlier in the week on ECW, things looked promising for the Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy team when Festus pinned The Miz in a
Six-Man Tag Match. But with the WWE Tag Team Titles on the line on Friday Night SmackDown, this time it was The Miz who
pinned Jesse. The Shaman of Sexy must be content with keeping tag team gold in place, but will be looking for future gold
if he can succeed in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Just when you thought you were watching two of SmackDown’s biggest men do battle – Kane and Chuck Palumbo – The Great
Khali made his way into the arena and made the encounter that much bigger. Khali went right for Kane and delivered a Khali
Bomb, ending the match without a victor. But, the parade of big men wasn’t over, as the World’s Strongest Man Mark Henry
came into the arena to make his mark. The self-proclaimed Silverback went on a path of destruction, first lifting and
slamming the 400-pound Punjabi giant, then laying waste to Palumbo with a massive avalanche, and finally lifting and
slamming Kane to the canvas. The four will meet again in the WrestleMania 24-Man Battle Royal. Will Henry be able to
repeat this display of dominance, or will one of SmackDown’s big men deliver some payback on The Grandest Stage of Them All?
Although compared to the likes of Khali and Henry, the competitors were smaller in stature, but the animosity was just a
fierce when the SmackDown Diva Contest continued on Friday. In an Arm Wrestling Competition, Michelle McCool took first
place yet again this week. Then, SmackDown Assistant General Manager Theodore Long delivered the bad news to Victoria fans
that she was eliminated from the competition, according to your votes. Next week, the Divas continue to battle it
out, hoping to win the custom Beverly Hills Chopper.
With just nine days remaining until WrestleMania XXIV, World Heavyweight Champion Edge sent the strongest message in the
struggle for momentum heading toward March 30, destroying Undertaker with a vicious Con-Chair-To. Earlier in the night,
the Rated-R Superstar defeated Funaki in non-title action, going so far as using The Phenom’s signature Tombstone to get
the win. The Ultimate Opportunist mocked his WrestleMania opponent with Undertaker’s movements; rolling his eyes, letting
his tongue hang down and pinning Funaki with The Deadman’s signature cover. Edge then promised our fans, “Tonight, I step
up to a whole new level.” The cocky World Champion added, “By the end of the night, you’ll all realize what I am capable
of.” Edge and his Rated-R entourage, Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder, accompanied ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero to the ring for
Chavo’s one-on-one encounter with Undertaker. The Deadman stared at Edge at ringside with each punishing blow he delivered
to Guerrero, sending his own message to the man he looks to unseat in nine days: The Phenom wants the gold. Undertaker
picked up the victory despite the distractions at ringside, when he applied his new submission maneuver to the “Mexican
Warrior,” once more drawing blood from an opponent. After the win, however, Edge, Hawkins & Ryder immediately attacked,
hoping to dismantle The Phenom before the Citrus Bowl blowout. For the second time in three weeks, as Undertaker appeared
to have things in hand, Edge seized the ultimate opportunity and delivered a spear to take down The Deadman. The trio then
capitalized, using a 3-on-1 steel chair battering to keep down the dangerous Deadman and allowing a crazed Edge to
administer a thunderous Con-Chair-To to Undertaker – much like he did when he cost The Phenom the gold at Survivor Series.
As the World Champion destroyed the challenger to his title, he made it very clear that Undertaker’s undefeated
WrestleMania streak would come to an end at his hands – and the champion, like him or not – presents a very strong and
believable case. On SmackDown, Edge showed our fans and Undertaker the lengths he would go to keep the gold around his
waist, but now he may find himself face-to-face with Undertaker and the fury of The Phenom. With The Granddaddy of Them
All is right around the corner, which Superstar will get the final message across when SmackDown emanates from
Fayetteville, N.C., next week – the last stop on The Road to WrestleMania?
MATCHES:
- 2 ON 1 HANDICAP MATCH -
Dave "The Animal" Batista
defeated
Deuce `n` Domino
- 3 ON 1 HANDICAP MATCH -
The Big Show
defeated
Chase Stevens, Andy Douglas & Luke Hawx
- NON TITLE MATCH -
World Heavyweight Champion Edge
defeated
"Smackdown Number One Announcer" Funaki
Kane vs Chuck Palumbo
ended in a no contest
" WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP "
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin & John "Nobody" Morrison
weakly defeated
"The Biscuits `n` Gravy Team"
Jesse & Festus
retaining the titles
- NON TITLE MATCH -
The Undertaker
defeated
ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero
Air Time: 1:59:52
Run Time: 1:54:56
SMACKDOWN
# 450
3-28-08 Taped 3-25-08
Crown Coliseum
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho’s first match on SmackDown since returning to WWE saw Y2J face United States
Champion MVP in a non-title Champion vs. Champion encounter. Both Superstars will participate in the Money in the Bank
Ladder Match Sunday at WrestleMania XXIV, and in their final match before the Citrus Bowl, Jericho picked up a
disqualification victory. The Ballin’ Superstar wasn’t finished, however, and he tried to make one last statement before
the career changing Ladder Match. He attacked with his gold in hand, but Y2J ducked and delivered a Codebreaker to the
cocky U.S. Champion. Jericho then made his own bold move, smashing MVP in the face with a ladder. The tension between
these two champions is at the boiling point, and Sunday in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match, Y2J and MVP will
undoubtedly look to further their career at the expense of the other. Will either competitor be successful, or will
someone else step in and take the opportunity of a lifetime?
On SmackDown, four Superstars who will take part in the 24-Man Battle Royal at WrestleMania competed in an
Over-the-Top-Rope Challenge. Kane, The Great Khali, Mark Henry and Chuck Palumbo all were in Fayetteville to improve their
stock for WrestleMania, with ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero looking on from ringside. The World’s Strongest Man displayed the
intensity and strength that has always made him one of WWE’s most feared competitors, eliminating Khali and Kane to win
the challenge. The “Mexican Warrior” then attempted to weaken Henry with a post match assault, but the World’s Strongest
Man demolished the ECW Champion with a World’s Strongest Slam. With the Battle Royal to name a new No. 1 Contender to the
ECW title just 48 hours away, Chavo Guerrero may have seen his grip on the gold loosen ever so slightly.
Just two days before he represents SmackDown in the war for brand supremacy against Raw’s Umaga, Batista faced the
challenge of another Raw Superstar – Snitsky. The Animal wasted no time decimating Raw General Manager William Regal’s
hand-picked challenger with ease. When the bell rang, Batista speared Snitsky, delivered a spinebuster and then sealed the
impressive victory with a Batista Bomb. If his match with Snitsky is any indication, The Animal is focused and more
intense than ever heading into his match with the Samoan Bulldozer.
Both John Morrison and CM Punk are former ECW Champions, and this Sunday at WrestleMania they will have the chance to earn
a World Title Match of their choosing when they participate in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. On SmackDown, the two
faced off in a Money in the Bank Preview Match, with Punk gaining some momentum before The Granddaddy of Them All by
making the WWE Tag Team Champion Go To Sleep.
The SmackDown Divas Competition got wet and wild Friday night, but before it did, one unlucky beauty faced elimination.
After becoming one of the final three contestants, Eve was told she was no longer in the running for a free motorcycle
from Beverly Hills Choppers. Immediately after SmackDown Assistant General Manager Theodore Long informed the 2007 Diva
Search winner of the bad news, Victoria and Maryse rushed into the room to taunt her with sarcastic sympathies. The two
bitter, previously eliminated Divas claim the contest is nothing more than a joke. With his brand's Divas divided, Long
arrived at the perfect decision to settle the situation: Victoria & Maryse would take on Michelle McCool & Cherry in a Wet
& Wild Water Fight with Eve as the special guest referee. The match would not only give the Divas the chance to take their
aggression out on each other, but it would also give our fans a look at Michelle & Cherry, the two remaining contestants.
The All-American Girl took the advantage heading into the final week of voting when she capitalized on Victoria slipping
and covered her for the win. Although she won the water balloons battle, she is not on the seat of the Johnny
Fratto-designed bike just yet. That’s up to you, our fans.
Rising Superstar Kofi Kingston, undefeated since debuting in ECW, joined forces with Jesse & Festus on Friday night to
take on the trio of former World Tag Team Champions Cade & Murdoch and current WWE Tag Team Champion The Miz. All six
Superstars will take part in the 24-Man Battle Royal at WrestleMania, but this night belonged to the Superstar from
Jamaica, who picked up the win when he pinned Miz. Will one of these six young studs step up and outlast 23 other
Superstars at WrestleMania XXIV and earn a title match against Chavo Guerrero?
In a morbid mock funeral, World Heavyweight Champion Edge presented “The Burial of Undertaker’s WrestleMania Undefeated
Streak” on Friday Night SmackDown. Sporting a dark gray suit, Edge and his cohorts Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder – both
dressed in black – joined SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero, also dressed in black, along with Assistant GM
Theodore Long, for a pre-celebration of Edge’s self-predicted victory over Undertaker this Sunday at WrestleMania XXIV.
The ring was adorned with black wreaths, purple and black flowers, a pulpit, black carpet, and a giant Undertaker photo –
much different than when Edge proposed to Vickie Guerrero in a ring full of bright flowers on a Valentine’s Day edition of
SmackDown. And instead of celebrating a new life, the Rated-R Superstar was out to relish in the death of Undertaker’s
15-0 WrestleMania record. After reading a list of some of The Phenom’s ‘Mania victories – including against the likes of
Jimmy Snuka, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, King Kong Bundy, Triple H, Ric Flair, Kane, Randy Orton, Mark Henry and Batista –
Edge claimed he would bury The Phenom’s streak this Sunday. Vickie backed up her man by running a video showcasing her
champion fiancé – one of few Superstars who can boast to having never lost to Undertaker. To end the service, Edge read
the final rites: “Now it’s time to bid farewell to Undertaker’s undefeated streak and The Undertaker once and for all.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” Reveling in the moment, Edge then lifted Vickie’s black veil and the two embraced in a
passionate kiss. But just when things got hot and heavy, Undertaker’s infamous gong was heard and the arena lights went
out. Hawkins & Ryder immediately stationed themselves outside the ring in a defensive posture to protect against the
approaching Phenom. The champion held his ground at the edge of the ropes within the ring. But, Undertaker crashed the
macabre celebration by emerging from the coffin right in the middle of the ring. First he went after Edge’s approaching
defenders, knocking both from the apron back onto the floor. Next, The Phenom grabbed hold of Edge, hoisted him in the air
and slammed him into the open coffin. Then it was Guerrero’s turn. The Deadman keyed in on her with a deadly stare from
across the ring. The gaze evoked screams of fright from the GM -- the fear so real, it somehow enabled the wheelchair-bound
GM to leap to her feet and run screaming from the ring and arena. Luckily, she escaped. Hawkins & Ryder weren’t so lucky.
After coming back into the ring, both ended up on the receiving end of crippling Tombstones from The Phenom. During the
fray, the Ultimate Opportunist saw his chance to escape and hightailed it out of the ring. This Sunday, there will be no
escaping when the World Heavyweight Championship is on the line. Will The Phenom rise again and bring his record to 16-0?
Or, will the Ultimate Opportunist find a way to retain his title, and at the same time end Undertaker’s undefeated
WrestleMania streak? All the speculation will be laid to rest on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
MATCHES:
- 4 MAN OVER THE TOP ROPE CHALLENGE -
"The Silverback" Mark Henry
defeated
Kane, Khali & Chuck Palumbo
- PRE-WRESTLEMANIA MONEY IN THE BANK MATCH -
C.M. Punk
defeated
John "Nobody" Morrison
- 6 MAN TAG TEAM MATCH -
Jesse & Festus with Kofi Kingston
defeated
Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch with The Miz
Dave "The Animal" Batista
defeated
Gene Snitsky
- WET & WILD WATER FIGHT MATCH -
Michelle McCool & Cherry
defeated
Victoria & Maryse
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho
defeated
United States Champion M.V.P.
via a disqualification
- THE BURIAL OF UNDERTAKER`S WRESTLEMANIA UNDEFEATED STREAK -
The Undertaker crashed the macabre celebration
Air Time: 1:59:49
Run Time: 1:56:51
SMACKDOWN
# 451
4-4-08 Taped 4-1-08
American Airlines Arena
Miami, Florida
Saying goodbye to wrestling legend Ric Flair has not been easy for our fans and WWE Superstars alike. On Friday Night
SmackDown, Shawn Michaels tried to explain what it feels like to have ended the career of his boyhood idol, "Naitch," at
WrestleMania XXIV. But while struggling to express his mixed emotions, HBK was confronted in the ring by Batista, who
claimed HBK’s actions on The Grandest Stage of Them All were both selfish and wrong.
Matt Hardy shocked everyone at WrestleMania XXIV by emerging from the crowd to go after United States Champion Montel
Vontavious Porter during the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. The returning Superstar quickly put an end to MVP’s chances
for the coveted championship contract with a wicked Twist of Fate. On Friday Night SmackDown, the two clashed in a vicious
and malicious battle, featuring kicks, punches and headbutts. Once again, though, it was the Twist of Fate that did in
MVP, as Hardy used the devastating maneuver to claim victory in their non-title match.
In the SmackDown Diva Competition, Michelle McCool defeated fellow finalist Cherry to win the slick, new custom Beverly
Hills Chopper. On hand to present McCool with her new ride were Beverly Hills Chopper owner, Johnny Fratto and son,
Johnny, Jr. But the first few moments of McCool’s reign as top Diva quickly brought out the critics. First, it was
Victoria who came into the arena to brawl with McCool. Then out of nowhere, a mysterious blonde Diva viciously attacked
McCool. Despite Cherry’s efforts the help McCool, the blonde brutally slammed McCool into the ring post.
In tag action, a swinging neck breaker from WWE Tag Team Champion John Morrison to Shannon Moore allowed the Shaman of
Sexy & The Miz to get the win over Moore & Jimmy Wang Yang. But, before the opponents could clear the ring, The Great
Khali came in to clear house. First it was The Miz & Morrison who felt the 7-footer’s wrath. Next, Khali pressed Yang high
overhead and tossed him to the arena floor before finishing up his path of destruction by chokeslamming Moore. But, before
the dust could clear, Big Show came into the arena to confront Khali. “Monday night you got in my face (on Raw), tonight
I’m in yours,” Show bellowed. It looked like the two titans would clash, but Khali once again chose to save it for another
day, leaving the ring.
Since debuting on SmackDown last fall, Festus has been manhandling opponents and taking care of business. In the 24-man
Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXIV, he was a force to be reckoned with. In perhaps his strongest showing yet, the corn-fed
colossus absolutely destroyed Zack Ryder on SmackDown. Using brute force, Festus tossed the Rated-R entourage member
around the ring and got the easy pinfall.
Russian bruiser Vladimir Kozlov burst onto the SmackDown scene by crushing Matt Bentley in a dominating show of force.
From the start, Kozlov launched a vicious offense that Bentley could not counter, resulting in a commanding win.
Things didn’t go very well at WrestleMania XXIV for Chavo Guerrero and Edge, who both left Orlando as ex-champions. Edge
lost his World Heavyweight Championship to Undertaker, while Chavo lost the ECW Championship to Undertaker’s brother,
Kane. “I have never been so ticked off in my life,” the Rated-R Superstar said at the opening of SmackDown about losing
his title. Chavo was equally disappointed in his ‘Mania showing. But, it didn’t take long for SmackDown General Manager
Vickie Guerrero to step in and lay down plans try to bring the titles back to “the family.” On SmackDown, the GM announced
the blockbuster card for Backlash on pay-per-view on April 27. Chavo will face Kane in an ECW Championship rematch, and
Edge will challenge The Phenom to try to regain the World Heavyweight Championship. Continuing down her vindictive path,
the GM ordered Kane and Undertaker to face each other that night on SmackDown. If either brother declined to face the
other, he would be stripped of his respective championship. With such high stakes, the match went on as ordered. However,
before a victor could be decided, Edge, Chavo, Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder stepped in to attack the brothers. In the end,
though, the Brothers of Destruction lived up to their name as they turned the tables on Chavo and Edge with chokeslams,
capped off with double Tombstone Piledrivers.
MATCHES:
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Matt Hardy
defeated
U.S. Champion M.V.P.
Festus defeated Zack Ryder
Vladimir Kozlov defeated Matt Bentley
- NON TITLE MATCH -
WWE Tag Team Champions
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin & John "Nobody" Morrison
defeated
Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore
World Heavyweight Champion
The Undertaker
vs
ECW Champion Kane
ended in a no contest
Air Time: 1:59:49
Run Time: 1:56:46
SMACKDOWN
# 452
4-11-08 Taped 4-8-08
TD Banknorth Garden
Boston, Massachusetts
“Come Backlash, I’m gonna knock your teeth down your throat.” Those were Shawn Michaels’ ominous words to pay-per-view
opponent, Batista, on Friday Night SmackDown. Ever since he ended Ric Flair’s career at WrestleMania XXIV, HBK hasn’t
heard the end of it from Batista. First, The Animal confronted the Showstopper last Friday on SmackDown, calling his
actions selfish and wrong. Things escalated even further between the two on Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel on
Monday Night Raw. On SmackDown, the two Backlash opponents exchanged more hostile words in a Face-to-Face confrontation in
the ring. Things almost became physical when HBK went in for Sweet Chin Music, but Batista backed away before HBK could
connect. The Animal then went for a Batista Bomb, but HBK was able to avoid his grasp. Regarding their encounter at
Backlash, WWE commentator Michael Cole predicted: “I believe we’re going to witness one of the most emotional and personal
matches ever.”
If you tuned into SmackDown a little late, you might have wondered what a container of Ganges River water, a bottle of
Indian Scotch, a live chicken and a goat were doing in the ring. They were all part of a Punjabi Peace Offering from The
Great Khali to Big Show meant to quell the brewing tensions between the two 7-footers. “I can’t describe how I feel, but I
can show you,” Big Show said about the offering – as he proceeded to knock out the The Punjab Giant with one punch.
The SmackDown Divas have a newcomer in their ranks – Natalya Neidhart, daughter of legendary WWE Superstar Jim “The Anvil”
Neidhart. Last week on SmackDown, she viciously attacked Michelle McCool after a brawl between Victoria and McCool.
Tonight, she issued a bold warning to her fellow Divas: “When you mess with the best, you go down with the rest!” Later,
Natalya targeted the All American Diva again to help Victoria pick up a win.
Last Friday on SmackDown, powerful Russian Superstar Vladimir Kozlov burst onto the scene with a commanding victory over
Matt Bentley. Tonight, Kozlov repeated his raw display of power, adding Matt Logan to his list of victims.
Since Matt Hardy played spoiler in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania XXIV, United States Champion Montel
Vontavious Porter has been firmly in his sights. Last week on SmackDown, the two clashed in a vicious battle, with Hardy
earning a victory in their non-title bout. This week, Hardy faced SmackDown big man Chuck Palumbo. With MVP looking on as
a guest commentator, Hardy used his signature Twist of Fate to finish Palumbo. While on commentary, the cocky MVP
challenged Hardy to a rematch next week in London. When will these two clash again?
The Irish duo of Finlay and the returning Hornswoggle were up to their old tricks on SmackDown. First, Hornswoggle fooled
his father’s opponent, Matt Striker, by tossing a bucket of “fake” confetti water toward him. With Striker’s guard down,
Finlay was able to douse him with a real bucket of water. Later, Hornswoggle whacked Striker in the back with an
inflatable Shillelagh. With Striker distracted by the pint-size prankster once again, Finlay seized the opportunity to
knock the intellectual Superstar out cold with a real Shillelagh. After the academic pinfall, Hornswoggle celebrated his
dad’s win by delivering a Tadpole Splash from the top rope onto Striker.
WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison continued their winning ways by defeating Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore.
A swinging neck breaker from The Miz allowed him to pin Yang, giving the champs their second straight win over the two men
they have lampooned on their WWE.com Dirt Sheet in recent weeks.
SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero has made Undertaker’s road to Backlash a bumpy one. But after taking down the
corn-fed colossus, Festus – for the moment, anyway – The Phenom’s navigation of that road remains picture-perfect. The
match, which was first announced in a WWE Mobile on AT&T Exclusive video, was quite a compelling one. Sure, Undertaker is
the reigning World Heavyweight Champion and one of the greatest WWE Superstars ever, but Festus is one of the most
unorthodox Superstars WWE has ever seen. Not only is he big, burly and brutal, but when he transforms from stoic to
spastic when the bell rings, no one – perhaps not even Festus – is truly aware of how dangerous he can be. Undertaker
discovered that first-hand, however. While Jesse was concerned before the match that Festus might not know what he was
getting into, the corn-fed colossus took it right to The Deadman from the opening bell. As Michael Cole noted on
commentary, it was perhaps better if Festus was unaware of the magnitude of the situation. Festus gave The Phenom
everything he had, but in the end, Undertaker’s experience and ring savvy propelled him to victory. When the corn-fed
colossus accidentally ran into referee Charles Robinson, The Deadman tried to seize the opportunity and nail his opponent
with a chokeslam. Instead, Festus wriggled free and dropped the champion with a vicious kick. Jesse screamed at Festus to
stay on The Phenom, but as he approached, Undertaker sat up and grabbed the big man’s hand – trapping him in his vicious
choke submission hold in the process. The referee was still down, but Festus showed no signs of tapping out. Whether he
didn’t know the situation or just refused to quit, the corn-fed colossus lasted longer in Undertaker’s vicious hold
without tapping than anyone has to date. Eventually, with the big man on the verge of potential injury, referee Jim
Korderas sprinted to the ring and called for the bell, giving Undertaker the victory. Immediately, as the freshly-finished
Festus returned to his stoic state upon the final bell ringing, Jesse scooted into the ring to make sure his big buddy
suffered no further harm – from The Phenom or anyone else. To say that Festus was a major roadblock on Undertaker’s path
to Backlash would be an understatement; the burly big man gave The Phenom all he could handle, and wasn’t easy to put
away. However, in the back of his mind, the World Heavyweight Champion has to know that his brother Kane – whom he faced
two weeks ago – and the ethanol-fueled Festus won’t be the only speed bumps en route to his Backlash battle with Edge. In
the immediate future, Undertaker and Kane will stand united Tuesday night for the first time ever on ECW on Sci Fi. What
will come next as the Brothers of Destruction head toward separate collision courses with Edge & Chavo Guerrero on April 27?
MATCHES:
- NON TITLE MATCH -
WWE Tag Team Champions
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin & John "Nobody" Morrison
defeated
Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore
Fit Finlay defeated Matt Striker
Victoria defeated Michelle McCool
Vladimir Kozlov defeated Matt Logan
Matt Hardy defeated Chuck Palumbo
- NON TITLE MATCH -
World Heavyweight Champion
The Undertaker
defeated
Festus
Air Time: 1:59:53
Run Time: 1:57:08
SMACKDOWN
# 453
4-18-08 Taped 4-14-08
O2 Arena
London, England
With Backlash just nine nights away, SmackDown traveled to the U.K. to the delight of a sold-out O2 Arena packed with more
than 17,000 of our fans. Talk about getting your money’s worth. Our fans experienced a clash of the titans as The World’s
Largest Athlete, Big Show (441 pounds), collided with the World’s Strongest Man, Mark Henry (392 pounds). Then, just when
you thought the ring couldn’t hold much more humanity, The Great Khali (7-foot-3, 420-pounds) entered the fray to lift Big
Show clear off the canvas and deliver a stunning Khali Bomb. (WATCH) The two titans are set to clash again at Backlash in
what is certain to be an epic battle.
With Matt Hardy looking on as a guest commentator, United States Champion MVP Montel Vontavious Porter pinned Tommy
Dreamer after a vicious kick to the skull. Although Dreamer would have liked to make a better showing for his first-ever
appearance on SmackDown, he had the misfortune of going up against a focused Matt Hardy – who has his sights set on
arch-rival MVP and the U.S. Championship at Backlash.
Coming off last week’s loss to Finlay – which Matt Striker called an embarrassment – the former teacher was again schooled
by some father and son shenanigans. To start his match against Striker, Hornswoggle playfully juggled tennis balls, which
he then threw at the self-proclaimed smartest WWE Superstar. The hijinks continued as Finlay handed his son an array of
water guns hidden under the ring, which Hornswoggle used to soak Striker. Finally, Finlay intervened in the action,
knocking Striker out cold with his shillelagh. With Striker down, Hornswoggle went in for the Tadpole Splash and the
victory.
With burly bodyguard Bam Neely keeping close watch at ringside, Chavo Guerrero got the pinfall over Jamie Noble after
delivering a Frog Splash. Following Chavo’s victory, Neely – a former border patrol agent – maliciously slammed the
vulnerable Noble to the mat. With the ECW Championship on the line against Kane at Backlash, what more will the bodyguard
be willing to do for the Mexican Warrior?
Things weren’t looking too good for Cherry in her first one-on-one match on SmackDown. She fell victim to a relentless
onslaught from Victoria, featuring two punishing sessions in the camel clutch and a brutal kick to the skull. To top
things off, Cherry didn’t have friends Deuce and Domino at ringside. But, she did have the support of fellow Diva Michelle
McCool – who proved to be her ace in the deck. While McCool distracted Victoria, Cherry was able to capitalize and get the
surprising victory.
For the second week in a row, the domineering force that is 300-pound Vladimir Kozlov put away his opponent with a reverse
DDT. This week it was London local Leroy Kincaid who was added to Kozlov’s list of victims. With such a raw display of
power, will anyone be able to stop this Russian juggernaut?
Since Batista and Shawn Michaels have been at serious odds over HBK ending Ric Flair’s career, Intercontinental Champion
Chris Jericho’s Highlight Reel has served as the stage for the Backlash opponents to take out their emotions.
Unfortunately for the champion host, he has been at the business end of the aggression. On Raw, HBK delivered some
hard-hitting Sweet Chin Music, knocking Y2J out cold. Then, on SmackDown, The Animal slammed the Backlash guest
referee to the canvas with a vicious Batista Bomb.
Even a trip across the Atlantic Ocean couldn’t help World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker shake the scourge that SmackDown
General Manager Vickie Guerrero has laid upon him. As SmackDown emanated from London, The Phenom was set to battle his
third straight powerhouse – The Animal, Batista. Undertaker and Batista have a long rivalry dating back over a year, and
have been through Hell (in a Cell) and back against each other. So even though it was a non-title bout, The Deadman wasn’t
in for an English holiday. But to add insult to potential injury, Edge and his buddies Hawkins & Ryder showed up with
front-row tickets, intent on watching the battle from the best seats in the house. What they, as well as over 17,000 other
fans in the O2 Arena and millions more watching on television, saw was another classic battle between two of WWE’s biggest
Superstars. Much like they have in their previous matches, Undertaker and Batista bashed each other from the get-go. With
Edge and his crew cheering every blow, the champion and his adversary threw bomb after bomb at each other – leaving each
other a bit knackered, as the Brits would say. They couldn’t even contain their battle to the squared circle, and in the
end it cost them both – one particular scuffle on the arena floor lasted past the referee’s count of 10, and the match
ended in a double count-out. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of the evening for either Superstar. As they brawled
around ringside, they neared the Rated-R section of the arena. With Batista momentarily subdued, Undertaker grabbed Edge
by the neck and hurled him over the barrier. Perhaps a pre-emptive strike by The Deadman, but it would turn out to be a
costly one. Hawkins & Ryder jumped the barrier to help their mentor, only to be cut off by an angry Animal. With his H&R
Block taxed out, Edge was cornered in the ring by two angry adversaries. But just Undertaker wrapped his hands around his
Backlash opponent’s throat, out came the rest of the familia – Chavo Guerrero and his “one-man fence,” Bam Neely. Upping
the odds back to 3-on-2 gave the Ultimate Opportunist his chance to flee, leaving Chavo and Bam to get pounded like pork
pies. Again, Undertaker and Batista seemed to stand tall, but there was still one last line of reinforcement – General
Manager Vickie Guerrero. Instead of physicality, however, Vickie gave The Phenom and The Animal a tongue-lashing –
reminding them that as fans, Edge, Hawkins & Ryder could file suit and cost SmackDown some serious quid for the
besmirching they received. But of course, since a court of law probably wouldn’t award Edge the one asset he wants most,
the World Heavyweight Championship, Vickie had alternate plans. “Next week, Undertaker, you will once again face Batista,”
she shrieked, much to the delight of our fans. But then, to the delight of her fiancé, she added a pair of caveats. “This
time, however, it will be for the World Heavyweight Championship, and the winner will face Edge at Backlash!” With an
uneasy tension, The Animal and The Phenom stared each other down, knowing that one of them will head to Baltimore on April
27 as the World Heavyweight Champion – but to do so, they must destroy the other two nights before. To say Undertaker’s
road from WrestleMania XXIV to Backlash has been a bumpy one would be akin to calling Stonehenge a rock pile – a severe
understatement. The Deadman has somehow managed to survive so far, but if The Animal has his way, Undertaker won’t see the
end of that road with the gold still in his possession. On the flip side, Batista has his own gigantic Backlash battle
with Shawn Michaels looming. Their issue has become increasingly personal, and while walking into the pay-per-view with
gold around his waist would be a bonus, The Animal knows that even a victory over Undertaker would take more out of him
than he’d prefer. With less than a fortnight before Backlash, there are only two things for certain: Someone is going to
be saying cheerio to the World Heavyweight Championship next Friday night – and regardless of who it is, the Ultimate
Opportunist will be there to pick the bones just 48 hours later.
MATCHES:
- NON TITLE MATCH
U.S. Champion M.V.P.
defeated
"The Innovator of Violence" Tommy Dreamer
Hornswoggle defeated Matt Striker
Chavo Guerrero defeated Jamie Noble
Big Show vs Mark Henry
ended in a no contest due to Khali
Cherry defeated Victoria
Vladimir Kozlov defeated Leroy Kincaid
- NON TITLE MATCH
World Champion The Undertaker
vs
Dave "The Animal" Batista
ended in a double count out
Air Time: 1:59:53
Run Time: 1:57:19
SMACKDOWN
# 454
4-25-08 Taped 4-22-08
Greensboro Coliseum
Greensboro, North Carolina
With Backlash just 48 hours away, Edge and his entourage kicked off Friday Night SmackDown with a bold prediction – the
World Heavyweight and ECW Championships would soon be returned to their rightful owners within the family ranks. But
before the titles would be contested on Sunday, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero upped the ante in the night’s
title match between World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker and Batista by making it a No Disqualification bout – with the
winner to face Edge at Backlash. But as the countdown began to finding out who Edge’s Backlash opponent would be, CM Punk
entered the arena with his Money in the Bank briefcase to taunt the Rated-R Superstar. As the two engaged in a verbal
sparring bout, the GM took it to the next level by setting up a match between her fiancé and Mr. Money in the Bank for
later in the night on SmackDown. Despite being scheduled for a huge title match just 48 hours later at Backlash, Edge
showed no signs of taking it easy when he faced Punk. After a few near pinfalls from both men, it was a ringside
appearance from Zack Ryder which provided the distraction the Ultimate Opportunist needed to deliver a hard-hitting spear
and get the win over Punk.
After a botched Reality Check from WWE Tag Team Champion The Miz, Shannon Moore defeated the Chick Magnet – much to the
dismay of Miz’s partner and guest commentator, John Morrison. The scene was reminiscent of Tuesday night on ECW
when Jimmy Wang Yang defeated John Morrison with The Miz looking on as a guest commentator. Do “the Redneck & the Reject”
have the combo to unlock the Palace of Wisdom?
After making an impact the last few weeks on SmackDown, Natalya made her in-ring debut. The third-generation Diva employed
a wicked sharpshooter to get the submission victory over Cherry – who she will again face in a 12-Diva Tag Team Match at
Backlash.
SmackDown’s Michael Cole welcomed Matt Hardy to the ring to talk about the heated year-long rivalry between Hardy and
United States Champion Montel Vontavious Porter. But as Hardy let our fans know his injured knee had fully recuperated and
he’s ready to face MVP at Backlash, SmackDown's Franchise Playa interrupted and made his way to the ring. As the two aired
their differences, Hardy made it clear there would never be a return to the days when they were friends and tag team
partners. Things escalated as MVP viciously kicked Hardy’s surgically-repaired knee and clobbered him in the head with his
title. With tensions now well past the boiling point, the two will be looking to settle the score in a title match this
Sunday at Backlash.
Staying undefeated is a superhuman feat in WWE. Since debuting on SmackDown on April 4, Vladimir Kozlov has done just that
by vanquishing all of his opponents. This week, his fourth and latest victim was Marty Garner, who was put away with a
crushing reverse DDT. Is anyone capable of stopping this Russian superpower?
Unfortunately for Batista, seven wasn’t quite heaven on Friday Night SmackDown. In the seventh chapter of the epic war
between Undertaker and Batista, The Phenom evened the score of their rivalry, taming The Animal and retaining the World
Heavyweight Championship – with an unexpected assist from Shawn Michaels. For the first time in nearly five months, the
World Heavyweight Championship was on the line on SmackDown. But the battle wasn’t just a rematch of last week’s double
count-out between Undertaker and Batista; it was also the latest chapter in a rivalry that has now spanned more than a
year. Since meeting for the gold – then held by Batista – at WrestleMania 23 last April 1, the two Superstars have
clashed six times total, with The Animal holding a 2-1 advantage over The Phenom with three draws. As if that wasn’t drama
enough, there was more hinging on this match. Earlier in the night, General Manager Vickie Guerrero made the match No
Disqualification, meaning these two Superstars could use anything under the sun to stop the other. And of course, there
was Vickie’s edict last Friday night: The winner would go on to defend the gold against Edge at Backlash. That also meant
that if Batista toppled The Deadman, his very personal issue with Shawn Michaels would have to take a spot on the back
burner while The Animal battled Edge in Baltimore. Fortunately for The Deadman, one could argue, HBK made sure that
wouldn’t be a problem. Once again, Phenom and Animal battled tooth and nail. With both men knowing each other so well, it
was hard for either to gain a clear-cut advantage for any length of time. Batista managed to block Undertaker’s attempt to
go Old School and escaped chokeslams, a Last Ride attempt and even a Tombstone try; likewise, the champion survived
Batista’s biggest offense, refusing to succumb to spears, spinebusters and even avoiding the Batista Bomb. In the end, the
No-Disqualification stipulation turned out to be Batista’s undoing – but not before it nearly cost Undertaker the gold.
When The Animal kicked out of Undertaker’s Last Ride, The Phenom decided to introduce the steel ring steps into the
fracas. Batista, knowing Undertaker’s modus operandi, wiggled out of the champion’s Tombstone attempt on the steps –
instead dropping him with a thundering spinebuster that bounced The Phenom’s back off the steel like a motorcycle hitting
a guardrail. But when the challenger went to finish the job, it was he who ended up finished. As Batista set Undertaker up
for a Batista Bomb, Shawn Michaels emerged out of the crowd and slid into the ring. The issue between HBK and The Animal
has become very personal, and with his Backlash battle with Batista about to go by the boards, Michaels had a choice to
make – leave well enough alone or ensure his opportunity at Batista. In what could be classified as an “un-Michaels-like”
moment, HBK chose to take advantage of the No Disqualification edict by rocking The Animal with Sweet Chin Music, nearly
taking his head off in the process. With Batista on Dream Street, Undertaker scooped him up and dropped him off at
Tombstone Drive. Three seconds later, The Phenom’s long, hard road to Backlash ended in a victory over one of his fiercest
rivals. While religious faiths declare that God may have rested on the seventh day, it’s more than apparent that the WWE
Superstars won’t. Backlash beckons this coming Sunday, with Undertaker set to face Edge for the World Heavyweight
Championship and HBK vs. Batista once again fully confirmed. But after witnessing the battle that The Phenom had to
survive just 48 hours prior – not to mention Undertaker’s previous four weeks of hell on Earth – will the Ultimate
Opportunist once again be the one resting in the Winners’ Circle with the title in hand come Sunday night?
MATCHES:
"The Reject" Shannon Moore
defeated
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin
Natalya Neidhart
defeated
Cherry
Natalya`s first match in WWE
Edge defeated C.M. Punk
Vladimir Kozlov defeated Marty Garner
" WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP "
- NO DISQUALIFICATION -
The Undertaker
defeated
Dave "The Animal" Batista
retaining the title
Air Time: 1:59:49
Run Time: 1:57:34
SMACKDOWN
# 455
5-2-08 Taped 4-29-08
Boardwalk Hall
Atlantic City, New Jersey
For the first time in nearly three years, three titles were on the line in one big night on SmackDown – the World
Heavyweight Championship, the WWE Tag Team Championship and the United States Championship.
Fresh off Backlash, new United States Champion Matt Hardy found himself defending the gold just five days later in a
rematch against former champion Montel Vontavious Porter. Fighting tenaciously, Hardy showed no signs that he was ready to
relinquish the title any time soon. He sealed the deal and retained the gold by nailing his arch-rival with a Twist of
Fate, further staking his claim that he is truly better than MVP.
In recent weeks, all of the contestants in SmackDown’s Tag Team Championship bout had crossed paths in the ring. But now it
was time to settle the score when it really mattered. Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore kept the match close, but reigning
champions John "Nobody" Morrison & The Miz were able to hold onto the gold thanks to a Moonlight Drive from John "Nobody"
Morrison to “The Reject” Shannon Moore.
In his SmackDown commentary debut, legendary Superstar Mick Foley welcomed Batista to the ring to talk about The Animal’s
loss to Shawn Michaels at Backlash. After reviewing Chris Jericho’s recent Highlight Reel – where Y2J accused HBK of
faking his injury at Backlash – Batista issued a strong warning to HBK: “Shawn, for your sake, I hope you are
actually hurt. Because if you’re not, when I see you, you will be.”
As he prepared to face the World’s Strongest Man, Mark Henry, Nunzio had some huge support in his corner – none other than
the World’s Largest Athlete, Big Show. Unfortunately, it didn’t help much, as Henry made quick work of Nunzio to get the
win. But when Henry went to attack Nunzio further, Big Show jumped into the ring to ensure the Full Blooded Italian’s
safety after the bell. The World’s Strongest Man chose not to tangle with Big Show, however, and backed out of the ring.
As Henry exited, Big Show expressed his displeasure with the match-up: “Next time, why don’t you try picking on somebody
your own size?” One can only wonder. Was this a challenge or a threat?
If you wanted to make a safe bet in Atlantic City, this was it. Take the undefeated Russian superpower, Vladimir Kozlov,
over the winless Colin Delaney. After manhandling the diminutive upstart, Kozlov sealed the deal with a reverse DDT and
pinfall. The 300-pounder’s SmackDown record now stands at 5-0. Who can stop this man-machine?
Finlay seemed to have things under control in his match against Julio Dinero, but Hornswoggle decided to get into the act
to help his father. After emerging from under the ring, Hornswoggle grabbed Dinero by both legs and tried to pull him under
the ring. Dinero escaped Hornswoggle’s grasp, but eventually met his fate in the ring – a pummeling Celtic Cross from
Finlay and the pinfall. Hornswoggle then got his licks in as well, nailing Dinero with a Tadpole Splash.
When four of SmackDown’s Divas squared off in a tag match, it was clear that love wasn’t in the air. After some heated tag
and singles encounters in recent weeks, tonight it was the team of Victoria & Natalya that emerged victorious over Michelle
McCool & Cherry when Natalya pinned the All-American Diva.
Usually, Edge’s cohorts Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins are busy taking care of the Rated-R Supertar’s conflicts. But tonight on
SmackDown, they had some business of their own to deal with – the corn-fed colossus, Festus, and his partner Jesse. In
typical Festus fashion, the giant went berserk at the sound of the bell. But later in the tag team encounter, he was the
target of a well-placed chop to the throat by Hawkins. Feeling the effects of the blow, Festus tagged out to Jesse, who
Hawkins soon sent face first to the canvas with a swinging neckbreaker to get the pinfall.
Judgment Day is still a few weeks away, but SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero passed a judgment of her own on
Friday night. As a result, the World Heavyweight Championship is currently vacant. As part of Championship Friday,
Undertaker was scheduled to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against The Great Khali. But before the challenger
could even get to the ring, Vickie was wheeled out into the arena by her fiancé, the former World Heavyweight Champion,
Edge. Vickie informed our fans that there would be no World Title Match in Atlantic City, instead choosing to scold
Undertaker for using the newest weapon in his repertoire, that vicious choke submission. “Chokeholds are illegal in WWE,”
the General Manager reminded The Phenom. “Effective immediately, as General Manager, I must ban that move. If you ever,
ever, use it again in a match, you will have hell to pay.” With that, Vickie then added an even bigger blow. “Since you
show no remorse or concern for your opponents ... and because I am under extreme pressure from the higher authorities … I
have to tell you that you have been stripped of the World Heavyweight Championship!” The puzzled Phenom refused to bring
the gold up to the General Manager following the announcement, so she sent someone to get it – Undertaker’s scheduled
opponent, the 7-foot-3 Punjabi giant himself. Khali came to the ring and stared down The Deadman, but when he went to pick
up the title, he never came back up. Undertaker scored a vicious kick to the head, and with Khali down, he locked on that
devastating choke. Since it wasn’t in the context of the match, it didn’t seem like there was anything Vickie Guerrero
could do. Someone else could, however. As The Phenom choked out Khali, Hawkins & Ryder hopped the barrier and snatched the
World Heavyweight Championship before scurrying up to hand-deliver it to their boss. When Undertaker finally released his
grip on Khali, he watched as Guerrero, Edge, Hawkins & Ryder left the arena with what should still be rightfully his. As
it stands, SmackDown is currently without a World Heavyweight Champion. What will be the fate of the most coveted
championship on Friday night? How will a new champion be crowned? And with Judgment Day fast approaching, how will the
title situation affect SmackDown’s pay-per-view participation? Only one thing is for sure: Hell hath no fury like a Phenom
scorned, and even though she was just doing her job, Vickie Guerrero – and perhaps more immediately, her fiancé Edge – may
now be even more firmly in the path of Undertaker’s pure, unadulterated rage.
MATCHES:
" WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP "
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin & John "Nobody" Morrison
defeated
Jimmy Wang Yang & "The Reject" Shannon Moore
retaining the titles
Vladimir Kozlov
defeated
Colin Delaney
- DIVA TAG TEAM MATCH -
Victoria & Natalya Neidhart
defeated
Michelle McCool & Cherry
"The Silverback" Mark Henry
defeated
Nunzio aka: Little Guido
" U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP "
Matt Hardy
defeated
Montel Vontavious Porter
retaining the title
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
defeated
"The Biscuits & Gravy Team"
Jesse & Festus
Fit Finlay
defeated
Julio Dinero
" WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP "
The Undertaker vs The Great Khali
never got underway
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:57:30
SMACKDOWN
# 456
5-9-08 Taped 5-6-08
Facility Unknown
London, Ontario, Canada
While the Championship Chase to Judgment Day dominated Friday Night SmackDown, it was a good night for two Superstars who
remain undefeated on SmackDown – Natalya and Vladimir Kozlov. Borrowing one from Brett "Hit Man" Hart’s bag of tricks,
Natalya used the Sharpshooter to make Kelly Kelly submit. With the decisive win, the blonde powerhouse sent a message to
all Divas – including Michelle McCool, who was watching the action closely on a backstage monitor.
In machine-like fashion, Russian juggernaut Vladimir Kozlov made quick work of Canadian local, Phil Atlas. Using raw
power, Kozlov put Atlas away with a hard-hitting reverse DDT, improving his unbeaten SmackDown record to 6-0.
After stripping Undertaker of the World Heavyweight Championship last Friday, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero
declared The Deadman would have an opportunity to regain the gold in less than two weeks at Judgment Day. To determine his
opponent, the GM set up the Championship Chase to Judgment Day. The premise was simple: The Phenom would face any former
or current World, United States or ECW Champion – minus The Great Khali and Edge, who were rendered medically unable to
compete – who won the one-night Championship Chase.
In the first qualifying match for the main event, Mr. Money in the Bank CM Punk faced United States Champion Matt Hardy.
In the King of the Ring rematch, Hardy reversed Punk’s roll up to advance.
The next qualifier pit two former U.S. Champions — MVP and Finlay — against one another. With a controversial finish, both
men were awarded the pin by referee Mickie Henson. Later, Vickie Guerrero decided the Irishman and the Franchise Playa
were both winners and would advance to the main event.
For the third match in the Chase, former World Heavyweight Champion Batista went one-on-one with former ECW Champion and
current WWE Tag Team Champion John Morrison. Morrison controlled the majority of the match, using his speed to subdue The
Animal. Unfortunately for the Shaman of Sexy, an ill-timed springboard maneuver left him vulnerable to a spear and the
Batista Bomb allowing Batista to move on.
Big Show and Tommy Dreamer were the next to vie for a spot in the main event. The ECW Original gave it his all, but fell
to The World’s Largest Athlete, as Big Show defeated Dreamer to move on in the Chase.
The final qualifier was a WrestleMania XXIV rematch between ECW Champion Kane and Chavo Guerrero. Despite interference
from Bam Neely on the outside, the Big Red Machine was again able to top the Mexican Warrior and move one step closer to
facing his brother at Judgment Day.
After winning the hard-fought qualifying matches, the six competitors battled it out in the Over-the-Top-Rope Challenge to
declare the final winner. Each man showing fatigue, they all pushed themselves to the breaking point, with an opportunity
at SmackDown’s most prestigious title hanging in the balance. In the end it came down to two men: The Animal and The
World’s Largest Athlete. Big Show smirked as he went to eliminate The Animal, but Batista pulled him over instead, as the
fans erupted with cheers. But before Batista could celebrate, Vickie Guerrero was wheeled out with some “great” news: Edge
had just been medically cleared, and would be a part of the Championship Chase . The Rated-R Superstar’s jetted down the
ramp and immediately speared Batista through the ropes, stealing The Animal’s spot at Judgment Day. The Ultimate
Opportunist celebrated his victory as our fans expressed their displeasure toward another conniving scheme by Edge and his
fiancée. As a bolt of lightening struck the podium holding the World Heavyweight Championship, Edge’s smile faded. A
single gong resonated through the building, and the Rated-R Superstar knew that in less than two weeks at Judgment Day,
he’d be subject to The Deadman’s wrath once again.
MATCHES:
- CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE MATCH
United States Champion
Matt Hardy
defeated
C.M. Punk
- CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE MATCH
Fit Finlay vs Montel Vontavious Porter
ended in a draw
Natalya Neidhart
defeated
Kelly Kelly
- CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE MATCH
Dave "The Animal" Batista
defeated
WWE Tag Team Champion
John "Nobody" Morrison
- CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE MATCH
The Big Show
defeated
"The Innovator of Violence"
Tommy Dreamer
- CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE MATCH
ECW Champion
Kane
defeated
Chavo Guerrero
Vladimir Kozlov defeated Phil Atlas
- CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE FINAL MATCH
( OVER THE TOP ROPE CHALLENGE )
Edge
defeated
The Big Show, M.V.P. Fit Finlay,
Kane, Matt Hardy & Dave Batista
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:57:02
SMACKDOWN
# 457
5-16-08 Taped 5-13-08
Van Andel Arena
Grand Rapids, Michigan
In just two days at Judgment Day, Edge and Undertaker will battle to determine who will walk away with the vacant World
Heavyweight Championship. But the two former champions aren’t the only ones looking to settle scores with their rivals at
Judgment Day. Ever since losing to Shawn Michaels at Backlash, Batista has vowed to hurt Michaels if The Animal found out
HBK faked an injury in their match. Earlier this week on Raw, HBK finally admitted he did feign his injury. Then, in front
of our fans on SmackDown, an angry Batista delivered a stern warning for HBK at Judgment Day. On Sunday, will The
Animal finally deliver on his promise to hurt HBK?
While Edge explained his good fortune to be able to compete in – and win – last week’s Championship Chase to Judgment Day,
SmackDown Assistant General Manager Theodore Long interrupted with big news. Long relayed a message from the WWE Board of
Directors – because of General Manager Vickie Guerrero’s controversial decision to strip Undertaker of the World
Heavyweight Championship, she would have to compete in a match on SmackDown or relinquish her role as GM. But that was
only the beginning of the phenomenal announcements from Long.
Mr. Money in the Bank CM Punk looked to be in good form, as he put away tough guy Chuck Palumbo with a hard-hitting Go to
Sleep. With the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships being contested in just two days at Judgment Day, will Punk look
to cash in his Money in the Bank contract for an opportunity at either title?
All-American Girl Michelle McCool proved she has more than just good looks and good moves in the ring. She also knows a
submission hold or two. Using a heel hook, McCool forced Layla to tap out. This was her second win of the week, including
a tag team win on ECW on Sci Fi.
In a tag team match set by the GM, Montel Vontavious Porter was forced to face unlikely partners, Big Show & Finlay.
Leading up to the match, MVP’s choice for a partner was unknown until the start of bout. Although MVP chose World’s
Strongest Man Mark Henry to be at his side, it was The World’s Largest Athlete who proved to be the more dominant force in
the ring and help his team win.
Luck had nothing to do with Vladimir Kozlov’s seventh straight win on SmackDown. Using raw power, the big man from Moscow
manhandled Funaki, finishing him off with a vicious reverse DDT. With chants of “USA” emanating from the arena during his
entrance, the big man may be picking up victories, but he does not appear to be winning over many fans. However, fan
support seems to be of little concern to the 300-pound man-machine who continues his path of destruction through the land
of SmackDown.
With ex-boyfriend Deuce and brother Domino looking on, Cherry picked up her second win of the week by defeating Maryse.
Earlier in the week, Cherry picked up a tag team win on ECW on Sci Fi. They say breaking up is hard to do, but Cherry
seems to be doing all right without Deuce & Domino at her side.
ECW’s Shelton Benjamin paid a visit to the land of SmackDown, but things didn’t go so well, as United States Champion Matt
Hardy put away the Gold Standard with a Twist of Fate. With Hardy enjoying success as reigning United States Champion, who
will be the next to challenge him?
Despite the 48-hour time lapse until Edge’s World Heavyweight Championship bout with Undertaker at Judgment Day, SmackDown
General Manager Vickie Guerrero found herself judged by WWE’s Board of Directors – and she nearly pulled her fiancé down
into the depths with her. The imminent Friday night downfall of the “Guerrero family” was heralded earlier by none other
than Theodore Long himself, who quit his role as Assistant GM to Vickie after relaying official word from WWE
Headquarters. As Long reported, WWE officials were displeased with Vickie’s decision to strip Undertaker of the gold, then
blow off a mandatory meeting with the Board in Stamford, Conn. – not to mention her lewd, offensive relationship with Edge.
As a result, they decided to take disciplinary actions against the SmackDown authority figure: Vickie would be removed
from her role unless she competed in her first-ever wrestling match … against the vengeance-dealing Deadman. The world
would continue to collapse around the GM and the Rated-R Superstar as other SmackDown Superstars refused to aid Vickie
after the Championship Chase treachery one week before – an impulse shared by Chavo Guerrero, illuminating the onset of
dissension within the family. Still, Vickie continued to voraciously invoke her authority. The self-proclaimed “pioneer”
declared her disagreement with the Board of Directors and then made her match against Undertaker a 6-on-1 Handicap Match,
with Zack Ryder, Curt Hawkins, former ECW Champion Chavo, Bam Neely and, naturally, former World Heavyweight Champion Edge
in her corner. But, as the entire Guerrero clan made their way to the ring for the encounter, the squad numbers dwindled as
the “Mexican Warrior” and Neely abandoned ship, possibly sinking it by making it a 4-on-1 Handicap Match. The match
commenced and Vickie was quickly nestled into the ring corner, where she sat uncomfortably in her wheelchair and shook in
her soft pink sweatsuit. Mere feet away, Edge, Hawkins and Ryder tried to suppress The Phenom, while aiming to injure him
just 48 hours before Judgment Day. The Deadman fought back, however, demonstrating why he could very well succeed on Sunday
and justifiably be named the undisputed World Heavyweight Champion. Finally, Undertaker managed to ward off his contenders
and get his gloved grip around the GM’s throat until Edge’s spear felled The Phenom. The wounded and worried quartet
packed up Vickie’s wheelchair and escaped Grand Rapids, but not Undertaker’s icy glare which stood steadily fixed on the
Rated-R Superstar. But for the Ultimate Opportunist, Judgment Day is inescapable and so is the collision that will
determine the future of the World Heavyweight Title. Edge’s rival may be barred from locking in his grim chokehold, but
The Phenom has certainly illustrated in his 20 years of WWE dominance that his arsenal extends beyond his most recent
weapon. Can the Rated-R Superstar avoid the judgment that The Deadman appears ready to render upon his soul? Or will
Undertaker uphold and add the next chapter to his storied legacy by capturing the gold?
MATCHES:
C.M. Punk defeated Chuck Palumbo
Michelle McCool defeated Layla
The Big Show & Fit Finlay
defeated
Montel Vontavious Porter & Mark Henry
Vladimir Kozlov
defeated
"Smackdown Number 1 Announcer" Funaki
Cherry defeated Maryse
- NON TITLE MATCH -
United States Champion Matt Hardy
defeated
"The Gold Standard" Shelton Benjamin
- 4 ON 1 HANDICAP MATCH -
Vickie Guerrero, Edge, Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
vs
The Undertaker
ended in a no contest
Air Time: 1:59:51
Run Time: 1:57:09
SMACKDOWN
# 458
5-23-08 Taped 5-20-08
Wells Fargo Arena
Des Moines, Iowa
With just nine days until One Night Stand, Batista sent a strong message to his Stretcher Match opponent, Shawn Michaels,
when he defeated MVP in convincing fashion on SmackDown after a thunderous Batista Bomb.
Earlier in the night, MVP welcomed former SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long to his VIP Lounge, with the hopes that
Long could shed some light on his reasons for quitting as Vickie Guerrero’s assistant, and his appearance this past Monday
on Raw. But the brazen MVP couldn’t resist the opportunity to berate Long for his perceived mistreating of the highest
paid Superstar on Friday Night SmackDown. Montel Vontavious Porter went so far as to accuse Theodore of being jealous of
his, “good looks, money and clothes.” When Long attempted to avoid the confrontation, MVP grabbed his former boss by the
tie, prompting Batista to make his way to the ring. The Animal offered a thank you to Long, and then turned his attentions
to the cocky MVP. Batista told MVP to keep his hands off Long, and when the Ballin’ Superstar accused The Animal of
disrespecting him, the VIP Lounge was redecorated by Batista’s rage. MVP immediately stormed into GM Guerrero’s office,
where he was told he would face Batista one-on-one, a match MVP won't soon forget. But it was the dominating fashion of
Batista’s win that should have Raw’s Shawn Michaels paying attention, because The Animal is focused and ready to do
whatever it takes to claim victory in the Stretcher Match. The question now is – how far will HBK go?
After suffering his first loss this past Tuesday on ECW on Sci Fi, Kofi Kingston teamed with United States Champion Matt
Hardy to take on Shelton Benjamin & Elijah Burke. The heated rivalry between Kingston and Benjamin has only increased, and
the Gold Standard was hoping to make it two in a row over the Jamaican Superstar. Hardy & Kingston, however, had plans of
their own, and when the U.S. Champion tossed Burke to the outside, Kingston took advantage and leveled Benjamin with a
spinning heel kick to get back on the winning track.
As color commentator Mick Foley pointed out on SmackDown, it had been some time since Deuce & Domino felt the thrills of
victory in WWE. The duo from the Other Side of the Tracks was intent on putting an end to their downward spiral when they
teamed with Maryse to take on Jesse, Festus & Cherry in a Mixed Tag Team Match. When the action between Deuce & Domino and
Jesse & Festus spilled to the outside, Maryse took advantage, kicking Cherry in the face to get the win.
The monster from Moscow, Vladimir Kozlov, kept his undefeated streak intact on SmackDown when he decimated Nunzio in a
one-on-one contest. Kozlov continues to impress as he steamrolls his competition, and Nunzio was the latest Superstar to
fall victim to Kozlov’s power.
Chuck Palumbo arrived in Des Moines looking to continue the roll he has been on lately, as he stepped into the ring with
Finlay. Palumbo was in control for much of the match, but Finlay’s son, Hornswoggle, turned the tide for his father. The
pint-sized Superstar sprayed green mist into the eyes of Palumbo, allowing the Irishman to nail his opponent with the
shillelagh to get the win.
As one of WWE’s most widely popular Superstars, Undertaker has come to a major crossroads in his career – and the one who
put him in this position is none other than SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero. Defeat Edge at One Night Stand and
The Phenom becomes the new World Heavyweight Champion – reclaiming the title Guerrero stripped from him on May 2. Lose,
and The Deadman will be banished from the entire WWE. In an attempt to weaken Undertaker before the fateful pay-per-view
match, Guerrero ordered a reluctant Chavo Guerrero to face The Phenom on SmackDown. But the plan backfired – even with
Curt Hawkins, Zack Ryder, Bam Neely and Edge lurking at ringside – as Chavo fell victim to a devastating Tombstone from
The Deadman. If Undertaker can do to Edge what he did to Chavo, he will become the new champion and preserve his career.
But, Undertaker’s fate will not be decided in any ordinary match. Instead, his future will ride on the outcome of an
Extreme Rules Tables, Ladders & Chairs (TLC) Match at One Night Stand. Although Undertaker has faced all kinds of
adversity in his career – including brutal Boiler Room Brawl, Hell in a Cell and Buried Alive encounters – he has never
been in a TLC Match. With the extreme rules TLC Match, Guerrero has once again cleverly tried to stack the deck in favor
of her fiancé, Edge. The Rated-R Superstar is no stranger to TLC Matches. The Ultimate Opportunist has used the Extreme
Rules encounter to work to his advantage for years. In fact, Edge has been in every single TLC Match in WWE history. At
Judgment Day, WWE Referee Charles Robinson “made a mistake,” according to Guerrero, by counting Edge out and attempting to
give Undertaker the title. The GM reminded everyone that a championship can only be won by pinfall or submission. Now, at
One Night Stand, the vacant World Heavyweight Championship will finally be decided when one Superstar climbs the ladder
and grabs the gold. Will Undertake reclaim the title and preserver his career? Or, will The Ultimate Opportunist's
relationship with the GM finally bring the coveted gold back to "the family"?
MATCHES:
Deuce, Domino & Maryse
defeated
Jesse, Festus & Cherry
Fit Finlay defeated Chuck Palumbo
Dave Batista defeated M.V.P.
Vladimir Kozlov defeated Nunzio
United States Champion Matt Hardy & Kofi Kingston
defeated
Shelton Benjamin & Elijah "The Dope from No Hope" Burke
The Undertaker defeated Chavo Guerrero
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:57:29
SMACKDOWN
# 459
5-30-08 Taped 5-27-08
World Arena
Colorado Springs, Colorado
With just two days until his Stretcher Match against Shawn Michaels at One Night Stand, Batista continued to show his
ferocious determination, smashing through Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder on this week’s SmackDown, with a little help from Big
Show. Earlier in the evening, as Batista was sending Michaels a message of the hurt he will cause The Showstopper on
Sunday, General Manager Vickie Guerrero took strong exception to what she felt was rude behavior on the part of The
Animal. She set a tag team match pitting Hawkins & Ryder against Batista and any Superstar who wanted to volunteer to be
his partner. Big Show answered the call, and he and Batista laid waste to their opponents in a mismatch from the
beginning, including a startling moment when The World’s Largest Athlete heaved Ryder from the outside floor into the ring
by his hair, one-handedly. Although an explosive Batista Bomb ended this match, will it be Shawn Michaels who catches The
Animal’s fallout on Sunday?
Since defeating MVP for the United States Championship at Backlash, Matt Hardy continues to establish himself as a
fighting champion, defeating Elijah Burke in a hard fought, non-title match. Burke, who shows great potential in his
matches, seems to be getting more and more frustrated at his inability to break through to the next level. In the end, he
seemed lost and confused, looking up at the heavens for answers.
After last week’s humiliating loss to Finlay, thanks in part to the green mist of Hornswoggle, Chuck Palumbo had his mind
set on revenge. When Hornswoggle got involved once again, Palumbo snapped, assaulting Finlay with his motorcycle chain,
giving the Irishman the win by disqualification at a heavy price.
Mr. Money in the Bank CM Punk and WWE Tag Team Champion John Morrison fought for momentum leading into the Singapore Cane
Match at One Night Stand, where the winner will go on to face ECW Champion Kane. After The Miz was banned from ringside,
Punk picked up the hard-fought win. One has to wonder if Mr. Money in the Bank will cash in on the most Extreme night of
the year, or if he will continue to bide his time until WrestleMania XXV.
SmackDown commentator Mick Foley alluded to Montel Vontavious Porter being a bit unsure of himself since losing the United
States Championship. However, after a huge loss to Batista last week, MVP got back on track, picking up the win over Jamie
Noble. Noble had tried to inspire MVP earlier in the night, but the Ballin’ Superstar was hearing none of it, choosing
instead to showcase why he believes he is “half-man, half-amazing.” With the Draft on the horizon, will MVP soon become
the highest-paid athlete on another brand?
Vladimir Kozlov continues to dominate the SmackDown roster, decimating Shannon Moore. The Monster from Moscow remains
undefeated on SmackDown, and is becoming a huge force on Friday nights.
After delivering a nasty kick to fellow SmackDown Diva Cherry last week, the sultry Maryse locked horns with Michelle
McCool. When Cherry showed up to distract Deuce & Domino, McCool turned the tables on Maryse, picking up an impressive win
by submission.
As the world waits to see what Mr. McMahon’s million-dollar giveaway will bring, Undertaker has a different type of prize
on his mind: The World Heavyweight Championship. On SmackDown, just two days before their TLC Match at One Night Stand,
Edge hosted The Cutting Edge with his special guest: The Phenom. The Rated-R Superstar and The Undertaker have had a wild
ride ever since Edge came to SmackDown last year, cashing in his Money in the Bank contract to steal the World Heavyweight
Championship away from The Deadman. The events leading up to their hellish confrontation on Sunday have proved to be one
powder keg after another. Edge and his fiancée, General Manager Vickie Guerrero, continue to conjure up ways to stop
Undertaker and once again make the Ultimate Opportunist the World Heavyweight Champion. First, the GM stripped The Phenom
of his title, deeming The Deadman’s devastating submission maneuver an illegal choke hold. Then, when it appeared
Undertaker had reclaimed the gold at Judgment Day via count-out, Guerrero once again turned the tables, determining that
the title remain vacant. Before introducing his special guest, the Rated-R Superstar did what he does best — gave his
audience a show they would never forget. He kicked things off by showing highlights of his success in TLC Matches; footage
that showed just how much of an art form he has made out of that type of contest. When Undertaker finally made his way to
the ring, complete with a ladder on display, Edge proceeded to make him feel more comfortable. He called on “The Family,”
who quickly brought a casket down to ringside. Chavo Guerrero, Bam Neely, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder then attacked The
Deadman, not stopping until he was inside the closed coffin. When Edge decided to ascend the ladder to taunt The Phenom,
giving his own prediction of what would happen at One Night Stand, the lights went out on him, literally. When they came
back on, Undertaker was suddenly standing on the ladder with the Rated-R Superstar. The Deadman then knocked Edge to the
floor, using the ladder to clean house. Undertaker then took Edge in his clutches, when Ryder sacrificed himself,
receiving a Last Ride through a table. As the show came to a close, it was The Undertaker who held the vacant title above
his head.
MATCHES:
- NON TITLE MATCH -
United States Champion
Matt Hardy
welcomly defeated
Elijah "The Dope from No Hope" Burke
Fit Finley
defeated
Chuck Palumbo
via a disqualifacation
C.M. Punk
defeated
John "Nobody" Morrison
Batista & The Big Show
defeated
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
M.V.P.
defeated
Jamie Noble
Vladimar Kozlov
defeated
Shannon Moore
continuing his undefeated streak
Michelle McCool
defeated
Maryse
via a submission
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:57:38
SMACKDOWN
# 460
6-6-08 Taped 6-3-08
Staples Center
Los Angeles, California
Tinseltown not only served as a ground zero for “McMahon's Million Dollar Mania” press conference earlier in the week, but
the City of Angels also welcomed Friday Night SmackDown to town. A host of celebrities joined more than 14,500 of our fans
in L.A.’s STAPLES Center to witness first-time sports-entertainer Cousin Sal square off against Raw Superstar Santino
Marella. For expert guidance and support, Cousin Sal had none other than WWE Hall of Famer "Rowdy" Roddy Piper in his
corner, as well as late-night host Jimmy Kimmel at ringside and Kimmel's girlfriend, comedian/actress Sarah Silverman,
close by. After holding his own against the Braggadocios Italian Superstar, Cousin Sal was aided by a distraction from
Kimmel, helping him get the pinfall in his in-ring debut.
SmackDown’s Franchise Playa Montel Vontavious Porter was spotted watching the night’s action from a sky box. And, a host
of celebrities, including Grammy Award Winning Producer Rick Rubin, were in attendance, enjoying the sports-entertainment
experience.
While our fans and Superstars alike anticipate how the upcoming Draft will change things in WWE, SmackDown General Manager
Vickie Guerrero didn’t wait until draft day to announce a brand new SmackDown women’s title – the WWE Divas Championship.
The GM also wasted no time in allowing seven Divas to compete for an opportunity at the new title by setting up a
qualifying Golden Dreams Match. Michelle McCool, Cherry, Kelly Kelly, Victoria, Natalya, Maryse and Layla all fought
tough – attempting to grab the gleaming gold star hanging from a pole in the specialty match – but it was Natalya who came
out on top and will now compete for the new title.
A black-eyed Big Show came to L.A. to talk to our fans about his Singapore Cane Match victory at One Night Stand. But,
Mark Henry interrupted to let everyone know he was not impressed with Big Show becoming the No. 1 contender to Kane’s ECW
Championship. The World’s Largest Athlete invited the World’s Strongest Man to come to the ring to back up his words, but
just when it looked like Henry would accept the challenge, he backed away from the ring. When will these titans cross
paths again?
Speaking of SmackDown’s big men, The Great Khali made a triumphant return after recently touring his homeland of India.
Khali was pitted against Deuce & Domino in a Handicap Match. He easily took care of business by delivering Khali Bombs to
both opponents, then covering Domino for the pinfall.
Adversaries Finlay and Chuck Palumbo squared off in a Belfast Brawl with no disqualifications and no count-outs.
Capitalizing on the rules, Palumbo grabbed a thick-linked chain from his motorcycle, wrapped it around his fist, and
approached Finlay as if he was going to strike him. However, Finlay’s son, Hornswoggle, came to the aid of his father by
attacking Palumbo from behind with a low blow, forcing him to drop the chain. The distraction allowed Finlay to turn the
tables on Palumbo. The Irishman grabbed the chain from the mat and used it to clobber Palumbo and get the pinfall. Moments
later, Finlay stopped WWE Tag Team Champions The MIz & John Morrison from teasing his son, and the duo seemed none-too-
pleased with the pint-size Superstar's antics.
Vladimir Kozlov upped his SmackDown record to an impressive 10-0 by defeating Jimmy Wang Yang. Using explosive quickness –
and his skull as a battering ram – the man from Moscow finished off Yang with a belly-to-belly throw to get win No. 10.
On a star-studded night in the City of Angels, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero and new World Heavyweight
Champion Edge had every intention of celebrating numerous accomplishments: the Rated-R Superstar winning back the gold in
a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match at One Night Stand, the blockbuster announcement of the couple’s July 11 wedding on
SmackDown, and the end of Undertaker’s WWE tenure. Batista crashed the party, however, and brought “The Family” back to
reality – issuing a challenge to the new champion. The GM decided that she would grant The Animal his title opportunity,
but only if he could walk away victorious from an Eight-Man Tag Team Match later in the night. In typical fashion, Guerrero
& Edge named two stipulations of the match: Batista’s partners would be hand-picked by the GM and should he lose, The
Animal would never be allowed to challenge Edge for the gold again. Alongside Nunzio, Funaki & Colin Delaney, Batista made
sure that his chances at the title would not suffer the same fate as Undertaker’s career, much to the disgust of his
team’s opponents – Edge, Chavo Guerrero, Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder. With Vickie at ringside, Batista made sure his victory
sent a clear message to the Ultimate Opportunist and his power-wielding bride-to-be: I’m coming for the gold. But for
Batista to have any chance against the new World Champion, the authoritative General Manager and the rest of “The Family,”
he will have to watch his back – a task that would be difficult for any Superstar. The Animal has been backed into a corner
many times in his career and has managed to come out on top. But after witnessing what transpired with Undertaker, one of
the most resilient Superstars in WWE history, even Batista has to be worried about going up against the growing power of
“The Family” – even if he has shown no fear to this point. When will Batista officially challenge Edge for the World
Heavyweight Championship? Will The Animal’s plans to regain the gold be thwarted by the upcoming WWE Draft? Can
SmackDown’s power couple, Edge & Vickie, make Batista suffer the same way they did The Phenom? And now that Chavo Guerrero
has been chosen as Edge’s best man, will more wedding details be revealed in the coming weeks?
MATCHES:
- BELFAST BRAWL -
Fit Finlay defeated Chuck Palumbo
- 2 ON 1 HANDICAP MATCH -
The Great Khali defeated Deuce `n Domino
Cousin Sal defeated Santino Marella
with Jimmy Kimmel & Roddy Piper in his corner
- GOLDEN DREAMS MATCH -
( GOLDEN STAR ON A POLE MATCH )
Natalya Neidhart
defeated
Michelle McCool, Cherry, Kelly Kelly,
Victoria, Maryse and Layla
Vladimir Kozlov defeated Jimmy Wang Yang
continuing his undefeated streak
- EIGHT MAN TAG TEAM MATCH -
Batista, Colin Delaney, Funaki & Nunzio
defeated
World Heavyweight Champion Edge,
Chavo Guerrero, Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:57:35
SMACKDOWN
# 461
6-13-08 Taped 6-10-08
Save Mart Center
Fresno, California
Feeling underappreciated, Montel Vontavious Porter declared to General Manager Vickie Guerrero that his talents are not
being used to their full potential on SmackDown. The Ballin’ Superstar demanded that his contract be re-negotiated. Just
one problem – the contract was drawn up by former General Manager Theodore Long, not Guerrero. Therefore, with upcoming
nuptials and Night of Champions on her mind, Guerrero made a deal with MVP. She requested that he “take care” of CM Punk,
a Superstar that continues to be a thorn in the side of the World Heavyweight Champion, Edge. Punk even approached the
Rated-R Superstar in the locker room area and warned him that he may cash in his Money in the Bank opportunity at Edge and
Guerrero’s July 11 wedding. After a battle in the ring with Punk, MVP pulled off a turnbuckle, prompting the referee to
turn his back to the action. During the distraction, MVP grabbed Punk’s briefcase in hopes of using it against Mr. Money
in the Bank, but the Straightedge Superstar managed to knock MVP to the mat, causing the referee to catch him red-handed
and allowing the Franchise Playa to win by disqualification.
WWE Tag Team Champion John Morrison pinned Finlay on SmackDown, just as his partner, The Miz, got his hands on the
Irishman’s son, Hornswoggle. The tension continues to mount between the champs and Finlay & Hornswoggle, but who will get
the upper hand next?
Mark Henry wants to be the No. 1 contender for the ECW Title after Night of Champions. The World’s Strongest Man continued
to enforce that he will not be overlooked, as he crushed Tommy Dreamer to send another message to Big Show.
With General Manager Vickie Guerrero closely scouting the SmackDown and ECW Divas to see who will face Natalya for the
newly-created Divas Championship, Cherry and Maryse stepped into the ring once again. As their extremely personal rivalry
heats up, Cherry once again surprised Maryse by pulling out a win on SmackDown. Will Cherry’s victory catch the GM's eye?
Chavo Guerrero caught United States Champion Matt Hardy off-guard when he announced their United States Championship Match
for Night of Champions. However, the surprised Hardy didn’t let the announcement phase him; rather, in a match between him
and Chuck Palumbo, he prevailed over the Revved-up Superstar with a Twist of Fate. Can Hardy carry that same success with
him when he faces Chavo at Night of Champions, or will the Guerrero bloodline translate to victory for the self-proclaimed
“Mexican Warrior”?
Jesse & Festus defeated Deuce & Domino on Friday night, and the mounting frustration between the two exploded when Domino
attacked his partner. Will this be the end of the partnership between the boys from the Other Side of the Tracks or can
they settle their differences?
Batista came. He signed. He conquered The Great Khali. Inside Fresno State University’s Save Mart Center, Batista signed
the contract for his World Heavyweight Championship Match against Edge at Night of Champions. But just after inking his
name to the contract, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero informed The Animal of an additional amendment. In order
to solidify his status as the No. 1 contender to Edge’s title, Batista needed to defeat The Great Khali that night on
SmackDown. Unphased by Guerrero’s added stipulation, The Animal reminded everyone that he beat The Great Khali before and
he would beat him again. Capping off his bold prediction, Batista gave the GM a verbal lashing. “The only thing uglier
than the beating I’m going to give Edge at Night of Champions is the woman he’s marrying,” he said. Infuriated, Guerrero
tacked on another major stipulation for Batista’s must-win match against Khali. If Batista lost to the Punjabi Giant, he
would not only lose the opportunity to face Edge in a title match, but also be banished from WWE. Batista’s contract
amendments were typical of Guerrero’s recent tyrannical behavior in helping her fiancé, Edge, hold onto the gold. Shortly
after the signing, Guerrero was spotted in her office with wedding planner Alicia Fox. Montel Vontavious Porter interrupted
the meeting to tell Guerrero that he wanted to re-negotiate his own SmackDown contract. Guerrero agreed as long as MVP
“took care" of CM Punk later on SmackDown. Earlier in the night, Punk taunted the Rated-R Superstar by reminding him that
he could cash in his Money in the Bank contract at any time – even at Edge’s own wedding on the July 11 episode of
SmackDown. After MVP kept up his part of the deal and defeated Punk, everything seemed to be going according to plan. All
that remained was for The Great Khali to take care of business in regards to Batista. However, Edge and his fiancée
watched their plan crumble as The Animal leveled Khali with a hard-hitting spear to pick up a career-saving win.
MATCHES:
John "Nobody" Morrison
weakly defeated
Fit Finlay
Mark Henry defeated Tommy Dreamer
Cherry defeated Maryse
M.V.P. defeated C.M. Punk
- NON TITLE MATCH -
U.S. Champion Matt Hardy defeated Chuck Palumbo
Jesse & Festus defeated Deuce `n Domino
- CAREER ENDING MATCH -
Dave Batista defeated The Great Khali
allowing the continuance of his WWE career
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:57:00
SMACKDOWN
# 462
6-20-08 Taped 6-8-08
Hewlitt Packard Pavilion
San Jose, California
In the night’s main event featuring Batista against Chavo Guerrero, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero swayed the
odds heavily against The Animal by naming World Heavyweight Champion Edge as the special guest referee. The scheduled
referee, Charles Robinson, had been conveniently taken out of commission earlier in the night in a match the GM ordered
between Robinson and The Great Khali. And, in typical Guerrero fashion, Batista’s match included a stipulation: If he laid
a hand on Edge during the bout, he would lose his chance to face the Rated-R Superstar for the World Heavyweight
Championship at Night of Champions. Although Batista held his own against Chavo, “The Family’s” influence proved to be too
much to overcome. After being counted out of the match by guest referee Edge’s fast count, Batista suffered a 5-on-1 attack
from “The Family,” capped off with a brutal spear from the Ultimate Opportunist. If Vickie can continue to use her power
to orchestrate things on SmackDown, how might she affect things at Night of Champions and even at The Granddaddy of Them
All, WrestleMania XXV? And with three days until the WWE Draft, is Guerrero’s job going to be someone else’s after Monday
Night?
It seems as though no one is immune from the vindictive ways of SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero. Montel
Vontavious Porter felt her wrath as she ordered him to face ECW Champion Kane. Despite all his self-promoting talk on the
night’s edition of MVP’s VIP Lounge, SmackDown’s Franchise Playa proved to be no match for the Big Red Machine, deciding
to get counted out rather than face the fires of the ECW Champion. Then, after picking up the win, Kane had to deal with
his own vindictive adversary, Mark Henry, who was out for payback for the double-chokeslam he received from Kane and Big
Show earlier in the week on ECW.
In his first one-on-one match, Bam Neely took on United States Champion Matt Hardy. Looking on was Chavo Guerrero –
Hardy’s Night of Champions opponent. But, Chavo proved to be more hindrance than help to his family member, as he
attracted the attention of referee Charles Robinson who ejected him from ringside. With Bam distracted by Guerrero’s
ejection, Hardy capitalized by delivering a hard-hitting Twist of Fate to pick up the win.
In a shocking move, Guerrero ordered WWE referee Charles Robinson to face action on SmackDown. While meeting with Robinson
in her office, Guerrero expressed concern at what she perceived as Robinson’s lack of objectivity in Edge’s matches
against Undertaker at WrestleMania XXIV and Judgment Day. She was also unhappy about Robinson ejecting Chavo from ringside
earlier in the night. “You need to experience how it feels from a Superstar’s perspective,” she said. Robinson had no
choice but to follow the GM’s orders, even without knowing who his opponent would be. As he anxiously awaited the start of
his first-ever match, he learned Guerrero picked none other than The Great Khali to face him. In an extreme mismatch, the
420-pound Punjabi Giant destroyed Robinson using a clothesline, head butt, Khali Chop and Khali Vise Grip. The brutal
assault required Robinson to be removed from the ring on a stretcher. Referee Charles Robinson was examined by WWE
athletic trainers and doctors after being brutalized by The Great Khali on SmackDown, and there is no further word on when
Robinson will return to SmackDown.
Just like she did a few weeks ago on SmackDown, Michelle McCool defeated Layla using a heel hook to make her submit. The
All-American Diva’s win attracted the attention of Natalya, who looked on from the ramp after the match. With the upcoming
live three-hour WWE Draft on the next episode of Raw, the SmackDown Diva roster could be totally shaken up as the Sexiest
Women on Television vie for the new Divas Championship.
All things must come to an end, but don’t tell Vladimir Kozlov. The man from Moscow chalked up another win by defeating
Jamie Noble, bringing his undefeated SmackDown record to 11-0. While leaping from the top rope, Noble was met with a
vicious head butt from Kozlov, leaving Noble writhing in agony after the match ended. Superstar Jamie Noble is taking it
easy after what appeared to be an injury sustained in his match with Vladimir Kozlov on SmackDown. Noble, however,
only had the wind knocked out of him by the vicious head butt from the monster from Moscow Friday night.
The growing dissention between tag team partners Deuce & Domino came to a head after their loss to Jesse & Festus. After
Festus pinned Domino, Deuce delivered a Crack em’ in da’ Mouth to Domino. Deuce then tossed his leather jacket over his
fallen comrade’s face as if to signal the end of the partnership of the once tag team champions.
With WWE Tag Team Champion John Morrison on commentary, he watched his partner, The Miz, take on Finlay. With tensions
high surrounding the upcoming tag team title match at Night of Champions, Morrison jumped up from the announce table in the
middle of the match to go after Hornswoggle. Hornswoggle retaliated by whacking Morrison in the knee with a shillelagh.
The action outside the ring distracted The Miz, allowing Finlay to capitalize and deliver a Celtic Cross to pick up the
pinfall.
MATCHES:
- NON TITLE MATCH -
United States Champion Matt Hardy defeated Bam Neely
Michelle McCool defeated Layla
Vladimir Kozlov defeated Jamie Noble
- NON TITLE MATCH -
ECW Champion Kane defeated Montel Vontavious Porter
The Great Khali defeated WWE referee Charles Robinson
Jesse & Festus defeated Deuce & Domino
Fit Finlay defeated WWE Tag Team Champion "The Miz"
Chavo Guerrero defeated Batista
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:57:30
SMACKDOWN
# 463
6-27-08 Taped 6-24-08
Toyota Center
Houston, Texas
SmackDown hit the stage with a new look – and a new sound – after the 2008 WWE Draft sent the likes of WWE Champion Triple
H and Hall of Fame commentator Jim Ross to the blue brand. Still, the night featured a familiar sight: Batista hoisting the
World Heavyweight Championship in front of the WWE Universe.
Arguably the Draft pick who made the most waves on Monday’s edition of Raw, Triple H kicked off the evening with a formal
introduction. It didn’t take long for World Heavyweight Champion Edge to stir up some trouble, perhaps already playing
mind games with The Game. It took even less time for Batista to rush to ringside and spear the title holder after The King
of Kings cast him from the squared circle. The Animal grabbed Edge’s gold and raised it alongside SmackDown’s newest
Superstar.
That image would be similar after the main event match between Batista and Umaga. The contest wouldn’t reach a conclusion
before Edge, Chavo Guerrero, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder all joined in to tame the Animal.
Triple H returned Batista’s favor from earlier that night, climbing into the ring and knocking the Samoan Bulldozer from
the top of the turnbuckle for an earth-shattering fall. Between The Game and Batista, the squared circle was cleared out
in a matter of seconds, leaving the WWE Champion and the hopeful World Heavyweight Champion to celebrate.
Edge’s night wasn’t completely unsuccessful, however. The Ultimate Opportunist took on new ECW Superstar United States
Champion Matt Hardy in a non-title Champion vs. Champion bout. Making good on his nickname, Edge seized the opportunity
when Hardy was distracted. The United States Champion was left immobile after a devastating spear, allowing Hardy only to
wait for the inevitable pin.
Hawkins & Ryder were also involved earlier in the evening. The duo took on the father-son pair of Finlay & Hornswoggle.
The Irishmen proved to be too much for the Rated-R enthusiasts, as Hornswoggle capitalized and pinned Hawkins for the win.
WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison came to ringside, but it wasn’t to congratulate the pair on their win. The
two tag teams will go to battle at Night of Champions, Finlay & Hornswoggle hoping to find gold at the end of the rainbow
and Miz & Morrison hoping to protect theirs.
The WWE Universe got another Night of Champions preview when ECW Champion Kane & Big Show faced Mark Henry & Montel
Vontavious Porter in tag team action. The three giants involved are all set to fight for the ECW Title in a Triple Threat
Match at the pay-per-view, but it’s not hard to tell they are chomping at the bit. At the conclusion of the contest, MVP
tried walking back to the locker room after struggling in the ring. Henry wouldn’t have any of it, though, and he took his
partner and tossed him back into the squared circle. The Ballin’ Superstar became the victim of a vicious chokeslam and a
pin, courtesy of the Big Red Machine.
Six other competitors wanting a title taste fought it out on Friday night, as well. Maryse, Victoria & Natalya shined
against Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly & Cherry. SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero has yet to make a decision about
who will take on Natalya in the first ever Diva Championship Match. If Friday served as advantageous for anyone, Maryse
offered up a fine performance on her way to pinning Cherry to earn her team the victory.
Rounding out the night, Vladimir Kozlov continued his dominating career, making an example of Domino in one-on-one action.
MATCHES:
ECW Champion Kane & The Big Show
defeated
Mark Henry & Montel Vontavious Porter
Fit Finlay & Hornswoggle
defeated
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
- NON TITLE MATCH -
World Heavyweight Champion Edge
defeated
United States Champion Matt Hardy
Natalya Neidhart, Victoria & Maryse
defeated
Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly & Cherry
Vladimir Kozlov defeated Domino
Batista vs Umaga
ended in a no contest
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:57:06
SMACKDOWN
# 464
7-4-08 Taped 7-1-08
Tulsa Convention Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Distraught over losing the World Heavyweight Championship to CM Punk on Raw, Edge snapped on SmackDown, calling off his
wedding plans to SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero. The news was too much to bear for the GM, who broke down in a
screaming, crying fit. But the Rated-R Superstar’s lover wasn’t the only one who suffered his wrath. After Jesse & Festus
defeated Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder in a tag match, the Ultimate Opportunist launched a brutal attack on Festus, first
spearing him to the canvas then knocking him out with a vicious steel chair attack. Friday night was the culmination of
the former champion’s brooding frustrations over the lack of support from our fans, and Hawkins, Ryder, and the love of
his life, Vickie, after losing his title.
But if it’s gold that can set Edge’s mind straight, he might not have to wait long. At the start of SmackDown – after WWE
Champion Triple H and Montel Vontavious Porter poked fun at Edge’s loss and pending nuptials on MVP’s VIP Lounge – Vickie
interrupted to announce Triple H would defend the WWE Championship against Edge at Great American Bash. Considering the
Ultimate Opportunist called off the wedding, will the GM change her mind about the pay-per-view match-up?
It isn’t just Edge who’s dreaming of gold. SmackDown’s Divas have eagerly awaited a chance to compete for the new Divas
Championship. With a red-headed Natayla looking on from the announce table, Michelle McCool defeated Cherry, Kelly Kelly,
Victoria and Maryse in a Golden Dreams Match. The victory earned the All-American Girl a match with Natalya for the Divas
Championship.
The 2008 WWE Draft brought big changes to SmackDown, including Hall of Famer Jim Ross’ arrival on the blue brand and
long-time announcer Michael Cole saying his final goodbye to fans as he heads to Raw. Making his SmackDown debut, after
being drafted from Raw, was Jeff Hardy, who fought WWE Tag Team Champion John "Nobody" Morrison in a valiant
back-and-forth battle. After avoiding a Moonlight Drive from John "Nobody" Morrison, the Legend Thriller delivered a
facebuster-powerbomb, followed up by a Swanton Bomb and the pinfall.
In his second appearance on SmackDown after the WWE Draft, Umaga defeated Funaki in convincing fashion. From start to
finish, the 340-plus-pound Samoan Bulldozer dominated his challenger, finishing him off with a Samoan Spike.
In celebration of Independence Day, the United States Championship was contested in a Fatal 4th of July Four Way. United
States Champion Matt Hardy took on Mr. Kennedy, Chavo Guerrero and Shelton Benjamin. All four combatants waged war in a
free-for-all for the title. In the end, Hardy delivered a Twist of Fate to Shelton Benjamin who landed on top of Chavo.
Capitalizing on the chain of events, Hardy climbed on Chavo to get the pinfall and retain his gold.
MATCHES:
- GOLDEN DREAMS MATCH -
Michelle McCool
defeated
Cherry, Kelly Kelly, Victoria & Maryse
earning her a match against Natalya Neidhart for the Divas Championship
Jesse & Festus
defeated
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
Jeff Hardy
defeated
WWE Tag Team Champion
John "Nobody" Morrison
"The Samoan Bulldozer" Umaga
defeated
"Smackdown`s Number 1 Announcer" Funaki
" UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP "
- FATAL 4TH OF JULY FOUR WAY MATCH -
Matt Hardy
defeated
Mr. Kennedy, Chavo Guerrero & Shelton Benjamin
retaining the title
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:59:50
SMACKDOWN
# 465
7-11-08 Taped 7-8-08
Baton Rouge River Center
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Edge & SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero reconciled in front of our fans in New Orleans – after the Rated-R
Superstar escaped serious injury at the hands of Big Show in a No Disqualification Match. With Guerrero watching at
ringside, Big Show used his size and strength to overpower Edge, and when The World’s Largest Athlete prepared to deliver
a Con-Chair-To to Edge, Guerrero showed her heart still belonged to Edge, stopping the match and protecting the Rated-R
Superstar – quite the change from the beginning of the night. The GM had made the match after she had heard enough from
her apparently former fiancé, who began the night by telling the world he was happier standing on his own and that Vickie
was not good enough for him. The Ultimate Opportunist then said at The Great American Bash, he would prove all his critics
wrong and defeat Triple H to win the WWE Championship. It was then that Vickie Guerrero used her power as General Manager
to place Edge into the match, and she had only one thing to say to the Rated-R Superstar, “good luck, baby.”
Chavo Guerrero has taken advantage of his relation to Vickie Guerrero on more than one occasion, and on SmackDown, the
self-proclaimed “Mexican Warrior” tried to use that bond once more – earning himself a match with WWE Champion Triple H.
The Game was in top form in his first match on Friday Night SmackDown since being drafted, delivering a Pedigree to Chavo
Guerrero to get the win.
In a fast-paced, high-flying, non-title encounter, Shelton Benjamin defeated United States Champion Matt Hardy, putting
his name into the mix of Superstars who want the opportunity to wear championship gold. The match saw both men taking
chances to gain momentum, and when Hardy attempted his patented Twist of Fate, Benjamin blocked it and then took advantage
of an over-aggressive Hardy to seal the victory.
Another one of SmackDown’s new additions, Mr. Kennedy defeated Domino using the Mic Check, with his former friend MVP
sitting at ringside doing commentary. Before the match, Kennedy had referred to himself as, “more valuable than MVP,”
drawing the ire of the flashy Franchise Playa. After the win, Kennedy and the Ballin’ Superstar exchanged words with each
other, and as Kennedy went to leave, Umaga — much to the delight of MVP — attacked him.
Now knowing that she will face Michelle McCool at Great American Bash for the newly created Divas Championship, Natalya
teamed with Maryse on SmackDown, intent to send a strong message to McCool. The All-American Diva had Cherry by her side,
but Natalya used a Sharpshooter, made famous by her uncle, WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart, to force Cherry to submit. After
the match, Natalya made a statement by laying out McCool on the outside, just feet from the Divas Championship. Will
McCool find retribution before the two do battle at “The Bash”?
In the long-standing rivalry between Finlay & Hornswoggle and the WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison, each
team has earned victory at the other’s expense, giving neither a true advantage. On SmackDown, the back-and-forth battle
continued, with the Irishman and his son winning a non-title match when Finlay used the shillelagh and Hornswoggle
delivered the Tadpole Splash to Miz.
Jesse & Festus were looking to right the wrong done to them last week when after their victory, they were attacked by Curt
Hawkins, Zack Ryder & Edge. With Festus in his stoic state, the duo was left wide open for the vicious attack. On
SmackDown, Jesse & Festus once more earned a victory over Hawkins & Ryder, and when Edge’s cohorts attacked again, Jesse
evened the odds by ringing the bell, transforming the “corn-fed colossus,” who then cleared the ring of Hawkins & Ryder.
The undefeated Vladimir Kozlov continued his impressive streak on SmackDown, when he defeated Stevie Richards. The Moscow
Mauler’s path of destruction has seen Kozlov annihilate anyone he steps into the ring with, using his wide repertoire of
offense to remain unblemished. How long will Kozlov carry on the hot streak? Will anyone step up and face the Moscow Mauler?
MATCHES:
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Shelton Benjamin
defeated
United States Champion
Matt Hardy
Mr. Kennedy defeated Domino
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Fit Finlay & Hornswoggle
defeated
WWE Tag Team Champions
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin & John "Nobody" Morrison
- NON TITLE MATCH -
WWE Champion
"The Game" Triple H
defeated
Chavo Guerrero
Natalya Neidhart & Maryse
defeated
Michelle McCool & Cherry
Jesse & Festus
defeated
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
via a count out
Vladimir Kozlov
defeated
Stevie Richards
continuing his undefeated streak
- NO DISQUALIFICATION MATCH -
Edge vs The Big Show
ended in a no contest
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:55:43
SMACKDOWN
# 466
7-18-08 Taped 7-15-08
Time Warner Cable Arena
Charlotte, North Carolina
On what should have been the happiest night of their lives, Edge & SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero’s wedding
reception was interrupted by WWE Champion, and Edge’s Great American Bash opponent, Triple H. The Game offered his gifts
to the newlyweds, and then shocked the world when he revealed a video of the Rated-R Superstar and wedding planner Alicia
Fox locking lips.
Earlier in the night, the seemingly happy couple was in harmony as they celebrated their nuptials, even taking time out of
the reception for in-ring action. Edge donned a guest referee shirt as he helped Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder defeat Finlay &
Hornswoggle in a tag team encounter, spearing the Irishman to seal the win for his friends.
Moments later, after their first dance was interrupted by Big Show cutting in, the powerful pair placed The World’s
Largest Athlete in a 4-on-1 Handicap Match. Up against The Great Khali, MVP, Vladimir Kozlov & Shelton Benjamin, Big Show
proved why he is still one of the toughest competitors in the world, fighting off the teamed assault before the match was
ruled a no contest. After the match, however, Khali, MVP, Shelton & the undefeated Moscow Mauler attacked Big Show,
leaving him down in the center of the ring.
Not to be outdone, Vickie Guerrero entered the ring for her bouquet toss, followed by Divas eager to catch the flowers.
Before the GM could carry the tradition out, Michelle McCool attacked her Great American Bash opponent, Natalya, in
response to Natalya’s attack last week. An annoyed Guerrero ordered McCool out of the arena, and after Cherry caught the
bouquet, Vickie put the soft-spoken Diva up against Natalya. For the second week in a row, Cherry submitted to Natalya’s
Sharpshooter. Adding insult to a painful loss, Vickie then ordered an immediate match with Cherry. The GM pinned Cherry to
earn a victory in her wedding dress.
Also, as a wedding special attraction, longtime rivals of Edge, The Hardys, were put into action against each other, as
United States Champion Matt Hardy took on his brother, Jeff. Before they faced off, the duo threw the wedding cake at
Chavo Guerrero, igniting the anger of “The Family.” In the ring, the high-flying brothers put on a show in their home
state of North Carolina, until the irate “Family” attacked to gain revenge for the cake-tossing.
But all the action couldn’t make up for the storm created by the 12-time World Champion, Triple H. As Edge tried to
explain his extra-curricular activities with Fox, Guerrero unleashed her heartache, shoving her new husband and screaming
as SmackDown ended. With just two days until The Great American Bash, will Edge’s affair with Alicia Fox haunt him when he
steps into the ring against Triple H with the gold on the line?
Brian Kendrick defeated Jimmy Wang Yang in one-on-one action. Kendrick is sporting a new attitude and new look since being
drafted, not to mention the large shadow of his bodyguard, Ezekiel. Will Kendrick’s new approach help him climb the
SmackDown ranks?
WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison defeated Jesse & Festus on SmackDown, but with just two days before the
Fatal Four Way for their gold, are Miz & Morrison’s golden days numbered? Will Jesse & Festus transform from contenders to
champions? Or will Finlay & Hornswoggle finally find their pot of gold? Will Hawkins & Ryder’s allegiance to GM Guerrero
help them in their pursuit of the titles?
Mr. Kennedy is looking to make a name for himself on SmackDown, but the outspoken Superstar has run into Umaga. On Friday
night, Kennedy appeared to have the match between the two won, but the Samoan Bulldozer blocked the Mic Check, and
delivered a Samoan Spike to earn the victory. This rivalry is heating up, but can Kennedy find a way to take down the
always dangerous Umaga?
MATCHES:
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
defeated
Fit Finlay & Hornswoggle
- 4 ON 1 HANDICAP MATCH -
The Big Show
vs
The Great Khali, Vladimir Kozlov,
M.V.P. & Shelton Benjamin
ended in a no contest
Natalya Neidhart defeated Cherry
Vickie Guerrero defeated Cherry
Brian Kendrick defeated Jimmy Wang Yang
Umaga defeated Mr. Kennedy
- NON TITLE MATCH -
WWE Tag Team Champions
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin & John "Nobody" Morrison
defeated
"The Biscuits & Gravy Team"
Jesse & Festus
- NON TITLE MATCH -
United States Champion
Matt Hardy
vs
Jeff Hardy
ended in a no contest
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:57:02
SMACKDOWN
# 467
7-25-08 Taped 7-22-08
Wachovia Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
After suffering through the embarrassment of her husband Edge’s infidelity last week, SmackDown General Manager Vickie
Guerrero came to the City of Brotherly Love intent to show the world she was as strong as ever. The jilted bride listened
as Edge offered his apologies and begged for her love, and she let the Ultimate Opportunist know she still loved him. But,
by the end of the night, Guerrero not only displayed her GM power, but she showed the Rated-R Superstar that his tryst
with Alicia Fox had caused her to do the unthinkable – reinstating Undertaker and placing her husband in a Hell in a Cell
Match with the returning Phenom at SummerSlam.
In a Biggest Blockbuster of the Summer Battle Royal, despite the best efforts of Big Show, Jeff Hardy, MVP, Umaga and Mr.
Kennedy, The Great Khali, with his translator Ranjin Singh back by his side, defeated five of SmackDown’s greatest
competitors to earn himself a WWE Championship Match at SummerSlam against Triple H. The World’s Largest Athlete looked
poised for the victory, but an already eliminated Umaga returned to the ring and delivered a Samoan Spike, ruining Big
Show’s chances. After Khali’s victory, The Game made his way into the arena, and he and the Punjabi Giant stared each
other down, as Khali motioned he wanted the gold.
Before competing in the Battle Royal, MVP welcomed Jeff Hardy into his VIP Lounge, where the cocky MVP accused Jeff of
being a failure, bringing up Hardy’s stormy past. While Hardy attempted to explain himself, the Franchise Playa kept it
coming, pointing out all the negatives that had befallen the Charismatic Enigma, much to the disgust of our fans. Hardy
finally had heard enough, and he chased the Ballin’ Superstar out of the ring.
After capturing gold at The Great American Bash this past Sunday, the new WWE Tag Team Champions, Curt Hawkins & Zack
Ryder, were not in tag team action on SmackDown, but Hawkins was in one-on-one action against Festus. The rivalry between
these duos is boiling, and the corn-fed colossus picked up a singles win, gaining some retribution for the attacks he has
sustained from “The Family” over the past few weeks.
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin proved that he is ready for action with his newly-won title around his waist,
taking on Jimmy Wang Yang. In a fast-paced encounter, the Gold Standard continued his hot streak, defeating the resident
redneck.
Divas Champion Michelle McCool defeated Maryse on SmackDown, just days after becoming the first-ever champion. The
All-American Diva was all smiles with the gold around her waist, but many wonder if the Diva she defeated at The Great
American Bash, Natalya, is done hunting for the title.
Vladimir Kozlov sustained his impressive undefeated streak on SmackDown, defeating Philadelphia’s own, Stevie Richards.
After the match, Kozlov made his way to the announce table and told Jim Ross & Mick Foley that he wanted better
competition. Will anyone in the SmackDown locker room step up and test the Moscow Mauler?
The new look and attitude of The Brian Kendrick continued its evolution on SmackDown when the high-flying Superstar
defeated Shannon Moore. With Ezekiel by his side, The Brian Kendrick is looking to charge his way up the SmackDown ranks,
and there are many, including SmackDown commentator Jim Ross, who feel the sky is the limit for Kendrick.
MATCHES:
- NON TITLE MATCH -
United States Champion
Shelton Benjamin
defeated
Jimmy Wang Yang
Festus
defeated
WWE Tag Team Champion
Curt Hawkins
Vladimir Kozlov
defeated
Stevie Richards
continuing his undefeated streak
- BIGGEST BLOCKBUSTER OF THE SUMMER BATTLE ROYAL -
The Great Khali defeated
The Big Show, Jeff Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Umaga & M.V.P.
becoming new number one contender for the WWE Championship
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Divas Champion
Michelle McCool
defeated
Maryse
The Brian Kendrick
defeated
Shannon Moore
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:57:47
SMACKDOWN
# 468
8-1-08 Taped 7-29-08
Giant Center
Hershey, Pennsylvania
After enduring a very personal attack from Montel Vontavious Porter last week on SmackDown, Jeff Hardy planted himself in
a chair in front of the announce table to watch MVP take on Jimmy Wang Yang. After MVP took care of business against Yang
with a kick to the temple, the Legend Thriller came into the ring to silence his antagonist with a hard-hitting Twist of
Fate.
In an exciting back-and-forth struggle for dominance, Mr. Kennedy battled United States Champion Shelton Benjamin in a
non-title bout. After the champion weakened Kennedy with a brutal shoulder breaker into the ring post, the Gold Standard
keyed-in on the injury with a series of targeted attacks. However, Kennedy was able to battle back and down the champion
with a crushing Mic Check for the pinfall. When questioned by Eve after the match about his performance, the champion
claimed he was suffering from an acute case of bronchitis.
With Ezekiel looking on, the self-proclaimed most intelligent Superstar in WWE, The Brian Kendrick, dominated his
opponent, Stevie Richards. But the win wasn’t enough to satisfy Kendrick’s associate. After the match, Ezekiel hoisted
Richards onto his back and delivered a paralyzing backbreaker.
In perhaps one of Jeff Hardy’s most lopsided matches ever, the Legend Thriller was completely dominated by The Great
Khali. Toward the end of the match, however, Hardy had a glimmer of hope when he was able to topple the Punjabi Giant with
a Whisper in the Wind capped off with a Swanton Bomb. But just when things were looking good for Hardy, MVP approached the
ring, forcing Hardy to divert his attention, kicking MVP back away from the ring and onto the floor. As Hardy and MVP
tussled outside the ring, Khali forcibly ripped Hardy back into the ring by the head. Next, the 7-footer locked Hardy in
his painful Khali Vise Grip, forcing the referee to call for the bell to stop the punishment. After the match, MVP came
back into the ring to gloat over Hardy’s lifeless body.
Domino should have thought twice before tossing his T-shirt into the face of Big Show. After the serious error in
judgment, Domino paid a heavy price at the massive hands of The World’s Largest Athlete, who chokeslammed Domino for the
easy victory. After the bell, Umaga stormed into the arena to confront Big Show. After sizing each other up as they moved
around the ring, Big Show motioned for Umaga to come toward him, but the Samoan Bulldozer decided to save it for another
day and backed out of the ring.
Coming to SmackDown from Raw courtesy of the 2008 Supplemental WWE Draft, Playboy cover girl Maria made her debut on
Friday nights in a match against Victoria. Using a flying clothesline off the ropes, Maria drove Victoria to the canvas to
get the pinfall.
As a surprise special guest on “The Cutting Edge,” Hardcore Legend Mick Foley gave Edge a stern talking to about what he
needed to do to win Hell in a Cell against Undertaker at SummerSlam. After recalling his own words from the past,
describing Edge as the “greatest Superstar in WWE,” Foley warned that if the new Edge – the “white-tuxedo-wearing” and
“luffa-sponge bathing Edge” – walks into Hell in a Cell, The Undertaker will tear him apart. After Foley’s cutting words,
the Rated-R Superstar claimed to understand the advice, but suddenly attacked the Hardcore Legend, leading to a melee
culminating in Edge leaping from atop a ladder and smashing Foley through a table.
MATCHES:
Montel Vontavious Porter defeated Jimmy Wang Yang
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Mr. Kennedy defeated United States Champion Shelton Benjamin
The Brian Kendrick defeated Stevie Richards
The Great Khali defeated Jeff Hardy
Maria defeated Victoria
The Big Show defeated Domino
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:57:02
SMACKDOWN
# 469
8-8-08 Taped 8-5-08
Philips Arena
Atlanta, Georgia
In the spirit of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, SmackDown hosted a special Six Diva WWE Olympic Tag Team Match. The unique
encounter pitted Divas Champion Michelle McCool, Maria & Cherry against Natalya, Victoria, & Maryse. In the end, Natalya
proved her mettle and earned her team the win by forcing Maria to submit with a well-executed Sharpshooter.
Before Curt Hawkins’ mysterious bout of unconsciousness in the locker room, he and Zack Ryder squared off earlier in the
night against Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore in a non-title tag match. With the ref distracted toward the end of the
bout, Hawkins & Ryder seized the opportunity and delivered a double DDT to Moore. Ryder capitalized and picked up the
pinfall over Moore.
It was a match of North Carolina vs. South Carolina natives, as Jeff Hardy (from NC) took on United States Champion
Shelton Benjamin in a non-title match. Throughout the bout, the Gold Standard keyed in on Hardy’s injured left leg that
was still nagging him from his Saturday Night’s Main Event match with Edge. Things were looking good for Hardy when he
unloaded on Benjamin with a Twist of Fate, followed up by a Swanton Bomb. But just like on Saturday, MVP came out of
nowhere to kick Hardy in the head. The Ballin’ Superstar’s interference caused the bout to be ruled a No-Contest. Both
Superstars are now on a collision course for SummerSlam.
With their SummerSlam title match looming, WWE Champion Triple H took on The Great Khali in a risky Indian Broken Glass
Arm Wrestling Contest. But before a winner could be determined, the Punjabi Giant head butted the champion and crushed his
head with an overpowering Khali Vise Grip. Despite the outcome of this battle, The Game vowed to break both of
Khali’s legs at SummerSlam.
In perhaps his first words spoken in English over a WWE ring microphone, Vladimir Kozlov said, “I am undefeated. I demand
better competition,” before facing Jesse. In the end, Jesse did not provide what Kozlov was asking for. After Jessed
launched himself from the top rope onto Kozlov, he was met mid-air with a hard-hitting head butt from the Moscow Mauler.
The stifling blow enabled Kozlov to pick up another commanding victory.
With Ezekiel Jackson at his side, The Brian Kendrick picked up a pinfall over Super Crazy, thanks to a distraction from his
massive associate at ringside. And just like last week on SmackDown, Kendrick’s opponent was the unfortunate recipient of
a crushing backbreaker after the bell.
One by one, “The Family” found some of its members mysteriously unconscious with black roses next to their motionless
bodies. First it was big Bam Neely in the Philips Arena loading area, then it was WWE Tag Team Champion Curt Hawkins in
the locker room. Concerned about who was to blame – and more importantly, who was next – Chavo Guerrero convinced Vickie
Guerrero that they needed Edge’s help. But instead of helping his family members, Edge turned on them in a maniacal
outburst that left his new bride in a ball of tears – and his best man the recipient of a ruthless steel Con-Chair-To.
After the hellish carnage, the Ultimate Opportunist explained his malevolent metamorphosis by saying, “Mick Foley was
right. This is the Edge that needs to step into Hell in a Cell.”
MATCHES:
- SIX DIVA WWE OLYMPIC TAG TEAM MATCH -
Natalya Neidhart, Victoria, & Maryse
defeated
Divas Champion Michelle McCool, Maria & Cherry
- NON TITLE MATCH -
WWE Tag Team Champions Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
defeated
Jimmy Wang Yang & Shannon Moore
- NON TITLE MATCH -
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin
vs
Jeff Hardy
ended in a no contest
- INDIAN BROKEN GLASS ARM WRESTLING CONTEST -
WWE Champion Triple H
vs
The Great Khali
ended in a no contest
Vladimir Kozlov defeated Jesse
continuing his undefeated streak
"The" Brian Kendrick
defeated
"The Insane Luchador" Super Crazy
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:56:47
SMACKDOWN
# 470
8-15-08 Taped 8-12-08
Scope Arena
Norfolk, Virginia
Just two days before the Biggest Blockbuster of the Summer, the WWE Universe stood witness to the calculating actions of a
mad man, wondering if a legend would emerge to answer his wild taunts. In anticipation of his match with the reinstated
Undertaker in Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam, Edge continued his personal reign of terror on his wife, SmackDown General
Manager Vickie Guerrero. Following last week’s Con-Chair-To to best man Chavo Guerrero, the unprotected Vickie clung to
Diva Victoria, fearing both her crazed husband and his SummerSlam foe. When she tried to escape her impending doom, the
Master Manipulator cut her off at the limousine pass and took her on a wild wheelchair ride that ended ringside. The
deranged Edge screamed at his wife to apologize for all that she did to The Phenom. He then showed his insane defiance of
The Deadman by attempting to call him out right then and there. But, when Undertaker didn’t appear and Edge realized he
would be forced to wait for SummerSlam to fully unleash his unchecked rage, he promised Guerrero that it would be the
“purest form of Hell.”
Just one week after The Great Khali sent a devastating message to WWE Champion Triple H with his vicious Vise Grip, The
Game answered back with authority. Ranjin Singh started things off by joining Jim Ross and Tazz while the Punjabi Giant
watched The King of Kings decimate Kenny Dykstra. Things quickly got out of hand, though, when Triple H “borrowed” Singh
to entice his mammoth adversary into the ring. Although he failed to deliver a Pedigree on his No. 1 contender for the
second week in a row, The Game sent a powerful message of his own by knocking Khali off his feet and out of the ring.
Montel Vontavious Porter attempted, yet again, to interfere in his SummerSlam opponent Jeff Hardy’s match, this time
against United States Champion Shelton Benjamin. MVP’s plan ultimately backfired, however. After giving the high-flying
challenger a huge victory in the title match over the Gold Standard by disqualification, Hardy rose above his adversary,
delivering a Twist of Fate to MVP before hitting both him and the champion with Swanton Bombs.
For the second time in recent weeks, Natalya & Maryse found themselves victorious in tag team action over Divas Champion
Michelle McCool & Maria. Although the All-American champion and her partner seemed to have had the match well in hand,
McCool allowed herself be distracted by Maryse one time too many, opening the door for Natalya to pick up the win.
After reminding the WWE Universe that he is the future of the sports-entertainment and getting his advisor Ezekiel Jackson
to utter his first words to the SmackDown audience in agreement, The Brian Kendrick executed an impressive assault on
Scotty Goldman in the Superstar’s debut match. Afterward, Jackson dished out his own physical form of “advisement” on the
newcomer.
Big Show wrecked swift havoc on Friday night, sending a pulverizing welcome to swaggering newcomer Ryan Braddock. The
World’s Largest Athlete has been a force to be reckoned with since his return earlier this year, and his stock continues
to rise as he piles up the victories.
For months now, the imposing Vladimir Kozlov has captured win after win over every Superstar he has encountered in his
search for “better competition.” He finally found what he has been looking for in the form of Festus. The Moscow Mauler
engaged in a fierce battle with the Corn-fed Colossus before saving his undefeated streak with a raging head butt from the
East.
MATCHES:
" UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP "
Jeff Hardy
defeated
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin
via a disqualification
Natalya Neidhart & Maryse
defeated
Divas Champion Michelle McCool & Maria
"The" Brian Kendrick defeated Scotty Goldman
Goldman`s debut match
- NON TITLE MATCH -
WWE Champion Triple H
defeated
Kenny "The Dyke" Dykstra
The Big Show defeated Ryan Braddock
Braddock`s debut match
Vladimir Kozlov defeated Festus
continuing his undefeated streak
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:59:50
SMACKDOWN
# 471
8-22-08 Taped 8-19-08
I Wireless Center
Moline, Illinois
It was a night for seeking repentance and rising to the challenge as SmackDown stood witness to the return of Undertaker
on Friday nights, and saw other Superstars looking for a new chance at championship gold. As a result of The Phenom
sending Edge to Hell at SummerSlam, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero underwent a dynamic attitude change, showing
remorse for what she said was not the “real” her and blaming the Rated-R Superstar for all her past wrongdoing to WWE
Superstars and the WWE Universe alike. She claimed that she was very excited about the return of Undertaker and hoped our
fans would join her in giving him a standing ovation. But, not everybody was ready to hear it. After reading a prepared
statement and begging him for forgiveness on bended knee, the reemerging Deadman made it clear to Guerrero that forgiveness
would not be granted when he decimated Chavo Guerrero, Bam Neely and WWE Tag Team Champions Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder.
Earlier, before bedlam erupted around members of “The Family,” Guerrero made the announcement that throughout the evening,
a series of qualifying matches would take place to find out which four Superstars would join WWE Champion Triple H in the
first-ever WWE Championship Scramble Match at Unforgiven.
The Brian Kendrick was proclaimed the winner of the first qualifying match – a 10-Man Battle Royal that included Hawkins &
Ryder, Vladimir Kozlov, Armando Estrada, Jimmy Wang Yang, Funaki, Super Crazy, as well as newcomers Scotty Goldman and
Ryan Braddock. Although Big Show was overlooked as a participant by General Manager Guerrero, he was not to be denied –
smashing his way into the ring on his own accord and eliminating the majority of Superstars including The Brian Kendrick
himself. However, because Ezekiel Jackson caught and deposited his associate back in the ring before his feet hit the
floor, the reeling Kendrick found his hand raised at the sound of the bell – earning a place in the Championship Scramble.
In the second qualifying match, Montel Vontavious Porter stole a victory over Festus via count-out. Once the fierce battle
made its way outside the ring and the referee began his 10-count, the Ballin’ Superstar seized the moment by kicking an
unsuspecting Jesse, distracting the Corn-fed Colossus long enough to get back in the ring and pick up the win in the final
second. Will MVP’s self-proclaimed destiny to become a World Champion come true at Unforgiven?
In his continued obsession with possessing all the championship gold he can get his hands on, United States Champion
Shelton Benjamin beat Finlay in the third qualifying match of the night. Benjamin’s victory was assisted by the Belfast
brawler’s rival, Mike Knox, who snuck down to ringside and grabbed Finlay’s son Hornswoggle, giving the Gold Standard the
distraction he needed to hit paydirt and solidify his spot in the WWE Championship Scramble.
WWE Champion Triple H joined Jim Ross and Tazz at the broadcast table to witness the high-flying Jeff Hardy against The
Great Khali in the final qualifying match. When Ranjin Singh decided to distract the Legend Thriller, The Game made his
presence known, dropping Khali’s handler before nailing the Punjabi Giant with a chair to set up Jeff Hardy’s humongous win.
And, just when the storm was finding its calm, The King of Kings was interrupted by Kenny Dykstra, a move that led to
Dykstra being on the wrong end of a Pedigree.
Maria picked up the disqualification victory over Natalya, after Maryse blatantly attacked her in retaliation for the
broken nose she suffered several weeks ago. Luckily for Maria, Divas Champion Michelle McCool was quick to even the odds.
Will the rivalries between these Divas cool off as summer comes to an end, or are they just beginning to heat up?
MATCHES:
Maria defeated Natalya Neidhart
via a disqualification
- WWE CHAMPIONSHIP SCRANMBLE QUALIFYING MATCH -
( 10 MAN BATTLE ROYAL )
"The" Brian Kendrick
defeated
Curt Hawkins, Zack Ryder, Vladimir Kozlov,
Armando Estrada, Jimmy Wang Yang, Funaki,
Super Crazy, Scotty Goldman & Ryan Braddock
- WWE CHAMPIONSHIP SCRANMBLE QUALIFYING MATCH -
M.V.P. defeated Festus
via a count out
- WWE CHAMPIONSHIP SCRANMBLE QUALIFYING MATCH -
( NON TITLE )
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin
defeated
Fit Finlay
- WWE CHAMPIONSHIP SCRANMBLE QUALIFYING MATCH -
Jeff Hardy defeated The Great Khali
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:59:50
SMACKDOWN
# 472
8-29-08 Taped 8-26-08
Mellon Arena
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Since returning from banishment and sending Edge to hell at SummerSlam, Undertaker has been very clear about how he feels
about SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero. “I’m not the forgiving kind,” he said at the beginning of SmackDown in a
rare ring appearance on the mic. With Vickie, Chavo Guerrero, Bam Neely, and WWE Tag Team Champions Curt Hawkins & Zack
Ryder watching from a monitor in Vickie’s office, The Deadman delivered an ominous warning. “I will be coming for you.
And, I will be coming for your soul. And once I take it, you will burn. Burn in hell,” he bellowed.
After enduring some harsh trash talking from Kenny Dykstra before the bell, R-Truth let his actions do the talking
throughout their match. Using an impressive corkscrew flying elbow, followed up by a scissors kick, the SmackDown newcomer
picked up a debut victory.
Maryse & Natalya picked up a win over Divas Champion Michelle McCool & Maria. Using a hard-hitting
DDT, Maryse got the pinfall over Maria. But after the bell, Maryse attacked McCool and the two engaged in an all-out brawl
that spilled from the ring onto the arena floor. Natalya got involved, holding the All-American Girl so that Maryse could
get in a cheap shot. The blow left McCool lifeless on the arena floor, as the victors strutted their stuff on the way out
of the arena.
After losing to Montel Vontavious Porter at SummerSlam, Jeff Hardy had an opportunity to settle the score in a rematch on
SmackDown. From the start, Hardy came at MVP with an aggressive offense. But as the battle wore on, MVP launched his own
assault, resulting in a series of near pinfalls. But each time, Hardy found a way to survive. In the end, the high-flyer
dug deep and summoned the energy to deliver a Whisper in the Wind and Swanton Bomb to finish off SmackDown’s Franchise
Playa. After the bell, United States Champion Shelton Benjamin came to the ring to offer his version of a congratulations.
Before a winner could be determined in the tag team match pitting Jesse & Festus against WWE Tag Team Champions Curt
Hawkins & Zack Ryder, Big Show interrupted to deliver a message. Unfortunately for Festus and the tag team champions, they
ended up strewn about the ring after the angry giant took out his frustrations on them. The source of his anger? Not being
included in last week’s series of WWE Championship Scramble Qualifying Matches on SmackDown. “I will never, ever, be
overlooked again,” he said. In a sarcastic apology to Guerrero for disrupting the match, The World’s Largest Athlete
said, “Let’s just call it an oversight.”
Also making an impressive debut was Brie Bella. Using an inside cradle, SmackDown’s newest Diva was able to stun Victoria
and get the pinfall.
When you’re on top, everyone is gunning for you. This is exactly the position WWE Champion Triple H finds himself in. The
Game had to fend off United States Champion Shelton Benjamin in a Champion vs. Champion bout. The King of Kings was
successful, using a Pedigree to down the Gold Standard. But after the bell, Benjamin stunned Triple H by hitting him from
behind with his United States title. To add insult to injury, The Great Khali came to the ring and chokeslammed the
vulnerable champion. As an unprecedented five-man WWE Championship Scramble looms at Unforgiven, the reigning champion
will continue to have to watch his back.
MATCHES:
R-Truth
defeated
Kenny "The Dyke" Dykstra
in his debut match
Maryse & Natalya Neidhart
defeated
Divas Champion Michelle McCool & Maria
Jeff Hardy
defeated
Montel Vontavious Porter
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Jesse & Festus
vs
WWE Tag Team Champions
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
ended in a no contest
Brie Bella defeated Victoria
in her debut match
- NON TITLE MATCH -
WWE Champion Triple H
defeated
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:59:50
SMACKDOWN
# 473
9-5-08 Taped 8-31-08
Scottrade Center
St. Louis, Missouri
R-Truth continued to make the most out of his second chance at life. After rapping his way through the St. Louis crowd, he
scored an impressive win over Bam Neely, utilizing a high-octane arsenal that culminated with a devastating Ax Kick.
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin gained some momentum of his own, hitting Pay Dirt to score a huge victory over his
fellow WWE Championship Scramble participant and former United States Champion, Montel Vontavious Porter.
After executing her lethal DDT on Maria for the second time in two weeks, Maryse heads into Unforgiven on a high note for
her golden opportunity against Divas Champion Michelle McCool. Will the sultry Diva find the same success against the
All-American Champion?
The Brian Kendrick kept his SmackDown undefeated streak alive with an impressive win over the high-flying Hardy,
thanks in no small part to Ezekiel Jackson. Just when it looked like Hardy was putting The Brian Kendrick away, Jackson
yanked him from the ring and propelled him into the ringside wall, setting up his associate for the win.
Vladimir Kozlov continued his tireless search for better competition. Following Super Crazy’s success over newcomer Ryan
Braddock, the Moscow Mauler invaded. But, when he threw down the iron gauntlet, it was Big Show that answered the call.
However, before The World’s Largest Athlete could give Kozlov the biggest challenge of his life, the Superstars were
ordered out of the ring by an enraged Vickie Guerrero.
Just two days before the WWE Championship Scramble Match at Unforgiven, General Manager Vickie Guerrero attempted to
reclaim control of SmackDown. Even after Undertaker continued his reign of terror, promising that “endless agony and an
eternity in Hell” would befall her at Unforgiven, an irate Guerrero burst on the scene with all the authority of
her office. She stood toe-to-toe with both Big Show and Vladimir Kozlov, ordering them out of “her ring” before demanding
that The Deadman give her an apology at the pay-per-view this Sunday.
For the second week in a row, Brie Bella has left the WWE Universe completely bewildered. Just when it looked as if her
chances for success were fading, Bella sought refuge under the ring, reemerging to catch Victoria completely off guard.
WWE Champion Triple H defeated The Great Khali in a non-title Lumberjack Match with all of his WWE Championship Scramble
opponents surrounding the ring. But, when the smoke cleared at the end of the night, it was Jeff Hardy who stood tall.
After helping to even the odds as his fellow lumberjacks ganged up on The Game, the Legend Thriller suddenly delivered a
surprise Twist of Fate to the champion, leaving no doubt that he is determined to take the gold away from him.
MATCHES:
R-Truth defeated Bam Neely
- NON TITLE MATCH -
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin
defeated
Montel Vontavious Porter
Maryse defeated Maria
"The" Brian Kendrick defeated Jeff Hardy
"The Insane Luchadore" Super Crazy
defeated
Ryan Braddock
Brie Bella defeated Victoria
- NON TITLE LUMBERJACK MATCH -
WWE Champion Triple H
defeated
The Great Khali
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:56:10
SMACKDOWN
# 474
9-12-08 Taped 9-9-08
Bradley Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
After ambushing Undertaker at Unforgiven, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero and Big Show emerged with some very
strong words for The Phenom, as they revealed their business alliance and set themselves up as Friday night’s “true power
couple.” After Guerrero set the stage, recalling how she spit in the face of The Deadman this past Sunday – preventing him
from sending her to hell – The World’s Largest Athlete laid out the mutual benefits of their business relationship. He
explained that the union was fueled by their need to show Undertaker that no one is above the rules, informing the WWE
Universe that he would help Guerrero get SmackDown where it needed to be and, in return, she would help him get what he
wants – the WWE Championship. Above all, the unlikely corroborators made it clear that their first order of business would
be to obtain Guerrero’s apology from Undertaker, by any means necessary.
WWE Champion Triple H returned to SmackDown with the gold resting firmly on his shoulder, after defying the odds in the
WWE Championship Scramble Match at Unforgiven. But while The Game spent most of his night getting inside the heads of his
prospective challengers, Jeff Hardy captured a hard fought victory over United States Champion Shelton Benjamin, MVP and
The Brian Kendrick in a whirlwind Fatal Four Way Match that earned him the opportunity to face The King of Kings at No
Mercy. However, after The Legend Thriller had successfully delivered a stunning double Swanton Bomb onto both The Brian
Kendrick and Shelton Benjamin, the uninvited Vladimir Kozlov decided to make a surprise visit down to the ring. The Moscow
Mauler followed up his Handicap Match slaughter of Scotty Goldman and Funaki earlier in the evening by decimating the new
No. 1 contender. For weeks, Kozlov has demanded better competition, and his attack on Hardy may bring him the fight he has
been looking for.
Divas Champion Michelle McCool, Maria & newcomer Brie Bella prevailed against Maryse, Natalya, & Victoria in a Six-Diva
Tag Team Match. After Bella once again attempted to find solace beneath the ring, the energy-charged Diva resurfaced to
pin Victoria for the third week in a row.
The dynamic R-Truth secured an important victory over Chavo Guerrero by disqualification. Just when it looked as if Truth
was gaining the momentum on the fierce Mexican Warrior, Bam Neely took it upon himself to openly interfere, thereby
costing his enraged employer the match. Then, when Guerrero reacted harshly to his bodyguard’s assistance, their dispute
quickly got out of hand, only to be disrupted by R-Truth, who definitively showed them both “what’s up!”
Confusion surrounded the WWE Universe from the second Jesse and Festus made their way to the ring dressed in moving
attire – complete with a hand truck, a large cardboard box and moving supplies. But, when Dykstra took a cheap shot at
both Superstars, things went from unclear to downright strange. After repelling Dykstra’s attack, the pair proceeded to
package the young Superstar to the hilt and roll him away. Has SmackDown seen the last of Kenny Dykstra?
Brothers Carlito & Primo Colon made their SmackDown debut together, scoring an exciting non-title pinfall over WWE Tag Team
Champions Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder after Carlito hit Curt Hawkins with The Backstabber.
MATCHES:
- SIX DIVA TAG TEAM MATCH -
Divas Champion Michelle McCool, Maria & Brie Bella
defeated
Maryse, Natalya Neidhart & Victoria
R-Truth defeated Chavo Guerrero
via a disqualification
Festus vs Kenny "The Dyke" Dykstra
ended in a no contest
- 2 ON 1 HANDICAP MATCH -
Vladimir Kozlov
defeated
Scotty Goldman & Funaki
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Carlito & Primo Colon
defeated
WWE Tag Team Champions
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
in their Smackdown debut match
- CONTENDERSHIP FOR THE WWE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP -
( FATAL FOUR WAY MATCH )
Jeff Hardy
defeated
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin,
M.V.P. & "The" Brian Kendrick
earning an opportunity to face Triple H
for the WWE Championship at upcoming No Mercy
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:59:50
SMACKDOWN
# 475
9-19-08 Taped 9-16-08
Sommet Center
Nashville, Tennessee
Vladimir Kozlov’s demand for better competition has quickly snowballed into an eastern promise of destruction. Once again,
his rage turned volatile, bringing unsuspected carnage on both WWE Champion Triple H and No. 1 contender Jeff Hardy.
Just when it looked as if Ezekiel Jackson’s distracting presence would help provide The Brian Kendrick with another
victory, Jeff Hardy suddenly countered for the win. But as The Legend Thriller showed his appreciation to the WWE
Universe, the Moscow Mauler emerged to deliver his explosive boot, dropping Hardy for the second week in a row.
Later in the evening, WWE Champion Triple H proved victorious in a hard fought non-title match with Montel Vontavious
Porter. But, after The Game devalued the Ballin’ Superstar with his Pedigree, Kozlov emerged once more to attack the
champion, slamming through The King of Kings with the force of a runaway Siberian Express. Has the iron jaw of Vladimir
Kozlov finally bitten off more competition then he can chew?
SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero and Big Show spent their evening in jovial spirits, still relishing in their
Unforgiven ambush as they waited for Undertaker’s arrival, claiming they would humble and break him. Chavo Guerrero even
went so far as to act out a mock apology in full Deadman dress. But, the Mexican Warrior later paid for his impression,
walking into the awaiting clutches of The Phenom.
Jesse and Festus are so excited about SmackDown’s move to MyNetwork TV that they continued to make themselves the exclusive
moving company of WWE. After giving the packaging treatment to Kenny Dykstra last week, Festus elected to forgo his match
with Ryan Braddock to allow time for he and Jesse to wrap the young Superstar to go. Then, at the conclusion of Carlito’s
Cabana, My Moving Co. went to work again. Carlito and Primo – Carlito’s brother and the talk show’s special guest - began
to discuss the ease in which they won their premiere SmackDown match last week, a non-title contest against WWE Tag Team
Champions Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder. When the champions arrived to dispute the claim that the Colons deserved to be the
champions, they ended up agreeing to a WWE Tag Team Championship Match with the dynamic brothers next week. When things
became heated, Jesse & Festus arrived to bubble wrap the Cabana set, including Hawkins and Ryder, who Festus chased out of
the arena with a palm tree.
R-Truth picked up his biggest victory to date over a stunned United States Champion Shelton Benjamin – applying a quick
counter to a German suplex, allowing him to overcome The Gold Standard and remain undefeated since his debut in WWE.
In an Unforgiven rematch for the gold, Divas Champion Michelle McCool once again silenced Maryse. Being “the sexiest of
the sexy” proved of no help once the ultra-athletic champion hit a devastating Wings of Love on Maryse.
The Great Khali dominated Scotty Goldman, easily pinning the newcomer with one foot. Although Goldman enjoyed a good joke
before the match at Khali’s expense, there was nothing funny about the beating the Punjabi Giant laid on his grinning
opponent.
Gregory Helms reemerged to make a noticeable appearance on Friday night. He popped in with various comments throughout the
night to talk about several of the Superstars. Curiosity is at a fever pitch as to when and if Helms will make his return
to SmackDown.
MATCHES:
" DIVA`S CHAMPIONSHIP "
Divas Champion Michelle McCool
defeated
Maryse
retaining the title
Festus vs Ryan Braddock
ended in a no contest
- NON TITLE MATCH -
R-Truth
defeated
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin
Jeff Hardy defeated "The" Brian Kendrick
The Great Khali defeated Scotty Goldman
- NON TITLE MATCH -
WWE Champion Triple H
defeated
Montel Vontavious Porter
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:59:50
SMACKDOWN
# 476
9-26-08 Taped 9-23-08
Nationwide Arena
Columbus, Ohio
To kick off SmackDown, fans at Ohio State University were treated to a blockbuster match-up that had all the makings for a
main event that might normally cap off a night of action. In an unlikely pairing, WWE Champion Triple H joined forces with
his No Mercy opponent, Jeff Hardy, to take on Montel Vontavious Porter and The Brian Kendrick. Putting their differences
aside, The Game and the Legend Thriller were able to earn a victory when The King of Kings nailed MVP with a Pedigree for
the pinfall. After the win, Hardy and Triple H shook hands. But at No Mercy, animosity will reign as championship gold is
on the line.
In what could possibly be the sexiest tag team in WWE, newcomer Brie Bella paired up with Maria to take on Victoria and
Natalya. But Victoria quickly showed who was boss when she tossed the undefeated Bella from the top rope to the arena
floor. The stunned brunette crawled under the ring, but emerged from under the apron with new vigor and attacked Victoria.
Next, Bella tagged in Maria, who flung herself from the top rope and used a cross body to drive Victoria to the canvas and
get the pinfall.
Vladimir Kozlov had never encountered anyone like the 7-foot-3, 420-pound The Great Khali. In a clash of styles, the two
beasts locked horns. But before a winner could be decided, Triple H rushed into the arena looking for some payback against
the Moscow Mauler. Mayhem quickly ensued, as Khali and Kozlov attacked The Game. But No. 1 contender Hardy didn’t like
what he saw and came to help even the odds.
Fearful of what Undertaker might do to him again, Chavo Guerrero nervously entered into his match against Jimmy Wang Yang.
Using a rolling wheel kick, Guerrero took down Yang to get the pinfall. But after the match, the house lights went out
momentarily, sending Chavo into a panic.
The Family suffered another hit on the night, when Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder lost their WWE Tag Team Championship to the
brothers from San Juan, Carlito & Primo.
In the last SmackDown before moving to MyNetwork TV on Oct. 3, Jesse & Festus brought their MyMoving Co. van into the
arena to pick up a few items from under the ring. While packing their van, we got a glimpse of a bound-and-gagged Ryan
Braddock and Kenny Dykstra in the back of the van.
To end the night The Undertaker choked Chavo Guerrero in General Manager Vickie Guerrero’s office, then suddenly appeared
in the ring to decimate Vickie with a hard-hitting Tombstone. The deadly maneuver left Guerrero on her back, with The
Phenom hovering over her motionless body.
MATCHES:
WWE Champion Triple H & Jeff Hardy
defeated
Montel Vontavious Porter & "The" Brian Kendrick
Maria & Brie Bella
defeated
Natalya Neidhart & Victoria
The Great Khali vs Vladimir Kozlov
ended in a No Contest
Chavo Guerrero defeated Jimmy Wang Yang
" WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP "
Carlito & Primo Colon
defeated
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
becoming new WWE Tag Team Champions
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:59:50
SMACKDOWN
# 477
10-3-08 Taped 9-30-08
Resch Center
Green Bay, Wisconsin
In an exciting championship extravaganza just two days before No Mercy, more than 50 Superstars, including every WWE
champion, were in action to help celebrate SmackDown’s All Star Kick-Off on MyNetwork TV.
The All Star Eight-Man Tag Team Match featuring some of the juggernauts of sports-entertainment proved to be an extremely
intense back-and-forth battle. In the end, amidst a flurry of fast-paced attacks by both sides, Jeff Hardy ultimately
prevailed for his team, following up Rey Mysterio’s 619 on MVP with an explosive Swanton Bomb on the Ballin’ Superstar.
Santino Marella came to SmackDown for a Champion vs. Champion Match with Shelton Benjamin, bringing the Honk-a-Meter along
with him. But, once the action began, it looked like the visiting champion would be visiting the Heartbreak Hotel.
However, as The Gold Standard was playing out a beat down, R-Truth suddenly appeared in the crowd, staging a lyrical
interruption that caused enough of a distraction for Santino to roll-up Benjamin from the top rope and steal the win.
With SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero recovering from the Tombstone she received last week from Undertaker, Big
Show ruled SmackDown with an iron fist – forcing Chavo Guerrero to take on The Great Khali & Mark Henry in a Handicap
Match. After the self-proclaimed "Mexican Warrior" lost due to the Punjabi Giant’s vicious Vise Grip, Big Show presented
him with a devastating knockout punch. When The World’s Largest Athlete addressed The Deadman, his No Mercy opponent
emerged with a chilling Throat Slash, indicating that Big Show would soon rest in peace.
In a dynamic Six-Man Tag Team Match, the Straightedge Superstar joined forces with the new WWE Tag Team Champions. And,
after the Colon brothers cleared the ring of Rhodes and Manu, Punk seized the priceless victory, hitting DiBiase with the
GTS.
The Sexiest Women on Television surrounded the ring in a historic Divas Lumberjack Match – the first time ever that the
Women’s Champion met the Divas Champion head-to-head. At the conclusion of the match-up, The Glamazon took advantage of
two different interactions between Michelle and Lumberjack Maryse to hit the Glam Slam and walk out of Green Bay
triumphant.
Triple H proved victorious in the Champions vs. Champions Triple Threat Match, hitting the Pedigree on Matt Hardy as he
was closing the door on Chris Jericho. But when Jericho attacked Hardy after the match, Matt’s brother Jeff Hardy came to
his aid, staying long enough to hit the Twist of Fate on The Game. As Jeff prepared to go airborne from the familiar
ladder, however, Vladimir Kozlov came from nowhere to delivered a vicious mid-flight head butt before laying waste to both
him and The King of Kings.
MATCHES:
- ALL STAR EIGHT MAN TAG TEAM MATCH -
Jeff Hardy, Dave Batista, Rey Mysterio & Fit Finlay
defeated
J.B.L., Kane, M.V.P. & "The" Brian Kendrick
- CHAMPION vs CHAMPION MATCH -
Intercontinental Champion
Santino Marella
defeated
United States Champion
Shelton Benjamin
- 2 ON 1 HANDICAP MATCH -
Mark Henry & The Great Khali
defeated
Chavo Guerrero
- SIX MAN TAG TEAM MATCH -
WWE Tag Team Champions
Carlito & Primo Colon
with
C.M. Punk
defeated
World Tag Team Champions
Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase
with
Manu
- CHAMPION vs CHAMPION MATCH -
Women’s Champion
Beth Phoenix
defeated
Divas Champion
Michelle McCool
- CHAMPIONS vs CHAMPIONS TRIPLE THREAT MATCH -
WWE Champion
Triple H
defeated
ECW Champion
Matt Hardy
&
World Heavyweight Champion
Chris Jericho
Air Time: 1:59:47
Run Time: 1:59:47
SMACKDOWN
# 478
10-10-08 Taped 10-7-08
Spokane Arena
Spokane, Washington
Just over two weeks before Cyber Sunday and one week after premiering as the highest-rated show in MyNetwork TV history,
the WWE Universe saw several Superstar challengers converge on WWE Champion Triple H and each other.
As Brie Bella proceeded to disappear under the ring during her match with Natalya, the third-generation Diva’s B.F.F.,
Victoria, followed the newcomer under the ring, only to receive an unwelcome greeting. Hornswoggle lunged out from beneath
the canvas at the former Women’s Champion and chased her away. When Bella reemerged, she was on Natalya’s side of the
ring. The mysterious Diva then climbed back under with a devious smile, only to pop out on the opposite side and apply a
crucifix for the win.
In the culmination of a fast-paced, non-title brawl, R-Truth executed a quick counter maneuver in order to pin Shelton
Benjamin for the second time. Does R-Truth now have what it takes to remove the "gold" out of the Gold Standard?
After coming up just short of winning the WWE Championship at No Mercy, Jeff Hardy proved that he still has what it takes
to reach the top of the mountain, scoring an impressive victory over MVP with a Swanton Bomb. But, the victory was
short-lived thanks to the invasion of Vladimir Kozlov. When Hardy repelled himself from the turnbuckle in an attempt to
battle his attacker, the Moscow Mauler blasted him in midair with the full force of his granite-like Russian cranium.
WWE Tag Team Champions Carlito & Primo teamed up with Jesse & Festus to take on Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder and the recently
unpacked Ryan Braddock & Kenny Dykstra. Although Festus seemed to take quite a liking to special guest ring announcer
Maria, that didn’t stop the Corn-fed Colossus from slamming Dykstra’s face into the mat, picking up the win as his
partners cleared the ring of their other opponents.
Still infuriated by an interview gone bad with Jackass star Johnny Knoxville, The Great Khali hoped to alleviate his
frustrations on Scotty Mack, Aaron Bono, and Nelson Creed in a Handicap Match. But, when two of his opponents retreated
out of the ring at the mere sound of Khali’s mighty roar, the third Superstar was defeated with one blow to the head.
Afterwards, the Punjabi Giant attempted to prove that he was a superior entertainer to Knoxville, hosting an impromptu,
post-slaughter Kiss Cam where he preceded to kiss one lucky fan of the WWE Universe in Spokane.
Following Big Show’s knockout victory over Undertaker at No Mercy, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero awarded him a
chance at Triple H’s WWE Championship. Vladimir Kozlov and Jeff Hardy both made it clear that they would challenge
whoever emerged the winner. But, just when it looked as if Big Show might dethrone The King of Kings, The Phenom suddenly
appeared – inciting a brawl with The World’s Largest Athlete which extended all the way to the back. When the Moscow
Mauler charged in to attack the war-torn champion, Hardy joined the fight. To the surprise of the WWE Universe, after The
Game and the high-flying Superstar combined forces to knock Kozlov out of the ring, Hardy dropped Triple H with a Twist of
Fate.
MATCHES:
Brie Bella defeated Natalya Neidhart
- NON TITLE MATCH -
R-Truth
defeated
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin
Jeff Hardy defeated Montel Vontavious Porter
- 8 MAN TAG TEAM MATCH -
WWE Tag Team Champions Carlito & Primo Colon
with
"The Biscuits n` Gravy Team" Jesse & Festus
defeated
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
with
Ryan Braddock & Kenny "The Dyke" Dykstra
- 3 ON 1 HANDICAP MATCH -
The Great Khali
defeated
Scotty Mack, Aaron Bono & Nelson Creed
Khali once again hosts "The Kiss Cam"
and kisses a fat, ugly white female fan !!
" WWE CHAMPIONSHIP "
WWE Champion Triple H vs The Big Show
ended in a no contest
Air Time: 1:59:19
Run Time: 1:59:19
SMACKDOWN
# 479
10-17-08 Taped 10-14-08
Thomas & Mack Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
The World’s Largest Athlete announced the startling stipulations to be voted on for his match with Undertaker.
Big Show announced that the WWE Universe will decide – exclusively on WWE.com – whether his Cyber Sunday match with
Undertaker will be a Knockout, “I Quit,” or Last Man Standing Match. Then, The World’s Largest Athlete relentlessly
demonstrated his ability in each type of match by destroying three local wrestlers.
In a fast-paced match, WWE Tag Team Champions Carlito & Primo successfully defended their gold against former champions
Hawkins & Ryder. When Curt Hawkins turned his attention to Carlito, Primo – the legal man in the ring – hit the unaware
Superstar with a stunning Missile Dropkick.
R-Truth defeated MVP with his Scissors Kick, continuing to build his momentum while once again denying the Ballin'
Superstar his incentive contract bonus.
After informing the WWE Universe of a “serious infection” that would keep him from competing against Super Crazy, The
Brian Kendrick announced that his advisor Ezekiel Jackson would be stepping in to substitute. From the opening bell
Jackson slaughtered Crazy, emerging victorious in his first match. After the match, despite his illness, Kendrick summoned
the strength to hit his The Kendrick on his advisor’s fallen prey.
In an opportunity to showcase his dominance, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero set up a match pitting The Great
Khali against Undertaker. But, before a winner could be determined, Big Show intervened, dropping Undertaker with a
chokeslam. Then, when The World’s Largest Athlete tried to coerce Khali into hitting the unconscious Deadman with a steel
chair, the Punjabi Giant refused, knocking the chair out of his hand. In the end, The Phenom rose from his unconscious
state and nailed Big Show from behind with the steel chair, sending him out of the ring and retreating up the ramp.
Maryse, Natalya, Victoria, & Brie Bella competed in a Las Vegas Match, vying for an opportunity at the Divas Championship.
In the culmination of a hot and heavy battle between the Sexiest Women on Television, Maria threw Maryse from the ropes
and climbed to the top turnbuckle to grab the gigantic Vegas dice and win herself a chance at Michelle McCool’s gold.
Freshly de-bubble wrapped Ryan Braddock & Kenny Dykstra were looking for a little payback from their My Moving Company
captors, Jesse & Festus. But, their hopes for revenge came to a sudden halt when the Corn-Fed Colossus planted Dykstra’s
face into the mat for another authoritative win.
With WWE Champion Triple H at ringside as guest commentator, Kozlov reigned supreme over fellow Cyber Sunday candidate
Jeff Hardy. After the match, The King of Kings locked in a staredown with his potential Cyber Sunday opponent.
MATCHES:
- KNOCKOUT MATCH -
The Big Show defeated a local wrestler
- I QUIT MATCH -
The Big Show defeated a local wrestler
- LAST MAN STANDING MATCH -
The Big Show defeated a local wrestler
" WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP "
Carlito & Primo Colon
defeated
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
retaining the titles
R-Truth defeated Montel Vontavious Porter
Ezekiel Jackson defeated Super Crazy
Undertaker vs The Great Khali
ended in a no contest
- DIVA`s LAS VEGAS MATCH -
( FUZZY DICE ON A POLE )
Maria
defeated
Natalya Neidhart, Victoria, Maryse & Brie Bella
earning Maria a Divas Championship Match
"The Biscuits n` Gravy Team" Jesse & Festus
defeated
Ryan Braddock & Kenny "The Dyke" Dykstra
Vladimir Kozlov defeated Jeff Hardy
Air Time: 1:59:19
Run Time: 1:59:19
SMACKDOWN
# 480
10-24-08 Taped 10-21-08
Laredo Entertainment Center
Laredo, Texas
Just when it looked like Divas Champion Michelle McCool was going to pin Maryse, mariachi music filled the air and Maryse
popped her shoulder up after a two-count. Next, Jesse, Festus and an entire mariachi band appeared at ringside, setting
the scene for the love-struck Festus to present Maria with a flower. The affectionate distraction allowed Maryse to pin
McCool. But, the action wasn’t over. When the bell rang, the budding Romeo transformed into the Corn-fed Colossus we all
know and love and gave chase to the entire band.
The rocky friendship between Chavo Guerrero and Bam Neely cost them their match against the WWE Tag Team Champions. After
Chavo saved Bam from a near pinfall, the partners engaged in a heated argument, ending with Chavo slapping Bam across the
face. With Bam stunned, Carlito took him down with a Backstabber for the win.
The energetic Kung Fu Naki delivered a karate kick to MVP to earn his tag team the win. United States Champion Shelton
Benjamin will be looking to recover from the loss at Cyber Sunday.
Ever since The Great Khali starting kissing women in the ring, letters have been pouring in to his camp. Associate Ranjin
Singh read a few of them out loud before the “Punjabi Playboy” planted a kiss on the lips of a lucky member of the WWE
Universe.
Similar to his experience last week on SmackDown, poor Super Crazy felt the power of Ezekiel Jackson. After The Brian
Kendrick defeated Super Crazy with The Kendrick maneuver, his brutally powerful associate chokeslammed Super Crazy to the
canvas using just one hand.
In an iconic confrontation, WWE Champion Triple H and Undertaker pushed their bodies to the limit in a battle featuring
multiple near pinfalls and counter maneuvers. But before a winner could be determined, Big Show burst into the arena,
destroying The Game with a chokeslam and brutally assaulting The Phenom with a steel chair. After the carnage, Vladimir
Kozlov viciously attacked the already-battered Triple H.
MATCHES:
- DIVAS TAG TEAM MATCH -
Natalya Neidhart & Maryse
defeated
Divas Champion Michelle McCool & Maria
- NON TITLE TAG TEAM MATCH -
WWE Tag Team Champions Carlito & Primo Colon
defeated
Chavo Guerrero & Bam Neely
- TAG TEAM MATCH -
R-Truth & Kung Fu Naki
defeated
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin & Montel Vontavious Porter
The Great Khali’s Kiss Cam
Khali kisses yet another fat woman fron the crowd
"The" Brian Kendrick defeated Super Crazy
WWE Champion Triple H vs The Undertaker
ended in a no contest
Air Time: 1:59:48
Run Time: 1:59:48
SMACKDOWN
# 481
10-31-08 Taped 10-28-08
San Diego Sports Arena
San Diego, California
Just five days after Cyber Sunday, MyNetwork TV hosted a special Halloween-themed edition of SmackDown full of Superstar
tricks, costumed Diva treats, and a wicked Casket Match set by devilish General Manager Vickie Guerrero.
In a heated tag team match, the Shaman of Sexy grabbed the rope just as Carlito was spring boarding off it, allowing the
self-proclaimed “chick magnet” to execute a Mizard of Oz for the win. Will the WWE.com “Dirt Sheet” co-stars have the same
luck against DX on a special three-hour edition of Monday Night Raw’s 800th Episode Celebration?
Jimmy Wang Yang dressed up as the legendary “John Wayne Yang.” But after he hit the Moonsault and looked as if he would
pin The Kendrick outright, it was Ezekiel Jackson who showed true grit. After pulling his associate out of the ring before
the three-count could be completed – causing the disqualification – Jackson unleashed a devastating attack on the would-be
Duke.
The Great Khali and Ranjin Singh hosted a very special Trick-or-Treat edition of Kiss Cam in which the Punjabi Playboy
plucked one Beatrix “The Wicked Witch of San Diego” from the audience and knocked her off her feet with a very haunting
Halloween kiss.
In a ghoulish match, ECW Champion Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, & Rey Mysterio took on the frightening forces of Kane, Mark
Henry & Montel Vontavious Porter. In the end, Jeff Hardy proved victorious; hitting the Ballin’ Superstar with the Swanton
Bomb after his brother Matt delivered the Twist of Fate.
Vladimir Kozlov came before the WWE Universe, demanding a title opportunity against WWE Champion Triple H. When The Game
emerged and pushed for a face-to-face confrontation without securing a title match, the Moscow Mauler backed off. Later,
after watching her nephew lose to Undertaker, Vickie Guerrero informed Kozlov that if he beats The Deadman next week, she
will award him a chance at the WWE Championship at Survivor Series.
The Sexiest Women on Television put their sultry Halloween costumes on display in a special Halloween Six-Diva Tag Team
Match. Divas Champion “Army Brat” Michelle McCool, “Bunny” Maria & “Cleopatra” Brie Bella defeated “French Maid” Maryse,
“Police Officer” Natalya & “Wacky Banana” Victoria. In the end, Maria tagged herself in – much to the surprise of
Michelle – and hit a cross body from the top rope for the victory.
Even with Big Show becoming more than a casual observer, the fate of Chavo Guerrero in a Casket Match against Undertaker
seemed set in stone. After punishing the self-proclaimed "Mexican Warrior," The Phenom signaled to the referee that the
end was near. But, as he was about to send Guerrero to his doom, Big Show slammed the casket door closed. Then, when The
Deadman countered his opponent’s attempt to use a chair with a vicious chokeslam, Big Show attacked. However, the trick
was on The World’s Largest Athlete as The Phenom pulled the top rope down, sending the charging Superstar tumbling over
the ropes and onto the top of the looming box of death. Undertaker then hit Guerrero with the Tombstone and rolled him
into the coffin for the win.
MATCHES:
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin & John "Nobody" Morrison
defeated
WWE Tag Team Champions Carlito & Primo Colon
Jimmy Wang Yang
as John Wayne "The Duke"
defeated
"The" Brian Kendrick
via a disqualification
- KHALI KISS CAM -
Khali french kisses Beatrix
“The Wicked Witch of San Diego"
a woman with warts on her face
- SIX MAN TAG TEAM MATCH -
ECW Champion Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, & Rey Mysterio
defeated
Kane, Mark Henry & Montel Vontavious Porter
- HALLOWEEN SIX DIVA TAG TEAM MATCH -
Divas Champion Michelle McCool, Maria & Brie Bella
defeated
Victoria, Natalya Neidhart & Maryse
- CASKET MATCH -
The Undertaker
defeated
Chavo Guerrero
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:59:50
SMACKDOWN
# 482
11-7-08 Taped 11-4-08
Amway Arena
Orlando, Florida
After coming so close to winning the WWE Championship – time after time – and being told by SmackDown General Manager
Vickie Guerrero that he doesn’t have what it takes to become WWE Champion, a recluse Jeff Hardy made it clear to the WWE
Universe that he would use any means necessary to get another chance.
The Great Khali and Ranjin Singh interrupted the VIP Lounge in order to treat the WWE Universe to another sizzling Kiss
Cam. Although MVP refused their invitation to stick around and stormed out – paving the way for the Punjabi Playboy to
kiss two of Orlando’s sunniest sweethearts – the Ballin’ Superstar returned to get a few shots in.
The Gold Standard successfully survived an explosive onslaught by R-Truth, hitting his devastating Pay Dirt to reign
supreme and retain his United States Championship.
In retribution for Jimmy Wang Yang’s win by disqualification over The Brian Kendrick last week, Ezekiel Jackson manhandled
the Asian redneck, ruthlessly hurling him into to the canvas for the pin. After the bell, Jackson’s associate once again
treated Yang to The Kendrick.
Jeff Hardy showed up to his tag team match determined to show Guerrero that he could overcome “The Dirt Sheet” stars on
his own. Once Triple H tagged him in to the match, he refused to tag out again. When he was unable to score a pinfall and
The Game came to his aid, Hardy snapped, causing the disqualification as he swung and threw a steel chair wildly at both
Miz and Morrison.
A vengeful Khali earned a victory over MVP with his mighty two-handed chokeslam, leaving his adversary one win short in
his continued quest to earn his promised intensive bonus. With another mark in the loss column, will MVP earn his bonus by
the Survivor Series deadline? Or will he have to pay back the multi-million dollar signing bonus from his original contract?
After Brie Bella beat Victoria with a surprise inside cradle, she once again sought refuge under the ring. When both
Victoria and Natalya began dragging her out from completely different places, it was revealed that the mysterious Diva
actually has a twin! The dynamic duo proceeded to give their opposition a simultaneous beat down.
Determined to demonstrate the extreme nature of his cause, Jeff Hardy went on to sabotage the main event match between the
undefeated Vladimir Kozlov and Undertaker. Hardy attacked the Moscow Mauler with a chair, simultaneously handing Kozlov a
win by disqualification and an apparent chance at WWE Champion Triple H at Survivor Series. After the bell, the out of
control Hardy danced with death, smashing The Phenom over the head as well. He then returned to Guerrero and secured
himself an Extreme Rules Match next week against the legendary Deadman.
MATCHES:
" UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP "
Shelton Benjamin
defeated
R-Truth
retaining the title
Ezekiel Jackson
defeated
Jimmy Wang Yang
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin & John "Nobody" Morrison
weakly defeated
WWE Champion Triple H & Jeff Hardy
via a disqualification
The Great Khali
defeated
Montel Vontavious Porter
Brie Bella
defeated
Victoria
"The Moscow Mauler" Vladimir Kozlov
defeated
The Undertaker
via a disqualification
continuing his undefeated streak
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:59:50
SMACKDOWN
# 483
11-14-08 Taped 11-??-08
?????
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THIS SHOW WANTED - PLEASE EMAIL US IF YOU HAVE THIS SHOW & WOULD LIKE TO TRADE OR SELL
As the headlining Survivor Series matches were being finalized, Jeff Hardy continued his extreme tirade throughout
SmackDown, causing major disruption to several of the Superstars. And even Undertaker - emerging from a casket in the
middle of the ring - was not as shocking as Jeff Hardy’s frightening new look to match his reckless insanity.
SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero had scheduled a simple contract signing for the WWE Championship Match at
Survivor Series between WWE Champion Triple H and Vladimir Kozlov. But things quickly turned extreme when Jeff Hardy
suddenly jumped from the top rope and put the Moscow Mauler through the table. Hardy then proceeded to rip up the
championship contract and throw it in The Game’s face.
As Undertaker and Hardy seemed to be reaching the climax of an absolutely brutal Extreme Rules Match, Big Show charged to
the ring. The World’s Largest Athlete chokeslamed The Deadman and caught the advancing Hardy in midair, before Undertaker
nailed him with the steel chair. However, with The Phenom’s attention on Big Show, Hardy was able to clobber him with the
same chair, paving the way for him to hurl himself off the turnbuckle, over the top of the ladder and down upon The
Deadman – executing a breathtaking leg drop that sealed his amazing victory. Following the match, SmackDown General
Manager Vickie Guerrero told Hardy that if he beats Triple H next week, she will make the WWE Championship Match at
Survivor Series a Triple Threat Match.
When Carlito became distracted by the attack on his younger brother Primo by Ezekiel Jackson outside the ring, The Brian
Kendrick seized the moment and executed The Kendrick to claim a strutting conquest.
Divas Champion Michelle McCool utilized a wrenching ankle hold on Maria to score a painful submission triumph in a match
for the Divas Championship. Festus & Jesse had journeyed down to ringside - teddy bear in hand - to view the match close
up. But when the Corn-Fed Colossus realized Michelle had hurt Maria, he charged into the ring after her, forcing the
champion to quickly dive out of the ring to safety.
ECW Champion Matt Hardy hit the Twist of Fate out of nowhere to overcome United States Champion Shelton Benjamin in an
intense, hard-fought Champion vs. Champion Match.
Thanks in part to the emergence of The Great Khali, Kung Fu Naki surprised MVP with the Chain Kick, giving him a huge win
over the Ballin’ Superstar - once again costing SmackDown’s highest paid athlete his incentive bonus. After leveling MVP
at the conclusion of the match, the Punjabi Playboy presented yet another edition of Khali Kiss Cam. However, in an
unexpected twist, after dropping MVP for the second time with a two-handed chokeslam – Khali decided to have the lucky
lady from Manchester give MVP the kiss instead.
MATCHES:
"The" Brian Kendrick
defeated
WWE Tag-Team Champion Carlito
- NON TITLE MATCH -
ECW Champion Matt Hardy
defeated
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin
Kung Fu Naki defeated Montel Vontavious Porter
" DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP "
Michelle McCool defeated Maria
retaining the title
- EXTREME RULES MATCH -
Jeff Hardy defeated The Undertaker
Air Time: 2:00:00
Run Time:
SMACKDOWN
# 484
11-21-08 Taped 11-10-08
Manchester Evening News Arena
Manchester, England
With Survivor Series just two days away, Last Rites were administered, twin Divas were in action and one extreme Superstar
earned himself a place at the championship table.
After Matt Hardy took down both the World’s Strongest Man and WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas outside the ring, R-Truth
scored the victory by hitting the Gold Standard with his brutal Corkscrew Elbow/Axe Kick combination to pick up the victory.
Just when Festus was gearing up to finish off The Miz, John Morrison suddenly rang the bell, returning the Corn-fed
Colossus to his catatonic state while the match was still going on. This allowed the self-proclaimed Chick Magnet to hit
Festus with the Reality Check, giving “The Dirt Sheet” co-stars another huge triumph.
Jeff Hardy reigned supreme over WWE Champion Triple H in a non-title match thanks in part to a distraction by Vladimir
Kozlov. After Hardy hurled himself out of the ring and onto Kozlov, The Game attempted to suplex him back in. However,
the Charismatic Enigma quickly countered and rolled the champion up for the important victory. After the match, the Moscow
Mauler attacked – leaving both Superstars writhing in pain at his feet. As a result of his win, Hardy has earned himself
the opportunity to join the WWE Championship Match at Survivor Series, making it a Triple Threat Match.
As Primo attempted to beat The Brian Kendrick, Ezekiel Jackson stormed into the ring and delivered a hard kick to the
head. When Carlito responded to the aggression on his brother, Jackson picked the Caribbean Superstar up and threw him
out of the ring like a rag doll. He then dragged Kendrick to their corner and made the tag himself. Jackson proceeded to
slam Primo into the mat and pick up the win for his team.
The Great Khali once again came down to the ring during MVP’s match. This time, when the Ballin’ Superstar turned to face
him, James Mason that was facing MVP rolled him up for the pin. After the bell, a furious MVP swung at the Punjabi
Playboy, who responded by knocking him out with one shot. As a result of the loss, MVP once again failed to earn his
incentive bonus.
The Bella Twins picked up their first win as a tag team on SmackDown. After Victoria hit the Widow’s Peak on one of the
twins, the other stopped the pin by dropkicking the former Women’s Champion. When Natalya charged into the ring to
retaliate, the referee returned the third-generation Diva to her corner. The fresh Bella twin used that opportunity to
pull a switch, changing places with her half-conscious sister to pick up the win.
As Undertaker was delivering “Last Rites” to Big Show in preparation for their Casket Match at Survivor Series, The
World’s Largest Athlete decided to make an appearance at ringside – accompanied by SmackDown General Manager Vickie
Guerrero and Chavo Guerrero. However, Vickie Guerrero was somehow transported into the ring, allowing The Deadman to
throw her into the casket and close the lid. Big Show then sacrificed Chavo, hurling the self-proclaimed "Mexican
Warrior" into The Phenom's clutches in order to get Vickie to safety. Undertaker Tombstoned Chavo and closed the casket
as a message to his Survivor Series opponent.
MATCHES:
ECW Champion Matt Hardy & R-Truth
defeated
U.S. Champion Shelton Benjamin & Mark Henry
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin & John "Nobody" Morrison
defeated
"Biscuits n` Gravy" Jesse & Festus
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Jeff Hardy
defeated
WWE Champion Triple H
- NON TITLE MATCH -
"The" Brian Kendrick & Ezekiel Jackson
defeated
WWE Tag Team Champions Carlito & Primo Colon
James Mason
defeated
Montel Vontavious Porter
Brie & Nikki Bella
defeated
Victoria & Natalya Neidhart
Air Time: 1:59:48
Run Time: 1:59:48
SMACKDOWN
# 485
11-28-08 Taped 11-25-08
Times Union Center
Albany, New York
As new WWE Champion Edge reemerged on SmackDown with his gold raised high, the WWE Universe witnessed three of SmackDown’s
top Superstars battle for clock supremacy to see who would face the Ultimate Opportunist at Armageddon, only to be left in
a shroud of uncertainty.
With the cause of Jeff Hardy’s Survivor Series hospitalization still a mystery, GM Vickie Guerrero introduced the newly
crowned WWE Champion, Edge, who claimed no responsibility for the attack, but had plenty of things to say about the
Charismatic Enigma’s shortcomings. As a furious Hardy and Triple H were both being held back by a dozen security guards,
and Vladimir Kozlov stood menacingly across the ring, Guerrero announced that all three Superstars would compete in a Beat
the Clock Challenge to see who would face the Rated-R Superstar at Armageddon.
Hardy set the standard early, winning the first Beat the Clock Challenge Match with a high-octane win over The Brian
Kendrick. After taking Ezekiel Jackson out with a lightning kick through the ropes, Hardy delivered a Swanton Bomb on The
Kendrick to secure the huge victory, making him the Superstar to beat.
Maryse, Victoria & Natalya walked away with a big win over Michelle McCool and The Bella Twins after the Divas Champion
was accidentally clotheslined by her own partner, allowing Maryse to pick up the quick pin. After the match, a livid
Michelle had some choice words for her twin teammates, seemingly blaming them for the loss. When Maria rushed out to keep
the peace, Michelle shoved her to the ground before walking away in anger.
Matt Hardy put everything on the line for the sake of his brother, battling tenaciously with the mighty Moscow Mauler
while keeping one eye on the clock. The Extreme champion’s endurance paid off, as time expired without a winner, thereby
sealing the door shut on Kozlov’s opportunity to be part of the Armageddon main event.
Miz & Morrison continued to ring Festus’ bell. First, Morrison rang it when he got into trouble during their match. Then,
Miz rang it again after Jesse helped his tag team partner, and the "Dirt Sheet” co-stars got themselves disqualified for
aggressively attacking Jesse outside the ring. After the decision, the Tuesday Night Delight and the self-proclaimed Chick
Magnet climbed back in with the bell and proceeded to ring it over and over, having a good laugh by taking Festus in and
out of his catatonic state, before the Corn-fed Colossus finally chased them out of the ring.
After a grueling match, The King of Kings hit the Gold Standard with a Pedigree. But the official had been knocked out,
and struggled through glazed eyes to finally deliver the three-count. However, after raising The Game’s hand in triumph –
indicating that he had beaten the clock – a second official ran down to dispute the outcome. The two officials came to the
consensus that Triple H and Jeff Hardy had earned their win in exactly the same amount of time, leaving the WWE Universe
in a state of confusion and suspense as to who would be facing Edge at Armageddon.
MATCHES:
- BEAT THE CLOCK MATCH -
Jeff Hardy
defeated
"The" Brian Kendrick
ended at 12:13
- SIX DIVA TAG TEAM MATCH -
Victoria, Natalya Neidhart & Maryse
defeated
Divas Champion Michelle McCool, Brie Bella & Nikki Bella
- BEAT THE CLOCK MATCH -
( NON TITLE )
Vladimir Kozlov vs ECW Champion Matt Hardy
ended with 12:13 expiring
"Biscuits n` Gravy" Jesse & Festus
defeated
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin & John "Nobody" Morrison
via a disqualification
- BEAT THE CLOCK MATCH -
( NON TITLE )
Triple H
defeated
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin
ended at 12:13
Air Time: 1:59:12
Run Time: 1:59:12
SMACKDOWN
# 486
12-5-08 Taped 11-25-08
Times Union Center
Albany, New York
Two of the most powerful forces on SmackDown battled it out inside an unforgiving steel cage while reluctant Armageddon
opponents were forced to join together to run the Gauntlet.
Newly crowned WWE Champion Edge started the night off, hitting Kung Fu Naki with the spear to win his first match since
returning to SmackDown. Afterward, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero announced that since Edge had competed, it
was only fair that Triple H and Jeff Hardy – the Rated-R Superstar’s Triple Threat Match opponents at Armageddon – should
have to compete as well. She said the two would pair up in a Tag Team Gauntlet Match, facing one tag team after another
until they lost.
Maria scored an upset victory over Michelle McCool, ducking the Divas Champion’s mighty round kick before rolling her up
for the quick win. With her victory, has Maria earned herself another chance at Michelle’s title?
After weeks of popping in for comments during various matches, Hurricane Helms finally returned to SmackDown, defeating
MVP by connecting with the Shining Wizard. And with the returning Helms providing the Ballin’ Superstar with another loss,
MVP once again took home the losing end of the purse.
The Game & Jeff Hardy came into the Tag Team Gauntlet Match as unwilling partners, trying to outdo each other from the
start as they battled their perpetual opposition. They first defeated former WWE Tag Team Champions Hawkins & Ryder. The
King of Kings hit Ryder with the Pedigree, but, as he went for the pin, Hardy decided to deliver the Twist of Fate, nearly
hitting his partner in the process. Triple H went on to get the pinfall while Hardy repelled Hawkins. With the two nearly
coming to blows, Miz & Morrison emerged as their next tag team opponents. However, when the Charismatic Enigma took down
The Game while leaping onto his opponents outside the ring, the two began unloading on each other – creating an explosive
brawl that allowed "The Dirt Sheet” co-stars to earn an easy victory by count-out.
An intense match of skill between the self-proclaimed "Mexican Warrior" and the ECW Champion turned into anarchy when
Vladimir Kozlov suddenly entered the ring, attacking Hardy in retribution for costing the Moscow Mauler his title
opportunity at Armageddon on SmackDown last week.
The Great Khali rang in the holiday cheer with a little help from Ranjin Singh, who called out “Santa’s Little Helper” Eve
to deck the Punjabi Playboy’s halls with a special holiday kiss.
Undertaker overcame Big Show in a brutal Steel Cage Match main event, making him tap out to the vicious Hell’s Gate. After
coming back from The World’s Largest Athlete’s devastating knockout punch, Undertaker slipped Big Show into the dreaded
submission hold for his stunning triumph in the middle of the ring.
MATCHES:
Edge defeated Kung Fu Naki
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Maria
defeated
Divas Champion Michelle McCool
Hurricane Helms defeated M.V.P.
- TAG TEAM GAUNTLET MATCH -
Triple H & Jeff Hardy
defeated
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
Mike "The Miz" Mizanin & John "Nobody" Morrison
defeated
Triple H & Jeff Hardy
via a count out
- NON TITLE MATCH -
ECW Champion Matt Hardy vs Chavo Guerrero
ended in a no contest
- STEEL CAGE MATCH -
The Undertaker defeated The Big Show
Air Time: 1:59:20
Run Time: 1:59:20
SMACKDOWN
# 487
12-12-08 Taped 12-9-08
Arena at Harbor Yard
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Just two days before Armageddon, the intensity that erupted between the two imminent challengers to the WWE Championship
was so great that it blinded them to the opportunistic nature of the Superstar wearing the gold.
After claiming top honors for Best Musical Performance at the Slammy Awards earlier this week, R-Truth captured a victory
over MVP. As the Ballin’ Superstar was picking up his opponent, R-Truth quickly escaped and rolled up the Franchise Playa
for the win. Following the loss, MVP’s misery was quickly amplified with the help of the ridiculing microphone of the
Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia star, Mr. Kennedy.
When Ezekiel Jackson hurled Carlito into the steel steps, The Brian Kendrick delivered a stunning kick to a distracted
Primo, allowing him to apply an inside cradle for the quick, yet effective, pinfall. With Jackson continuing to provide
an intimidating presence at ringside, The Kendrick has claimed his second singles competition victory over the WWE Tag
Team Champions in recent weeks.
After Hurricane Helms scored a non-title victory on the Gold Standard – hitting Benjamin with a high cross body after
knocking him off the top rope – he made it clear to Tazz and the WWE Universe that it is time for a new United States
Champion.
After once again denying that he had anything to do with the Survivor Series weekend attack on Jeff Hardy – placing the
blame instead on Triple H – Edge suggested to Cutting Edge guest Matt Hardy that he was only getting involved with his
brother’s business because nobody cared about him. After the ECW Champion knocked the Rated-R Superstar to the ground,
Vladimir Kozlov marched down to the ring. The Ultimate Opportunist then nailed Hardy from behind, allowing the Moscow
Mauler to once again punish his Armageddon opponent.
Khali triumphed over the combined forces of former WWE Tag Team Champions Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder in a 2-on-1 Handicap
Match. After Curt Hawkins jumped off the top rope directly into Khali’s mammoth hands, the Slammy Award winner for Best
"DAMN!" Moment of the Year sent him crashing down onto Ryder with his devastating Punjabi Plunge.
While the distracted official was busy getting an irate Maryse out of the ring, Brie Bella disrupted Natayla’s attempt to
slam her sister by delivering a dropkick that caused Nikki to fall onto her opponent and pick up the victory.
WWE Champion Edge carried out an effective sneak attack on Triple H and Jeff Hardy, spearing both of his Armageddon
opponents as they were engaging in an exhausting battle with each other. The fuse for their intense main event was lit at
the top of the show, when the Charismatic Enigma attacked The Game from behind while he was emerging for what was to be
the start of their match. This caused things to quickly erupt into chaos between the two furious Superstars.
While Chavo Guerrero and a barrage of officials struggled to get control, one of them was hurled at SmackDown General
Manager Vickie Guerrero, sending her crashing to the ground.
MATCHES:
R-Truth
defeated
Montel Vontavious Porter
"The" Brian Kendrick
defeated
Primo Colon
- NON TITLE MATCH -
"Hurricane" Helms
defeated
U.S. Champion Shelton Benjamin
- HANDICAP MATCH -
The Great Khali
defeated
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
"The Bella Twins" Brie & Nikki
defeated
Natalya Neidhart & Maryse
Triple H vs Jeff Hardy
ended in a no contest
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:59:50
SMACKDOWN
# 488
12-19-08 Taped 12-16-08
1st Mariner Arena
Baltimore, Maryland
After winning his first World title at Armageddon, WWE Champion Jeff Hardy’s celebration proved to be short-lived, as a
furious storm of Superstars made their anger known. New WWE Champion Jeff Hardy served notice to the WWE Universe that
things were about to change in favor of the “rejects and screw-ups.” When Edge interrupted and attempted to belittle the
champion - while once again denying his involvement in Hardy’s Survivor Series weekend attack - Hardy answered back with a
resounding Twist of Fate.
In a match that featured a noticeable lack of teamwork between MVP and Benjamin, the Ballin’ Superstar accidentally kicked
his partner before R-Truth took out the Franchise Playa’ with the devastating corkscrew elbow. Hurricane Helms then
drilled the Gold Standard into the canvas to grab the win. Can Helms reign supreme next week when he challenges United
States Champion Shelton Benjamin for his title?
In order to stop Morrison - and his “Dirt Sheet” co-star The Miz - from once again using the timekeeper’s bell against
Festus, Jesse confiscated it early. But when he tried to swing it at the interfering self-proclaimed “Chick Magnet,” the
bell accidentally hit the ring post. The comatose Corn-fed Colossus was then easy prey for Morrison, who quickly hit the
Moonlight Drive for the victory. Following the match, Miz and Morrison continued to have a few laughs at Festus’ expense.
In the culmination of an exhausting match, Edge hurled the ECW Champion between the turnbuckles and into the unforgiving
steel ring post, allowing the Rated-R Superstar to execute the spear and grab the hard fought three-count.
As Carlito was springboarding himself off the rope toward his opponent, Ezekiel caught him with a devastating shot to the
back before hurling the WWE Tag Team Champion into the mat with decisive force. Jackson’s impressive triumph adds to the
series of singles and tag team victories that he and The Kendrick have accumulated over the WWE Champions in recent weeks.
With Divas Champion Michelle McCool lurking at ringside, Maria hurt her ankle coming off the second rope, opening the door
for Maryse to utilize the DDT and become the No. 1 contender to Michelle’s title. After the match, Maryse decided to get in
Michelle’s face, only to have her hand slapped away when she touched the championship.
Jeff Hardy, after hitting the
Whisper in the Wind on the unpinned Kozlov, the Ultimate Opportunist interceded again - causing the disqualification as he
and the Moscow Mauler attacked Hardy. This drew the ire of Triple H, who provided an effective equalizer, unleashing his
wrath on both aggressors. After Hardy hit a post-match Swanton Bomb on Edge, he exchanged a telling stare with The Game,
making it clear that The King of Kings will also be gunning for the gold.
MATCHES:
R-Truth & Hurricane Helms
defeated
Shelton Benjamin & Montel Vontavious Porter
John "Nobody" Morrison
weakly defeated
Festus
- NON TITLE MATCH -
Edge
defeated
ECW Champion Matt Hardy
Ezekiel Jackson
defeated
Carlito Colon
- NUMBER ONE CONTENDER DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH -
Maryse defeated Maria
earning Maryse a shot at the Diva`s Championship
- NON TITLE MATCH -
WWE Champion Jeff Hardy
defeated
Vladimir Kozlov
via a disqualification
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:59:50
SMACKDOWN
# 489
12-26-08 Taped 12-22-08
Air Canada Center
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
In an exciting championship-filled SmackDown, some Superstars fell short in their pursuit of gold, while others rose to
the challenge to capture ultimate glory.
After Chavo Guerrero interrupted Triple H’s attempt to call out Vladimir Kozlov, The Cerebral Assassin insulted Chavo’s
family honor, prompting Vickie Guerrero to quickly make a match between the two Superstars. During the match, Chavo
attempted to borrow a page from the playbook of his late, great Uncle Eddie, throwing a chair into Triple H’s hands while
the referee’s back was turned in an attempt get The Game disqualified. When this classic maneuver blew up in his face, The
King of Kings hit the self-proclaimed "Mexican Warrior" with the Pedigree to pick up the victory. Following the match,
Triple H sent a message to Vickie Guerrero, bashing her nephew with the sledgehammer.
Hurricane Helms’ tremendous success since returning to SmackDown nearly gave him the momentum to overcome Shelton
Benjamin. But, the Gold Standard rallied with the resilience of a true champion, hitting Pay Dirt on Helms to retain his
title.
The Brian Kendrick took advantage of a distraction caused by an altercation between his associate Ezekiel Jackson and
Primo outside the ring, brutally kicking Carlito in the side of the head. However, when he tried to finish the WWE Tag Team
Champion off with The Kendrick, Carlito ducked behind him and implemented the Backstabber for the big win.
In a Divas Championship Match that enlisted the services of Maria as the Special Guest Referee, Maryse made history by
capturing the Divas Championship from Michelle McCool. Maryse reigned supreme over Michelle by executing a devastating
kick on the distracted champion while she was busy criticizing Maria’s officiating. After the new Divas Champion left the
arena with the title, Michelle proceeded to viciously attack Maria.
A sudden burst of offense by MVP only served to anger The Great Khali, who completed his domination of the Franchise Playa
with the Punjabi Plunge, simultaneously plunging MVP’s record further into oblivion. After the match, an unconscious
Ballin’ Superstar once again fell victim to Mr. Kennedy’s merciless microphone. Mr. Kennedy emerged to give his best MVP
imitation and plug his new movie Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia.
The Moscow Mauler caught Jimmy Wang Yang with his obliterating battering-ram headbutt as Yang was attempting his from the
top rope. Kozlov then drove Yang into the mat for the impressive win. After the match, the Moscow Mauler put WWE on notice,
declaring that he would win the Royal Rumble.
Big Show returned Friday night to find Edge once again standing side-by-side with SmackDown General Manager Vickie
Guerrero. Nevertheless, he managed to secure Guerrero’s word that if he won a non-title match against Jeff Hardy, he would
earn a WWE Championship opportunity. But, the WWE Champion’s quickness and cunning ways proved too much for The World’s
Largest Athlete. After a drag out battle that saw Big Show kick out of the Swanton Bomb, Hardy beat the count back into
the ring in order to refuse his gigantic opponent his chance at the title. After Hardy’s victory, ECW Champion Matt Hardy
emerged to cheer on his brother as an irate Big Show looked on.
MATCHES:
Triple H
defeated
Chavo Guerrero
" UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP "
Shelton Benjamin
defeated
Hurricane Helms
retaining the title
Carlito Colon
defeated
"The" Brian Kendrick
" DIVA`S CHAMPIONSHIP "
( Maria as referee )
Maryse
defeated
Michelle McCool
becoming new Divas champion
The Great Khali
defeated
Montel Vontavious Porter
Vladimir Kozlov
defeated
Jimmy Wang Yang
- NON TITLE MATCH -
WWE Champion Jeff Hardy
defeated
The Big Show
via a count out
Air Time: 1:59:50
Run Time: 1:59:50
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THIS PAGE CREATED ON 1-4-08