WWE Smackdown TV Report
November 26, 2010
Taped in Jacksonville, Fla.
Aired on Syfy
Report by James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Smackdown opened up with World Hvt. champion Kane coming to the ring to discuss retaining the World Title over Edge at Survivor Series and Edge's mind games. Kane demanded Edge end the sick Bearer Games and just return him to his care. Kane changed tone from being angry to delusionally nice. "I'm a normal guy. I have feelings!" he said. Poor Kane missed Thanksgiving with Paul Bearer. Kane begged Edge to return Bearer.

Edge's music interrupted and he walked out on stage with the empty wheelchair. He said Bearer was just sitting here a few moments ago and he just wants Kane to ask him politely. Shouldn't Edge be so upset that he did not win the World Title at Survivor Series and more concerned with that than playing games with Kane?

Kane screamed at Edge to bring his father back to him. Edge said that was not very nice. He asked Kane to ask nicely. Kane asked, but without using the "magic word." The PG crowd knew what word Kane missed and told Kane to say "please." Kane repeated "please," but not in a tone acceptable to Edge. The crowd added a chant of, "On your knees." Kane politely asked Edge for Bearer back, but Edge deemed it insincere. Edge wheeled the wheelchair to the back, leaving Kane flummoxed in the ring. Matt Striker said the mind games continue.

Up next: qualifying match for King of the Ring with Jack Swagger vs. Kofi Kingston.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Kofi Kingston came to the ring and Michael Cole's voice greeted the viewers with words about Kane on the verge of snapping following Edge's latest mind games. Jack Swagger then came out with the Eagle Mascot to face Kofi in a qualifying match. Jack doesn't need the mascot, but the thing is hilarious flapping its wings to the beat of Swagger's theme music.

1 -- JACK SWAGGER (w/Eagle Mascot) vs. KOFI KINGSTON -- KOTR qualifying match

Matt Striker noted William Regal is the reigning King of the Ring dating back a few years. Swagger started with amateur wrestling as the crowd chanted for Kofi. Eagle was upset with this and turned to the audience to quiet them down. Swagger then slipped out of the ring and regrouped with Eagle, who flapped encouragement. Back in the ring, Swagger locked up with Kofi and tried to catapult him into the corner, but Kofi landed on his feet and hit a nice cross-body block for a two count. The PG crowd was hot for Kofi, who worked from underneath selling a knee injury as Swagger went to work on the left leg and knee area. Kofi eventually slid out of the ring to catch a breather and Swagger glared down at him as they cut to break five minutes in.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, the announcers plugged the King of the Ring on Monday's Raw while Eagle got involved grabbing Kofi's feet as he stood on the ring apron. Kofi kicked Eagle in the head, but Swagger knocked Kofi to the outside. Kofi and the bird sold on the floor, then Swagger rolled Kofi back into the ring for a two count. Swagger back in control here. Nice, aggressive spot where Swagger shoved Kofi so hard into the middle rope that it knocked the live ringside cameraman backwards, like a wide receiver crashing into a sideline camera during a football game.

Swagger continued to cut off any momentum Kofi started to build as the announcers bickered amongst themselves. Swagger then played with Kofi by using his boot to shove Kofi out of the ring to the floor. The bird was great pointing and giggling at Kofi. Swagger tried to follow on the outside, but Kofi blocked and bounced Swagger's head off the ring steps. Back in the ring, Swagger regained control as the bird waved instructions to "Swags." Kofi started firing off kick strikes, then an open-hand thrust to build some momentum. Kofi missed with a flying clothesline, but slipped out of a suplex and smashed Swagger into the bottom turnbuckle. Unique spot with Kofi hitting the Boom Drop as Swagger was draped across the bottom buckle, which resulted in a nearfall.

Kofi tried to hit a home run going up top, but Swagger caught Kofi in mid-air and delivered a big powerslam. Swagger then wanted the running Vader Bomb, but Kofi got his feet up to block. Swagger was dazed and Kofi tried a kick, but Swagger grabbed Kofi's ankle. Kofi blocked the lock, though, and sent Swagger head-first into the turnbuckle. Swagger, stunned, got to his feet and walked into the Trouble in Paradise. Swagger sold beautifully and tipped over to the mat in the corner. Kofi made the cover and hooked Swagger's body away from the corner ropes to score a clean win for the win.

WINNER: Kingston in 18:00 to qualify for KOTR. Another very good TV match between these two. The match had some unique counters and spots at the end of the match to make it really stand out. Swagger and Kofi have excellent chemistry with Swagger basing for Kofi's offense while also in a position to get over his power offense. The formula gets sympathy on Kofi, who is very good at working from behind to make his comebacks while rallying the PG audience. (***1/4)

Backstage: Kane sold a sincere apology to Teddy Long for tearing up his office last week. Kane said he just wants his dad back. Teddy said he didn't know his father very well, but that didn't stop him from "reaching for the stars." Suddenly, Edge appeared on the video screen in Teddy's office. Edge said Mother Nature is calling. The camera panned down to show Paul Bearer tied up and looking haggard. Edge claimed to be on the other side of the arena near the concession stands. Edge took the duct tape off Bearer's mouth and he cut a promo. "Bastards! Bastards! Bastards!" Bearer repeated. Edge re-applied the tape and wheeled Bearer away. Back in Ted's office, Kane flexed his hands angrily and stormed off.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Kane apparently found the room where Edge was holding Bearer. He stormed into the men's room and found a "Gone Fishin" sign. The wheelchair was empty. Kane, frustrated, stormed off.

Announcers: Cole just threw his hands in the air before saying he hopes he knows what Edge is doing. Grisham recapped Kofi qualifying for King of the Ring before plugging Alberto Del Rio's opportunity later tonight. Striker was sitting uncomfortably close to Grisham to stay in the camera shot, causing Grisham to squeeze his shoulders together as the middle man in the booth.

Backstage: Josh Mathews brought in Alberto Del Rio to ask him about being KO'ed by Big Show at Survivor Series. Mathews asked Del Rio about being the underdog tonight vs. Show. Del Rio chuckled and said he learned a valuable lesson at the PPV. He said he learned to never share the spotlight with those who are not his equal. Del Rio looked like a guest on SNL glancing at a cue card off-camera rattling off his lines. Del Rio concluded his promo by declaring himself King Alberto Del Rio next Monday on Raw.

[Commercial Break]

New WWE Kids Mag: They plugged a new issue of WWE Kids Magazine where the kiddos can design their own PPV logo and marketing scheme. Anything will beat Fatal Four-Way and Over the Limit.

In-ring: Tony Chimel introduced Ricardo Rodriguez to personally introduce the next KOTR qualifying matches. Why does Ricardo always look like he hasn't slept in weeks? Cue up Del Rio's music to bring out Del Rio in a fine automobile. Del Rio took his time entering the ring and did his little mannerisms that are so money as a heel. Big Show then came out sporting a Big & Tall "Knucklehead" t-shirt. Cole quipped that someone bought the t-shirt. Show smiled and shook hands ringside on the way to the ring.

2 -- BIG SHOW vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- KOTR qualifying match

The bell sounded and Del Rio pointed a finger at Show. Show then shoved Del Rio into the corner and tried a frying pan chop, but Del Rio ducked and landed a dropkick that shifted Show a bit. Del Rio randomly went up top, so Show grabbed him around the throat and dumped him on the floor. Show mockingly winked at Del Rio, who sold on the floor as they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Show was methodically working over Del Rio, who flopped around the ring before landing a jawbreaker on Show. Del Rio then tried the crossarm breaker, but Show flung him overhead to the mat. Big Show then teased the KO Punch, so Del Rio ran out of the ring to the outside. Show followed on the outside and smashed Del Rio into the announce table before rolling him back into ring. Rodriguez then grabbed Show's feet on the floor, prompting Show to pick up Ricardo and deliver the big KO Punch to the face. The ref was at a nine count, then Show caught the ref's count, which reached ten to give Del Rio the win. Show grimaced and covered his head in disgust as Del Rio celebrated.

WINNER: Del Rio via count-out in 8:00 to qualify for KOTR. Heelish win after a bearable match. I'm not quite sure it's the right match-up for Del Rio, who's still a fragile character trying to establish credibility to back his brash persona. (*)

Post-match: Edge's voice came over the PA system as Del Rio was leaving. Edge told the camera to look up at the top of the arena where he had Paul Bearer tied up in the wheelchair. Edge said he wants Kane to come to the top of the arena and have a nice conversation. Edge removed Bearer's duct tape and Bearer shouted, "Kane!" Edge closed him up again and Kane slowly walked out on stage to no music. "How dare you!" Kane shouted. Edge said he might just push Bearer down these stairs. Kane told him he's a miscreant and a monster. Edge responded that Kane apparently doesn't like when the same things are done to him that he's done to others over the years. Bearer was given more talking time. "I hate you people! I hate you!"

Edge then reviewed the choices with the crowd. The crowd didn't like Edge giving Bearer back to Kane. He asked if he should commit assault and battery by shoving Bearer down the steps. The crowd liked the sound of that. Kane quietly said he gets it. Edge wants another World Title shot. Edge said that's true and Kane agreed to give him the match. Kane then ran up the arena steps to meet Edge, who re-located to the hot dog stand. They cut to a shot of Kane finding another empty wheelchair in the concourse. No sign of Bearer and Kane. Kane huffed and puffed as they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: MVP was out first to his new ring music for the third of four King of the Ring qualifying matches. Cole said MVP could jumpstart his career if he could win the KOTR tournament on Monday. After a pause, Drew McIntyre's dramatic theme music started up to bring out McIntyre. It's the battle of elaborate ring entrances.

3 -- MVP vs. DREW MCINTYRE -- KOTR qualifying match

McIntyre was aggressive from the start, getting in MVP's face to trash talk. MVP responded with open-hand slaps and a flying knee to the back of the head. MVP made a cover, but McIntyre kicked out. MVP followed with aggressive right hands before knocking McIntyre to the outside. On the floor, MVP rammed McIntyre face-first into the guardrail before eating the ring steps. Mac then stomped MVP's left arm into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Mac went to work on the left arm as Cole noted McIntyre typically becomes too casual when he usually takes control of a match, which has hurt his win/loss record. That was quite possibly the most insightful line Cole has delivered in months - if not years - selling the in-ring product.

McIntyre tried to resume the left-arm attack on the floor, but MVP rammed Mac into the ring steps. Back in the ring, MVP mounted a comeback with his good right arm. Mac took a facebuster across the knee before MVP landed a one-arm Ballin' elbow drop. MVP then wanted the Playmaker, but Mac blocked. MVP tried a corner move, but he couldn't push off his bad arm and McIntyre hit the Future Shock DDT. McIntyre with the pin and the win.

WINNER: McIntyre in 5:00 to qualify for KOTR. The commentary on this match was refreshingly focused on selling the action like a simulated competition. There are so many stories WWE can tell from this match, e.g. what does MVP need to do to get back on track, why is he losing matches, etc., to set up a "comeback story" the audience can get behind. (*1/2)

Backstage: Jack Swagger told Eagle that it's his fault he's losing matches. Swagger told the old bird to fly right. He stormed off and the camera showed Hornswoggle dressed like an Indian ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Rosa Mendes brought in a turkey, but it was black from being burnt in the oven. Hornswoggle pouted, then the Eagle walked in and hung his head in disgust. Hornswoggle motioned toward the bird and suggested he eat it. Horny then pulled out a bow & arrow and shot an arrow. Eagle screeched off-camera, implying it was shot down. "Little HBK," Cole whispered, referring to Shawn Michaels being a hunter. Horny laughed and ran off-camera to retrieve his kill.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Lay-Cool's music hit to bring out Layla and Michelle McCool. They each had mics in-hand to cut a promo while walking to the ring. After the basic Lay-Cool heel promo, Kelly Kelly came to the ring to face McCool in singles action. Prior to that, Layla sprayed the ring with a home cleaning product to cleanse the ring of "Smelly" Kelly.

4 -- KELLY KELLY vs. MICHELLE McCOOL (w/Layla)

McCool dominated early on, taking out her frustration over dropping the Unified Divas Title to Natalya at Survivor Series. Out of nowhere, Kelly rolled up McCool and trapped her shoulders to the mat for the quick win. Post-match: McCool and Layla beat up Kelly until Beth Phoenix made the save, making her Smackdown TV return after her return at Survivor Series. McCool was left alone in the ring to take the Glam Slam from Phoenix. McCool sold like a dead body outline while Layla freaked out ringside. After a replay of the events, Phoenix and Kelly stood tall in the ring while Lay-Cool regrouped on the floor.

WINNER: Kelly in 1:30. Fine to set up Phoenix's reintroduction on TV. (n/a)

Still to come: Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes in the final qualifying match for the KOTR tournament on Monday.

[Commercial Break]

Raw Rebound: John Cena's "emotional firing" at Survivor Series, followed by his Farewell Address on Raw.

Announcers: Back to ringside, Michael Cole said Cena "played the game hard" and had fun while entertaining. Striker said WWE has lost one of its greatest Superstars of all-time. Todd Grisham then fed to the next chapter via the Raw Rebound focusing on Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett being won by Orton before The Miz cashed in MITB to become new WWE champion.

KOTR plug: Grisham hyped the King of the Ring tournament on Monday's three-hour Raw with seven out of eight qualifiers established. They plugged the final qualifying match up next.

In-ring: Rey Mysterio's music hit to bring out Mysterio for the TV main event. Mysterio knocked heads with fans ringside on the way to the ring as Cole said Rey winning KOTR would be a "wonderful way to cap off a career." Interesting comment from Cole. They cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

5 -- REY MYSTERIO vs. CODY RHODES -- KOTR qualifying match

Prior to the bell sounding for the main event, Del Rio's music hit for a closer look at Rey's match-up. Cody was as perturbed as Rey with Del Rio's presence ringside. Del Rio greeted Cole with a royal handshake, brushed off Grisham, and stood next to Striker ringside. Rey landed a strike near the face early on, so Cody bailed to the floor to check out his face in his jacket mirror. Rey proceeded to blast Cody from behind, but Cody came back with a kick strike to the face. In the ring, Cody nailed the Alabama Slam for a two count. Del Rio: "You know, I am one step to being the king." Cody maintained control and Rey rolled to the outside to regroup as they cut to a final break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Cody was working over Rey's left arm as Striker queried Del Rio on whether he can be his personal color commentator if he wins King of the Ring. Del Rio ran down Rey, then was asked what he thinks of Cody. Pause. "I am going to skip that question," he dryly said. Rey finally found some offense with a top rope seated sentaun before nailing a turnaround cross-body splash. Rey then walked into a Cross Rhodes attempt, but Rey countered into a quick bridge pin for a nearfall. Rey then smashed Cody in the face for a nearfall.

Rey set up Cody for the 619, but Cody dropped out of the ring as Del Rio dropped his headsets. Rey then tried to smash Cody with a seated sentaun, but Cody ducked and Del Rio ate the move, which popped the crowd. Back in the ring, Rey kicked Cody across the ring and Cody flew back into the referee. Del Rio then crotched Rey into the ringpost from behind. The ref was down, then Cody hit Cross Rhodes on Rey. Cody made the cover, the ref came to, and a three count was rendered in Cody's favor.

WINNER: Rhodes in 9:00 to qualify for KOTR.

Backstage: Before the show came to an end, Kane was shown screaming at Teddy Long in the GM's office. Kane grabbed Long around the throat and told him it's all his fault. Suddenly, Edge appeared on the video screen again. Edge told Kane to come get some fresh air in the parking lot, where he's hold Paul Bearer. Edge repeated "Jacksonville, Florida" a few times before telling Kane to come on out and get Bearer before there's an accident. The camera spun around to show Edge staring into the arena's parking area. Kane jogged to the parking area and found a Bearer dummy in the wheelchair. A vehicle then smashed the Bearer dummy into pieces, causing Kane to freak out. In the background, Edge rolled down the window and told Kane, "Sorry." Edge also rolled down the window on the passenger side to show Bearer tied up in the backseat. Edge sped off and Kane chucked Head toward the vehicle. They signed off with Kane still in a state of frustration. Reax: Wasn't Edge's mission several weeks ago to rid WWE of all stupid things? How did he get mixed up in this?

Summary: Kane vs. Edge for the World Title is booked for the TLC PPV. Cody Rhodes, Drew McInytre, Alberto Del Rio, and Kofi Kingston qualified for the King of the Ring on Monday. No appearances by IC champion Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero on the show tonight.

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