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WWE Smackdown review
October 30, 2009
Taped 10/27/09 in Rochester, NY
Aired on MyNetwork TV


-WWE Open.

-A dramatic video package showed Batista turning on Rey Mysterio at Bragging Rights.

-Smackdown Open.

-Teddy Long came to the ring as Todd Grisham and Matt Striker noted that Rey Mysterio will demand an explanation from Batista tonight. Long talked about Smackdown winning at Bragging Rights, then turned his attention to the Mysterio vs. Batista issue. He said the men would be having a heart-to-heart tonight about what happened. Long then mentioned Undertaker vs. Big Show at Survivor Series. Before he could get any more out, Chris Jericho’s music hit and he, his Unified Tag Team Titles and the trophy all came out. Jericho started talking, but Long interrupted, noting that the trophy was property of Smackdown; so he took it. That did not make Jericho happy. He repeatedly said that it was his deeds that won Smackdown the trophy at Bragging Rights. He said Long giving Big Show a shot at the title without consulting him was dastardly. Yes, apparently he needs to be consulted on all major Smackdown decisions now. Kane took issue with Jericho thinking he single-handedly won the match at Bragging Rights, as he came out.

Kane reminded Jericho that he was co-captain of Smackdown, meaning everything Jericho is laying claim to belongs to him as much as it does Jericho. That includes the title shot at Undertaker. Jericho told Kane he should be lucky he was on Jericho’s team, because Jericho is the hero of Smackdown and of all the germ incubators in the crowd. Jericho told Kane to get out of his face, but that was one step too far for the Big Red Machine, as he grabbed Jericho by the throat. Long bade Kane to let Jericho go, and finally, he did. Long announced that if Raw can have a Triple-Threat match for the WWE Title, Smackdown can do the same. He said the third man will be decided tonight in a match between Kane and Jericho. You knew the Jericho-Kane honeymoon wouldn’t last long, so this certainly makes sense.

[Commercial Break]

-Grisham plugged the match that was just announced, Kane vs. Jericho, which will take place later in the evening.

-John Morrison came out for his match with Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler did some pre-match mic work and talked about Morrison being the only one from Smackdown who didn’t win at Bragging Rights. Live, Ziggler actually called the PPV “Bragging Point,” so they had to edit that, which is why the camera angle was behind him on that one and I could even hear the edit. Morrison responded by saying Dolph’s prediction is a bit premature, and he should know something about that.

1- JOHN MORRISON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

After some early chain wrestling, Ziggler took Morrison down, but Morrison flap-jacked him. I liked the leap-frog, which you don’t see very often these days for whatever reason. Ziggler mounted Morrison and punched away at him. Striker dropped some knowledge on the fans about the “core strength” of the wrestlers, mostly in the abdominal area. Ziggler slammed Morrison then kicked at him as they went to break about 3:30 into the match.

[Commercial Break]

Ziggler dropped Morrison on the back of his head out of break. He slowed things down and showed his distinct disdain for Morrison. Morrison attempted a comeback, but Ziggler shot it down with a scoop slam, but couldn’t get the three. Counter by Morrison and a catapult attempt, but Dolph landed on the rope. Ziggler missed his attempt and Morrison landed the Flying Chuck kick for two, as Ziggler got a foot on the rope. Morrison went after Ziggler on the outside, but Morrison landed on the apron, where Ziggler tripped him up, Morrison landing hard on his back. Ziggler wheel-barrowed Morrison up and slammed him face-first on the announce table. He couldn’t make it back in for the ten-count.

WINNER: Ziggler, via count-out, at 10:05. Serviceable TV match, but nothing outstanding.

-Striker and Grisham sent it to another video package of Batista’s attack. I get a kick out of the reserved “I’m gonna rip your head off” quote from Batista. Very well delivered. Rey will confront his (former?) best friend tonight.

[Commercial Break]

-Striker talked about WWE.com’s Halloween-themed week.

-Teddy Long was admiring Smackdown’s trophy backstage when Vince McMahon walked up. He said if Long keeps this up, he might get off probation. C.M. Punk came in and said Long doesn’t deserve to get off probation, as a man not even on the Smackdown roster has a championship match at the next PPV. Punk said he should be in the match, and he’d be there if it weren’t for Scott Armstrong’s officiating. Vince said he’d give Punk exactly what he wants: A one-on-one match with Scott Armstrong. Even though he didn’t get the title match, Punk seemed happy. I was BEGGING for them to play the Armstrong theme music from WCW when he came out, but I was forced to be disappointed.

2- BETH PHOENIX vs. JENNY BROOKS

Brooks was billed from Elmira, NY. Striker said Brooks was the only one to beat Phoenix when Beth attended Notre Dame High-School in Buffalo. I am 99.9% sure that’s not true. Interestingly, they didn’t edit Tony Chimel giving the weight for Jenny Brooks, as they usually don’t do that for the women, and from where I sat, it appeared someone was editing Chimel’s announcing. So yeah, Beth just squashed Jenny here. Choke into a back-breaker after throwing her out of the ring. Glam Slam ended it.

WINNER: Phoenix, at 2:16.

-Still to come tonight, Cryme Tyme hosts a Diva Halloween Costume Contest.

-And, of course, Batista’s heel turn on Rey Mysterio. They’re hyping this up a ton, but it’s good that they’re putting such importance on a turn.

[Commercial Break]

-Striker and Grisham hyped Divide The Day, who provided Smackdown’s new theme song. Then, they showed the band sitting at ringside.

-Vickie Guerrero was introduced, dressed as a princess for Halloween. She introduced her Prince Charming, Eric Escobar.

3- ERIC ESCOBAR vs. MATT HARDY

Clothesline, but a missed elbow by Escobar. This is a re-match from Escobar’s debut two weeks ago. Bulldog out of the corner by Matt. Hardy went up for a moonsault, but Escobar stopped him. He was sent to the mat and Hardy hit the flip. He came up holding his knee, which slowed his cover, getting only two. Escobar smelled blood and went after Matt’s knee with leg-locks. “Let’s Go Hardy” chant got him back into the match. Escobar bodyslammed Hardy, forcing his legs to hit the ring ropes. A Twist of Fate, sans the twist (pretty much a Diamond Cutter), out of desperation, got Hardy the win.

WINNER: Hardy, at 3:21. Some more even-steven booking. Escobar could’ve used a strong win, but he lost in less than three-and-a-half.

-Kane vs. Jericho to find out who will be added the Championship Match at Survivor Series, takes place tonight.

-More footage aired of Batista turning on Rey. Rey was walking backstage, as the confrontation takes place next.

[Commercial Break]

-After extensive video of Batista’s attack on Rey Mysterio, Rey came out, not nearly exuberant as we’re used to. Lots of “what?” chants during Rey’s promo live, so I wonder if they’ll edit that. Rey talked about Batista beating him down real bad on Sunday. He said the pain inside him was even worse than the outer pain. Mysterio said he felt so much anger inside him after Sunday, but then realized that Batista being family meant more than the title. Yep, no “what” chants at all. Mysterio said he wouldn’t leave the ring ‘til Batista came out and they settled things like men. Batista, to answer’s Striker’s question, looked indifferent coming out and was wearing his poker face.

Batista half-mocked Rey for being disappointed about him getting hurt. He said Rey just doesn’t get how bad this can get for Rey. He asked Rey who the hell he thought he was calling him out. Batista said he’d be the bigger man and would give Rey one opportunity to leave HIS ring. My emphasis, not Batista’s. Mysterio started to head out, then stopped and said he wasn’t leaving. Mysterio asked what Batista wanted Sunday, for him not to try? Rey said he’s willing to forgive and forget- he said brothers fight all the time and said their friendship would outlast their careers. Batista wasn’t having it and said Rey is thinking about what little effort it took Batista to hurt him. He said Rey is wondering what he’ll do now that he doesn’t have Big Dave to protect him. He’s also wondering what Batista will do to him if he doesn’t leave the ring now. Mysterio asked him if he was serious. Batista told him to look into his eyes. Rey said if he had known the match would interfere with their friendship, he would’ve never taken it. He gave Rey once last chance to leave. He almost did, but then declined. Rey said Batista can do what he feels he needs to do, but he’s standing his ground, not leaving until they straighten things out. Rey brought up “Eddie” Guerrero when talking about the times they’ve been through. “Eddie’s dead,” replied Batista, which was a bit jarring to hear live, but it got the reaction it intended to. Batista said he’s not thinking about anything but himself. Then he walked out first. The announcers said nothing as they went to break. Came off better on TV than live, thanks to the editing of the chants. Good stuff.

[Commercial Break]

-Batista was walking backstage when Matt Hardy came upon him and tried to talk him into not making the same mistakes he did, as far as turning on Jeff. Batista shrugged him off then left. Matt took out his cell phone, and Batista charged back into the building and took him down to the concrete floor hard.

-Drew McIntyre made his entrance for a match with Finlay. McIntyre got the mic and said that he never wanted to be on Team Smackdown in the first place (he was on the original team, but lost last week), that he plans to make a name for himself alone. He said that for Finlay, the party is over. Finlay got on the apron, and McIntyre connected with a running big boot, sending the veteran to ringside. He then threw Finlay into the steel ring steps. He jumped on Finlay and punched away, then trash-talked him. Kick to the gut by McIntyre to end the beat-down. No match. They did show a replay of what just happened, though.

-Yet to come, Kane takes on Chris Jericho to earn an opportunity at a title shot at Survivor Series.

-The Divas Halloween Costume Contest is next.

[Commercial Break]

-Cryme Tyme was in the ring for their Divas Halloween Costume Contest. They introduced the Divas: Mickie James (as Elektra), Natalya (as a matador), Layla (as Michael Jackson) and Michelle McCool (as the devil). They introduced the Divas one-by-one and each did a dance or whatever. Natalya was first- she had the red flag and Shad pretended to be the bull. Layla was awesome as Michael Jackson and got a ton of cheers live despite being a heel. They kept them in too. Anyway, Mickie won and the heels attacked her afterward. Michelle is the one who got the last few shots in. Yes, you HAVE seen this a hundred times before.

-Up next, Punk vs. Scott Armstrong

[Commercial Break]

4- C.M. PUNK vs. SCOTT ARMSTRONG

Punk charged at Armstrong in the corner and did some trash-talking. He shoved Armstrong as the crowd chanted for “Undertaker.” Armstrong fired back with three rights. No mention of his former life as a wrestler. Kick to the gut by Punk after a pause to take in Armstrong’s attack. Kick to the back, then he picked Scott up and gave him the GTS, not a pretty one by any means, for the win.

WINNER: Punk, at 2:05.

-Split-screen of Kane and Chris Jericho walking backstage. They’re both headed to the ring to face each other, and its next.

[Commercial Break]

-Hot off the presses: Batista takes on Matt Hardy next week on Smackdown

5- CHRIS JERICHO vs. KANE- WINNER GETS A SHOT AT THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT SURVIVOR SERIES

Powerslam by Kane for a quick two. After some back-and-forth, Kane’s leg strength overcame Jericho’s desire to lock in the Walls of Jericho. Striker actually referred to Jericho as “Lionheart” Chris Jericho. He got a running start and knocked Kane off the apron and into the ringside barriers. They went to break about 3:30 into the match.

[Commercial Break]

Jericho laid the boots in on Kane out of break. He catapulted Kane throat-first into the bottom rope, getting a two on a pin attempt. Jericho attempted a bulldog, but Kane suplexed him down. Couple clotheslines by Kane, as the down-time in this match got me thinking how terribly uninterested I’d be in a Big Show vs. Undertaker vs. Kane Triple-Threat match. Enziguiri by Jericho after he dodged a clothesline. Springboard right into a right hand around the throat. Kane put Jericho down with a boot, garnering him a two. Codebreaker out of nowhere by Jericho, but he was too injured to make an immediate cover. He eventually made his way over there, getting only two. There’s the bulldog. Lionsault, but Kane put up his hand and grabbed him. Chokeslam by Kane, but Jericho was close to the edge of the ring and rolled to the floor. Kane picked up Jericho and put him in the ring, but it was too late- Jericho had recovered and kicked out. Jericho got out of a slam and shoved Kane into the buckle. He locked in the Walls, but Kane got out. As Jericho jawed with the ref, Kane caught him with an uppercut. He tried a top-rope clothesline, but Jericho crotched him. He went up for a suplex, to no avail. Kane came off the top but was greeted with a mid-air Codebreaker for the win.

WINNER: Jericho, at 14:34. The only real move to make here. Kane’s a veteran, but doesn’t belong in the title picture at this point.

Jericho celebrated at ringside as they went off the air.

Greg Parks has been covering Smackdown for PWTorch.com since January of 2007. You can also read his frequently updated blog in the VIP forum. Check out his column each week in the PDF-exclusive version of the Torch Newsletter. Also, look for his Tuesday chats with James Caldwell each Tuesday afternoon on the Torch. Comments, questions and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_man9784@yahoo.com.

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