WWE Smackdown review
April 15, 2011
Taped 4/12/11 in Albany, N.Y.
Aired on SYFY
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist


- WWE Open.

- The voice-over man narrated highlights of Edge’s career, culminating with clips from his speech on Raw this past week. Tonight, Edge surrenders the World Championship.

- In the arena, no fireworks, just the voice of a somber Josh Mathews welcoming us to Smackdown. In the ring, Tony Chimel handed the microphone to Ricardo Rodriguez, who introduced Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio was back in one of his vintage rides. Mathews, Booker T., and Michael Cole (in his Cole Mine) were shown at ringside during the entrance. Del Rio said tonight is not about him, but someone else. He said when Edge announced his retirement on Monday, the fans and the locker room lost a hero. He said when he thinks about Edge, he thinks about respect. He brought up Edge’s championship history and said he can’t imagine how Edge feels right now. He said that, even though his destiny is to be World Champion, he never wanted it to happen like this. He said he thinks it’s fair and just that Edge come out now and present him with the World Title, since he is the #1 Contender. It’s not without precedent.

Instead, Smackdown GM Teddy Long walked out in another hideous plaid suit. Where do they get those? Long said it won’t be going down like that tonight, as no one will be presenting Del Rio anything. Del Rio pleaded his case, but Long said when Del Rio became the #1 Contender last week, he earned the right to compete at Extreme Rules for the title in a Ladder Match, so that’s exactly what he’s going to do. As for who he’s going to face…it’ll be the winner of a 20-man Battle Royal that will main event the show. Del Rio gave Long the stink eye, then complained about not being handed the title. ADR said he never liked Teddy, but Long said that’s how they roll on Smackdown. Del Rio smiled and said he’s glad he hurt Edge and forced him to retire. “It was his destiny to end up like a crippled coward,” said Del Rio. Long interrupted and told Del Rio his destiny is to shut up. They played Long’s music as he walked out.

[Commercial Break]

1 – EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. KOFI KINGSTON

Jackson was already in the ring, with the rest of Corre on commentary. That’s a bit of overkill. Corre teased dissension almost immediately. Jackson powered Kingston down, but Kofi came back with some kicks to the body. He went to jump on Jackson in the corner, but Zeke pushed him off. Springboard forearm by Kingston, followed by a dropkick. Jackson was sent to ringside, then Kingston dropkicked him through the middle rope. Jackson pushed Kofi into the side of the ring, then press slammed Kofi right into the rest of Corre at the announce table. Back in the ring, Kofi caught Jackson and was about to finish him off when Barrett tried to get involved, though it wasn’t clear if he was trying to go after Jackson or not. That distraction led Jackson to hit Kingston with the uranage for the win.

WINNER: Jackson, at 2:23. So much for building up some mid-card babyfaces to fill in for Edge’s loss. And why have Josh Mathews call out Heath Slater for his grammar on commentary? The announcers should be putting the wrestlers over, not making them look like fools.

Jackson got the mic and said that after the Battle Royal tonight, the Corre and everyone else will understand why he’s the personification of domination.

- Tonight, Edge surrenders the World Title.

[Commercial Break]

- WWE.com was plugged for Wrestlemania exclusive photos and videos.

- After an exterior shot of the Times Union Center in Albany, we saw Layla and Michelle McCool’s first couple’s therapy session. McCool was annoyed, but Layla was holding McCool’s hand and had a box of tissues next to her. The two ladies argued, then told the therapist to shut up when he tried to interject. Layla said she carried McCool when her big Frankenstein foot was hurt, and McCool pointed out that Layla kept losing. McCool said LayCool became uncool at that point. Layla said she just wanted to be equals. McCool told her to grow a little bit and maybe they can be equals. She got up and left as Layla yelled that she was keeping McCool’s shoes. “Same time next week?” Layla asked the therapist.

- Cody Rhodes was in the ring for an interview. He said that after his Wrestlemania win against Rey Mysterio, he expected to feel vindicated. But instead, he feels nothing. Poor guy. Cody said he’s competing in the Battle Royal tonight, and he wondered if he won the World Title, if that would be enough to erase from his memory the disfigurement he suffered. Rhodes still had the hood covering his face. Rhodes said Mysterio is a father, and countless nights he has tucked his children in bed, assuring them there is no monster in the closet or under the bed. Rhodes said he won’t stop until Rey is that monster, until his kids are horrified at the sight of his face. Cody put the hood back and said that would be vindication. Rey’s music began to play, and he ran to the ring. Rey put Cody in 619 position, but Rhodes got out. Kick to the face and Rhodes had his back to the ring standing on the apron, leading Mysterio to hitting the 619 into Rhodes’ gut. They played Rey’s music to end the segment. Another good interview from Cody. Mysterio has a match next.

[Commercial Break]

- The Awesome Kong vignette from Raw aired.

2 – REY MYSTERIO vs. DREW MCINTYRE

Cole said McIntyre is upset at having been left off the Wrestlemania card. Yeah, he and the rest of the locker room that wasn’t on the show, I’m sure. McIntyre slowed Rey down with a scoop slam for a near-fall. He stepped on Rey’s head as Rey was set up under the bottom rope. Hard whip into the buckle by Drew. Mac paused before hitting a side slam, allowing Rey to come back. Dropkick by Rey, followed by a baseball slide on the outside. McIntyre caught Mysterio as Rey tried to do a headscissors at ringside, and Mac slammed Rey head-first into the barricade. They went to break at 2:50 of the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back to action at the 6:17 mark. Mysterio fought out of a rest-hold, then ushered McIntyre through the middle rope and out of the ring as McIntyre had him in a rear waist-lock. Rey caught Mac trying to come back in and gave him a legdrop with McIntyre draped over the middle rope. Mysterio ran the ropes and ended up being caught in a tilt-a-whirl back-breaker for two. Hard shots to the chest of Mysterio. Another rest-hold at 8:26 of the contest, but it was a quick one. McIntyre rammed his shoulder into Rey’s gut in the corner, but missed a second time and caught all ring post. To the top went Rey, and he dropped the dime on McIntyre. Headscissors take-over then a springboard cross-body for two. Sunset flip by McIntyre, but Rey flipped out and ran right into a big boot for a near-fall. Booker called him out for a lax cover. Rey came off the top and DDT’d McIntyre. He made the cover, but McIntyre got his foot on the rope to break it up. Big clothesline almost took Rey’s head off. And it was done in the kneeling position by Drew. Short clothesline attempt, but Rey flipped around Drew’s back and set up the 619. It connected, as did his splash off the top rope for the win.

WINNER: Mysterio, at 12:17. Above-average TV match. They were really playing up how McIntyre had his chances to win, but was taking too much time.

- The announcers talked on camera about Edge, and Booker reminisced about the two of them hooking up at Wrestlemania 18. They showed a video package of Edge, with his interview from Monday voicing-over highlights. Some classic clips in there, too. The video was set to 3 Doors Down’s “When You’re Young,” which sounds suspiciously like their earlier hit, “Here Without You.”

- Back at the arena, Edge was walking backstage while talent lined the hallway. Edge hugged Dean Malenko and Chavo Guerrero, and shook hands with Matt Striker and (after a long pause and stare) Kane. Edge will be out next.

[Commercial Break]

- Edge came out with the World Heavyweight Title over his shoulder. He soaked in the adulation from the crowd, then reiterated that he has been forced to retire. Edge said knowing this has allowed him to soak everything up that he may take for granted otherwise, such as his entrance. Edge talked about doing TLC matches, diving into flaming tables with thumbtacks in his back, Elimination Chamber and Hell in a Cell matches. He said that no matter what, when he comes to the ring to his music (and he thanked Alter Bridge for the song), the crowd gave him goosebumps. Crowd chanted “Thank You Edge.” He said he needs to make his entrance one last time, so he put his title on the top turnbuckle and ran to the back. “Edge” chants as his theme played one more time and Edge, pumped up as ever, came through the curtain. He eventually made his way back to the ring, and admitted being tired out after that one.

He set the outpouring of support from the WWE Universe has been awesome. Edge said he does think that everyone is happy that WWE doctors caught this before he participated in a ladder match and landed wrong and didn’t get up. He said he’s happy that he and his girl can take his dogs into the mountains and go surfing in Nicaragua. He talked about how happy he was to be wearing one of his two suits, wanting to go out in style (and having bought it at JC Penny for $100). Edge said he was happy to come to Albany, because it was where he won his very first WWE championship. He said he was sitting in Albany in a rental car when he came up with the name “Edge.” He acknowledged his mom in the front row and made sure the camera and light got on her. He called her the strongest woman he has ever met. “Thank you mom” chant, which Edge found hilarious. He said if it wasn’t for her support, he wouldn’t be standing there in the ring. He implored all the fans to give their mom’s a call tonight. Edge said he didn’t want things to get sappy and corny, then put over the World Title. He transitioned into admitting that he’s going to have to relinquish the title tonight. In closing, he thanked everyone, saying it’s been one hell of a career and one hell of a ride. Another nice goodbye promo from Edge. He laid the title in the middle of the ring amidst “Thank You Edge” chants. He hugged his mom at ringside and walked to the back.

- Tonight, a 20-man Battle Royal will decide who faces Alberto Del Rio for the title at Extreme Rules.

- We got the trailer for “That’s What I Am,” starring Ed Harris and WWE’s Randy Orton. Orton was shown in only one brief clip. That actually didn’t look terrible.

[Commercial Break]

- Rosa Mendes seemed to be choked up in speaking Spanish to Edge backstage. He admitted he had no idea what she was saying. She spoke English, talking about how much he has done for this business and how everyone will miss him. Alberto Del Rio walked up behind Edge and Rosa walked away. Edge turned around and the two foes went face-to-face. Del Rio offered a hand and a smile, but Edge just walked away.

3 – KELLY KELLY vs. LAYLA

McCool walked to the ring ahead of Layla. She joined in on commentary when the match began. Layla was on offense to start but Kelly came back with a Thesz Press. Kick to the knee by Layla, but Kelly came back and choked Layla in the ropes with her legs. She pulled Layla out of the ring, with Layla landing face-first on the ringside mat. More fighting at ringside and Kelly pushed Layla into the Cole Mine. Layla stared at McCool, and Kelly gave Layla the face-buster on the outside. As Layla was on her way to being counted out, McCool aggressively grabbed Layla and threw her into the ring. Kelly rolled her up for the win.

WINNER: Kelly, at 2:03.

After the match, McCool confronted Layla in the ring. Layla tried to talk to Michelle, but Michelle was having none of it. Layla grabbed McCool’s hand, but McCool pulled it away and shoved Layla down. Then she left the ring. Hate to see the two break up, but at least they’re making the right one the babyface.

- Still to come, a 20-man Battle Royal for a shot at Alberto Del Rio at Extreme Rules.

[Commercial Break]

- The announcers were talking on camera about Michael Cole and Jack Swagger’s deteriorating relationship. Cole apologized profusely about what happened on Monday.

- Mathews sent it to the Taker vs. Triple H video package with comments, the one that aired on Raw this week.

- Big Show made his entrance for the Battle Royal, which is next.

[Commercial Break]

- Alberto Del Rio was at ringside, as everyone competing made their entrances during the break. Well, everyone except for Kane.

4 – 20-MAN BATTLE ROYAL TO DETERMINE ALBERTO DEL RIO’S OPPONENT AT EXTREME RULES

JTG was eliminated at 16 seconds, by Big Show. Trent Barreta tried to toss Show, but he ended up getting thrown out at :37. Wade Barrett was working over Yoshi Tatsu. Isn’t Tatsu on Raw? Heath Slater almost out, but he held onto the apron. Show punched him out at 1:13, then charged at Zeke Jackson. Both he and Big Show went out at 1:23 on a clothesline by Show. Chavo Guerrero darted around the apron, avoiding contact, as they went to break at about 2:30.

[Commercial Break]

They returned to action at six minutes exactly. Doesn’t look like anyone else has been eliminated. Rhodes and Mysterio were going at it in the corner, and Chris Masters almost pushed him out as Rhodes perched himself on the top rope. Kane and Kingston teamed up to try to get Barrett out. Tyler Reks bodyslammed Justin Gabriel in the middle of the ring. Cole was cheering for Swagger. Springboard dropkick sent Rhodes out via Mysterio at 7:38. Curt Hawkins went out at 7:49 when Mysterio headscissored him out. Brodus Clay ran over Drew McIntyre, who was on the apron, at 8:14. Chavo jumped on Clay’s back and Clay dumped him at 8:29. Kane and Clay faced off and Kane gave him an uppercut. He went for a chokeslam, which drew a pop from the fans, but Kane couldn’t hit it. Clay couldn’t slam Kane, and Kane tossed him at 9:24, much to the chagrin of Alberto Del Rio. They went to break again at 9:40 of the match.

[Commercial Break]

Kingston skinned the cat just as they returned from break, and grabbed Barrett between his legs. Barrett kicked Kingston in the chest to eliminate him at 13:40. Masters and Reks rekindled their Superstars feud. They haven’t yet focused on Christian, and I was beginning to wonder if he was even in the match. Christian dumped Reks to the apron and brought him down throat-first on the top rope to send him home at 14:46. Christian tossed out Tatsu at 15:05. Kane started hitting anything that moved, and he grabbed Gabriel and Barrett by the throat. They broke free and double clotheslined Kane out at 15:44. Masters was booted out by Barrett at 16:24, then Gabriel came from behind and tossed Barrett at 16:26. Down to four with Swagger, Mysterio, Gabriel and Christian. Rey paired off with Gabriel and Christian with Swagger. Standing heel kick by Gabriel on Rey, but Rey threw Gabriel into 619 position. Gabriel fought his way out but Rey hurricanrana’d Gabriel out at 17:57. I think he’s contractually obligated to do that once per battle royal. Swagger tried to throw Rey out, but Rey held on. To the top rope he went, and he positioned Swagger for the 619. Cole ran up and protected Swagger from the 619. Swagger then eliminated Rey at 19:04. Down to Swagger and Christian. Swagger tried a Swagger bomb, but Christian grabbed him and tried to toss him. He couldn’t and Swagger ended up on the advantage. Christian and Swagger fought on the apron just after the 20:00 mark. Swagger locked on the ankle-lock there and both men came back into the ring. Christian flipped out of it, but Swagger put Christian on his shoulders. Christian failed to throw Swagger out and Christian held onto the top rope on Swagger’s toss. Christian fought with him and Del Rio came from the announce table and tried to pull Christian’s foot off the apron. Swagger charged and Christian low-bridged him, giving him the win.

WINNER: Christian, at 22:18. Pretty solid for a battle royal.

Edge came out to congratulate Christian, hugging him in the middle of the ring. Del Rio stood on the announce table, pointing at the title as Christian and Edge looked on from the ring. Edge raised Christian’s arm as the show ended.


What do you think? If you saw this show, we invite you to send your thoughts. Send your name, hometown, a 0-10 score rating the quality of the show, your picks for best and worst segments, and then a brief paragraph of thoughts on the show that we can publish in the Reader Reax segment later tonight or tomorrow. Send to pwtorch@gmail.com.

Greg Parks has been covering WWE Smackdown for PWTorch.com since January of 2007. His new audio show, “Gonzo and The Greg,” is available for download on the Torch VIP page. Give it a listen! Comments, questions and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_man9784@yahoo.com.

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