WWE Smackdown TV taping report
July 6, 2010
Atlanta, Ga.
Report by Mike Burroughs of Roswell, Ga., PWTorch reader

WWE presented two dark matches for the live crowd, including a four-way World Hvt. Title match and a six-on-six match involving the Nexus and Raw brand wrestlers.

I thought the four-way World Title match was a joke based on what happened during the Smackdown taping. After World Hvt. champion Rey Mysterio was pummeled by Jack Swagger during the Smackdown taping, he was somehow able to limp out to the ring and defend his title.

Dark Match 1: World Hvt. champion Rey Mysterio beat Jack Swagger, Kane, and Big Show to retain the World Title. There was some good action early in the match, and some good work by Big Show and Kane. Mysterio should have not had a chance against these larger men, especially when he allegedly had a torn ligament in his ankle and had to be earlier carried out of Philips Arena by Big Show during the Smackdown taping. Given Mysterio's "injury," he should have been replaced in the match.

I thought Kane, who was dominant early, should have been rewarded for his fine work as of late and crowned World champion in the dark match. In the old days, that absolutely would have happened. But, with The Undertaker still on the DL indefinitely, they're booking Mysterio to sell tickets at live events and PPVs.

Dark Match 2: John Cena & John Morrison & Randy Orton beat Nexus in a three-on-six handicap match. John Cena brought the crowd back to life in the main event dark match, leading his team to victory by pinning David Otunga. Sheamus quit on Cena and his "team" before he ever left the stage. Edge and Chris Jericho had both already quit after they came to blows before the match even started. And Darren Young was not available for Nexus after Cena took him out on Raw. So, it turned into a six-on-three.

John Morrison was pounded by the Nexus 6 early before Randy Orton had some good action. A six-on-three brawl ensued after Cena finally got in the match, but the Raw babyfaces prevailed. This match was a little short, but there was some good action.

All in all, it was a tremendous night with NXT, Superstars, Smackdown, and the dark matches. The only disappointment was the dark title match, which was a tough sell in my book.

We suggest these recent related articles...

WWE NEWS: Superstars SPOILERS - Results from Chicago Raw

WWE NETWORK: Monday, Oct. 12 Schedule - Raw pre-show, Sting DVD preview

WWE NEWS: Lana & Rusev reportedly engaged - follow the interesting 2015 timeline