WWE SMAKDOWN REPORT
OCTOBER 11, 2008
AIRED ON MY NETWORK

A recap aired highlighting the events of the Big Show vs. Undertaker match at No Mercy. The video ended with Show knocking The Undertaker out cold.

Tonight: The WWE Championship title is on the line! Triple H defends his title against The Big Show.

There was no welcome from Jim Ross or Tazz tonight; the camera went straight from the advertisement of the main event directly to the center of the ring, where Vicki and Chavo Guerrero were. Vicki was in a wheelchair again. She took the mic and did her "Excuse me! Excuse ME!" bit. She said that two weeks ago, she was not in a wheelchair, or wearing a neck brace. She went on to say that she was "brutally and savagely attacked by The Undertaker." There was a strong crowd reaction when she said that The Undertaker tombstoned her. A small "you suck!" chant broke out shortly thereafter. Vicki shook off the taunts, and reminded us all that The Undertaker lost his match last Sunday at No Mercy. She then introduced The Big Show.

Show's music hit, and he made his way down the ramp, a huge smile was on his face. He took a knee next to Vicki and the two exchanged a few words. Chavo had a look of indifference on his face, or possibly disgust - it was hard to tell. Show took the Mic and said that he heard the fans on Sunday beg the Undertaker to summon his strength and to dominate Show, but it did The Undertaker no good. He said that he heard The Undertaker's bones crack when he punched him, and that The Undertaker would never be the same again. They then threw to the same video we just say at the top of the show. Not this tactic again.

Show said that "there are knockouts, and then there's me." Thank god for that. Lord knows I wouldn't want to see Show on the upcoming Knockouts DVD. He called his fist an equalizer, and took credit for knocking out Jericho, Khali, and The Undertaker.

Show then turned his attention to Triple H, and the WWE championship. He stated matter-of-factly that once he was done with The Undertaker, that he was coming for Triple H. He reiterated the strength of his punch, and told the cerebral assassin that he would scramble his brains. He closed in saying that by the end of the night he would not only be known as the man who took out The Undertaker, but as the WWE champion. Vladimir Kozlov's music suddenly hit.

Kozlov marched his way to the ring, and took the mic. He told The Big Show (first in Russian, then in English) that he gets to challenge the winner of the championship match tonight. Show stood his ground, and suggested Kozlov reconsider the challenge for two reasons. First, is that Show is a giant. Uh, I think that one is a bit obvious and something Kozlov can actually see for himself. Secondly, that even though not many people like The Big Show, at least he is an American. Another lame reason to reconsider a title challenge. I can understand that they want to continue to push Kozlov as a solid heel, while keeping Show in his position that he is doing what is best for himself, and everybody else be damned, but this is ridiculous. Those two "facts" have absolutely no bearing on Kozlov's drive to become champion, and they make Show seem like a buffoon as a result. So he's a giant, so what? Kozlov has shown that he is willing to take on all challengers, no matter the size. Now, it would have made more sense, if Show had said something along the lines of him being a giant who has decisively taken out all opponents who stood in his way, as that would have made much more sense. As far as the American comment goes, it should have been avoided altogether and replaced with something a little more intimidating.

[Commercial Break]

(1) Brie Bella vs. Natalya (w/Victoria)

Bella started the match with a Thez press, as the two fought their way to the ring apron. An attempted collar and elbow was stopped short by Natalya as she hit a knee to the abdomen of Bella. Bella tossed to the turnbuckle, Hops on the 2nd rope, over the charging Natalya, to the opposite corner, cross body by Bella for a two. Double leg takedown by Bella into a pin cover, back bridged up by Natalya, turned into a backslide by Bella, again for a two count. Natalya to the turnbuckle, successfully reversed mid-course, yet is caught by a reverse elbow on the follow up by Bella. Natalya, undeterred, hit a discus clothesline to take Bella out. Natalya stayed on the offensive by cinching in a chinlock on the mat, Bella fought back, bringing both women to their feet, Bella breaks the hold, to the ropes, into a crucifix, down into a pin attempt by Bella for a near fall. Bella rolled to the outside, attempting to go under the ring, but was caught by Victoria. Bella managed to wiggle her way out of the hold, as Victoria pulled out from under the ring with a shocked look on her face. Seconds later, Hornswaggle popped out, and attacked Victoria, chasing her out of the ring. Bella appeared on the opposite side of the ring, winked at Natalya, and quickly slid back under the ring. a mere second later, she was standing on the opposite side of the ring, as she hit the crucifix on Natalya for the win.

WINNER: Brie Bella by pinfall

Thoughts - This was a much needed improvement by both Bellas this week, as they definitely stepped up their game to compete with a 3rd generation superstar like Natalya Neidhart. The popping in and out of opposite ends of the ring is different enough to still be a novelty, but it's getting old quick. The question is, where do they go from here? If the Bella twins come forward with their scheme, it invalidates all of Brie's (Or Nicole's) wins that they've accumulated thus far. If they decide to stick with one character, then the gimmick of running under the ring is going to become pretty tired pretty fast.



Ringside, Tazz and JR finally welcomed us to the show, as they threw to a promotional video featuring John Cena. Highlights were shown of the Cena vs. Batista match at Summerslam, and of the injury/recovery process that followed. Cena's doctor stated that Cena'a recovery is right on track, and that we can expect to see him back in action within the next 4 months or so. Looks like another Rumble surprise entrance is in store for Cena.

Backstage, Funaki was shown to be alive after the last time we saw him decimated by Kozlov. He was practicing his "Smackdown numba 1 announcer!" phrase when R. Truth walked into the picture. He told Funaki that if he was going to do interviews that he was going to need a microphone. Funaki thanked him, and told Truth that he liked his rap, as he attempted to emulate it. Truth, in the first showing of being humble since his debut vignettes, thanked Funaki, and asked him his full name. Funaki revealed that his full name is Kung Fu Naki. Truth, with an incredulous look on his face, said "Now that's what's up!" He then made up a rap about Funaki.

In another part of the arena, Triple H was shown texting on his cell phone. Jeff Hardy sat down beside him and said that, while he brought his best at No Mercy, Triple H still got the better of him. He then wished him luck against the Big Show, and that even though he feels Triple H isn't going to win, he is going to issue a challenge to the winner of the match.

(2) R-Truth vs Shelton Benjamin

R. Truth danced his way to the ring as we went to commercial.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Truth was in the ring, as Benjamin appeared on the big screen. He said that even though our country is in financial turmoil, there's always been one safe investment - gold.

Benjamin dominated early, throwing Truth into the corner, hitting him with a flurry of rights, lefts, and kicks. Snap mare by Benjamin, followed up with a kick to the head, and several more punches to the face. Benjamin then threw Truth to the floor, then flung him into the guard rail. Benjamin rolled back inside, allowing R. Truth to recover. Truth slides in, trips up Benjamin with a reverse leg sweep, then follows up with a set of punches of his own. European uppercut by Truth, sending Benjamin into the corner. Huge right hand by Truth, bringing Benjamin to his feet. However, as he attempted to send Benjamin to the reverse, Benjamin reversed mid course into a baseball slide, then nailed Truth with a hard clothesline. Nice move by Benjamin. Benjamin then began to take Truth to the mat, using a rear chinlock, to keep him grounded. Both men brought back to their feet, Truth counters out of the chinlock with a side suplex, getting a near fall out of it, as well. Missed clothesline by Benjamin, who was then met with several jabs by Truth, followed by a corkscrew flying forearm. Benjamin regained control with a snap backbreaker, bring Truth back down to the mat. Truth to the ropes, as Benjamin attempted to hit a gutwrench suplex. Truth took advantage, reversing the move into a pinfall for the win.

WINNER: R. Truth by pinfall.

Thoughts - Solid TV match between the two; if WWE is going to go for a long term feud between these two men, this is the way to do it. Benjamin has done an outstanding job in taking on that second-tier ring general, and certainly deserves the title he has at the moment.

Up next: Jeff Hardy vs MVP.

(3) Jeff Hardy vs MVP

Prior to the match, a Hurricane Helms inset appeared, begging MVP to win a match. Ross mentioned that MVP was one win away from receiving a pay incentive bonus.

MVP took Hardy down at the bell, hitting an inside cradle in the process. Rollup by MVP, followed by another pin attempt, one counts on both. Hardy to the ropes, nailing Porter with a flying forearm. Front suplex by hardy, sending MVP to the mat. As Hardy climbed the ropes for his swanton, MVP rolled to the outside to take a breather.

[Commercial Break]

Mule kick by Hardy to bring us back from break. As he attempted a corner dropkick, MVP countered with a kick to the stomach. MVP followed up with several shots to the stomach, then a knee to the chest. Near fall for MVP. Seated abdominal stretch by MVP, Hardy powers out, but is caught by MVP as he charges off the ropes. 2 count for Porter. Facebuster by MVP, another two count. Bearhug by MVP, who then throws Hardy into the turnbuckles. MVP sends Hardy to the turnbuckle, Hardy takes his chance and nails a Whisper in the Wind for a two. MVP to the corner, fights back with a reverse elbow. Hardy pushes back and hits two corner dropkicks for good measure. Hardy to the top, connects with the Swanton, gets the three.

WINNER: Jeff Hardy by Pinfall.

Thoughts - Another win for Hardy, another loss for MVP. How long is this guy gonna remain in the doghouse?

As Hardy celebrated his win, Kozlov made his way down to the ring for the second time tonight. He threw up his fists as Hardy threw a foot into the stomach of Kozlov, which had no effect. Instead, Kozlov hit a kick of his own and threw Hardy to the turnbuckle. Hardy attempted a counter, but was met with a headbutt by Kozlov.

[Commercial Break]

Maria was introduced as a special guest announcer as she strutted to the ring.

(4) Jesse, Festus, Carlito & Primo vs. Hawkins, Ryder, Kenny Dykstra and Ryan Braddock - 8-man tag match.

Festus charged the ring as the bell rang, causing the heels to retreat to the outside. Eventually Carlito and Ryder (I think; I still can't tell them apart.) started the match. Ryder threw Carlito to the ropes, who countered into a springboard flip for a near fall early on. Ruder shoved Carlito into the heel corner, tagging in Hawkins in the process. Hawkins hit a few kicks on Carlito before tagging in Braddock. Braddock drops the knee on Carlito, rolls him up, gets a near fall. Braddock sends Carlito to the turnbuckle, then tags in Dykstra, who came off the top with an axehandle, attempts another cover, only gets two. Dykstra dropped several elbows onto Carlito's head, then set into a rear chinlock. Carlito uses a jaw breaker to get out of it and attempts a tag to Primo, but Dykstra sucker punched Primo to the mat. This gave Carlito the change to hit a standing hurricarana, and tag Festus in, who went to work on Dykstra immediately. As Festus went for the pin, Braddock interfered, prompting Carlito to take Braddock out to the floor. Festus and Primo then hit a double suicide dive to the floor on Hawkins and Ryder, allowing Festus to hit the one man flapjack for the win.

WINNER: Jesse, Festus, Primo and Carlito by pinfall.

Thoughts - Short and sloppy, but I've come to expect that from these men over the past few weeks.

Afterwards, Festus seemed enamored with Maria, causing Jesse some difficulty in taking him back up the ramp.

Another video aired featuring John Cena's recovery, telling a story from multiple people about how he got off the operating table and walking into a Raw locker room the same day. Triple H said that "The WWE" is his wife, life, and children all rolled into one. Keep in mind, this is the same man who said that the championship scramble match was one of the most difficult matches of his entire life.

Back in-ring, The Great Khali stood in the center of the ring with Runjin Singh and three jobbers. Singh said that Johnny Knoxville interviewed him on jackassworld.com, saying that Knoxville is the one who's a jackass. They threw to a video of the interview, which featured Knoxville asking Khali how big his "tallywhacker" was, and if it was proportioned to the rest of his body. Khali took offense to the question, ended the interview and threw the table up in disgust. Singh then said that Khali showed more personality than Knoxville on Raw, when he debued the Khali kiss cam. They then threw to another video, highlighting Khali's antics from this past Monday. Back in the ring, Singh then said that tonight would feature another edition the the Khali kiss cam after his match.

5) The Great Khali (w/ Runkjin Singh) vs. Three Jobbers.

Two of the men bailed out at the sound of the bell, while the remaining man stood his ground, and received a chop to the head in the process. Khali stood triumphantly over his victim as the ref counted to three.

WINNER: The Great Khali by pinfall.

Thoughts - Well, at least the kiss cam was funny.

After the match, Singh showed three women on the kiss cam, settling on a heavyset woman in the front of the audience. He called her up to the ring, and asked her where she was from and her name. He then asked how much she weighed, and then said it didn't matter. He then instructed Khali to kiss the woman, as Khali balked at the prospect. After some coaxing, Khali leaned in and gave the woman a kiss. He then raised his arms in victory. Ok.

The Raw Rebound aired, showing highlights of the Jericho/Batista feud, including the match between JBL and Batista to retain his #1 contendership. They then went over the choices for Cyber Sunday, where Jericho and Batista will square off for the title, with the audience choosing the special guest referee.

A replay played from earlier tonight, showing Hardy's victory over MVP, and subsequent beatdown at the hands of Kozlov. Ross then hyped a match between Hardy and Kozlov next week on Smackdown.

They abruptly cut backstage where Kozlov was staring into the camera. He said he would crush Hardy, then break him in half.

(6) Triple H vs The Big Show

Immediately after Kozlov's promo, Triple H's music hit as he made his entrance. Ross wondered if the King of Kings would be dethroned tonight.

[Commercial Break]

The Big Show made his way down to the ring, and stood toe to toe with Triple H. The bell rang, and the two squared off in the center of the ring, Triple H slowly backing his way into a corner. As Show charged at him, Triple H ducked out of the way and hit a few punches on The Big Show. Unfazed, Show threw Triple H to the side, and out onto the floor. Show slid out after him, but was met with another set of punches by Triple H. Show fought back, and charged at Triple H who was leaning against the ring post. At the last second Triple H moved out of the way. Show then moved back inside, Triple H not far behind. As Hunter stepped onto the ring apron, Show hit him with a headbutt, sending him back to the floor. Show then attempted to pick up Triple H to bring him back into the ring, but Triple H dropped to the floor, draping Show's neck over the rope in the process. Triple H ran into the ring, but was caught by Show, hitting a sidewalk slam on Triple H. Show then focused on Triple H's neck, twisting the neck in a vice-like move. Triple H went back to his feet, but was quickly brought back down by Show hitting a spinning leg drop. As Triple H attempted to stand up in the corner, Show stood at the opposite end of the ring, and then charged at full speed, once again missing Triple H at the last second. Triple H then jumped onto Show's back and applied a sleeper. Show appeared to be loosing strength, but then flipped Triple H over the top of his head. Show tried to follow up with an elbow drop, but Triple H rolled out of the way. Anyone else sensing a pattern here? Hunter then attempted the Pedigree, but was blocked, and backdropped by Show. Show then tightened his fist and attempted to nail the right hand, but was ducked by Triple H. Hunter went to the ropes, but was caught by Show, and was given a chokeslam. Suddenly, the lights went out and when they came on, The Undertaker was standing in the center of the ring. He punched the Big Show out of the ring, then the lights went out again. When they came back up Taker was standing behind Show. Once again they went out, and as they came back up, Taker was beating Show out of the ring. At the same time Kozlov came running down the ramp, and hit Triple H with a headbutt. Jeff Hardy ran down to make the save, but was also taken down by Kozlov. As he turned his back to the two men to celebrate his victory, Hardy and Triple H attacked Kozlov from behind, sending him out to the floor. The two parties stood still as the crowd chanted "USA!" Then, out of nowhere, Hardy hit a Twist of Fate on Triple H, then called Kozlov out as the show ended.

WINNER: Triple H by default.

Thoughts - It was interesting to see all of the parties in separate feuds come together in the final segment, even if it was a bit predictable. Kozlov continues to get his monster push to the top, and is looking like more and more of a credible threat to not just Triple H, but the entire top tier of wrestlers, as well. Hardy was good in his role of wanting to help out Triple H, only to send a clear message to Kozlov that he means business. Triple H has been a little more than gracious by comparison than he has in the past by allowing Hardy to hit the Twist of Fate on him not just once, but twice. It's a good method tactic in that Triple H retains his title, and thus the credibility, while Jeff gets the rub in taking out the champ. All in all, a solid main event.

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