WWE Smackdown review
July 19, 2013
Taped 7/16/13 in Providence, R.I.
Aired on SyFy
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist (Twitter: @gregmparks)


- Smackdown Open.

- In the arena, Teddy Long was in the ring, welcoming fans to Smackdown. Long talked about the new General Manager on Raw, Brad Maddox, and said he has to be better than Vickie Guerrero. He said Mr. McMahon knows what he’s doing, and in fact, he’ll be here tonight. Long said he understands he’ll be getting a performance evaluation later in the evening. He polled the crowd, who seemed to support him. As Long continued, Booker T.’s music hit and he made his return. Long did not look happy.

Booker got a mic and thanked Teddy for filling in for him during his absence. He said Long did a hell of a job…but he’s back, baby. The crowd seemed to also be behind Booker as GM. Mr. McMahon then came out to his theme song. Mr. McMahon asked the fans to give each man a hand. McMahon said that only one person can be in charge of Smackdown. Both men agreed. McMahon said he would make the decision tonight. He asked Long how he intended to impress tonight. Long said tonight, Curtis Axel goes one-on-one with Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental Championship. McMahon asked the same question of Booker. The match he had in mind was Alberto Del Rio vs. Randy Orton. McMahon said it would be a tough decision. All of a sudden, the Raw theme played and Brad Maddox ran to the ring.

Maddox asked for Vince’s ear before he makes his decision. Vince wasn’t too happy to see Maddox on Smackdown. He threw his hat into the ring to also be the GM of Smackdown. He said he was already going to suggest the two matches that Booker and Long made, and in addition, tonight marks the Smackdown return of Rob Van Dam. We got a drumroll for Vince’s GM decision…which was Vickie Guerrero. I cannot endorse this decision. She walked to the ring and hugged Vince McMahon. The three men looked on in disgust.

Vickie thanked Mr. McMahon first. She blamed the fans for costing her job as Raw GM and said she hates each and every one of them. She said there’s nothing anyone in the ring can do about it. She introduced herself again as the permanent General Manager of Smackdown. Okay look, either Booker or Long would’ve been perfect GM’s and have been over the last year or so. I used to be really high on the Vickie character and there’s no arguing with the heat she gets, but I’m just so over her at this point. It just feels like such a tired act. I wonder where this leaves Booker as an on-screen character.

- Michael Cole and JBL reacted to the big news to kick off the show. On Miz TV tonight will be Paul Heyman.

[Commercial Break]

1 – JACK SWAGGER vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

Zeb Colter and Antonio Cesaro were ringside with Swagger. They didn’t get an entrance. During Ziggler’s entrance, they showed Ziggler breaking up with A.J. on Raw and her interference in his match. Cole reminded viewers that Swagger caused Ziggler’s concussion. As Ziggler gained an early advantage, A.J. and Big E. Langston were shown watching the match on a monitor backstage. Swagger exited the ring and consulted with his corner men. Swagger suplexed Ziggler, then knocked him down with a shoulder tackle. A Ziggler dropkick and Swagger again went to ringside. This time, Ziggler went out after him. With the ref’s back turned, Cesaro pulled Ziggler’s foot off the apron and attempted to give him an uppercut as he was coming down, but it did not look good at all. The ref sent Colter and Cesaro to the back upon seeing Ziggler laid out at ringside. Back in, inside cradle by Ziggler for two. Surprise Patriot Lock by Swagger. Ziggler came back with the Zig Zag for the win.

WINNER: Ziggler, at 3:09. Just a quickie match. Not much too it at all.

Ziggler got a mic after the match. He said he dumped his girlfriend last Monday night. He then apologized…for not doing it a hell of a lot sooner. Oh that kooky Ziggler. A.J. was nearly hyperventilating backstage seeing that. She overturned a bunch of chairs and screamed in a rage. Langston attempted to console her, but she was having none of that, slapping him in the chest any time he came close. Finally he held her in his arms as she cried into his chest. He looked deep into her eyes and was about to plant a kiss on her lips, but instead, gave her a peck on the forehead and walked away. A.J. didn’t seem to know what to make of that.

- Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns entered the arena through the crowd. They are in action next.

[Commercial Break]

- As Rollins and Reigns posed in the ring, they showed The Shield’s attack on Mark Henry on Raw. The Usos came out to oppose them. The Usos charged into the ring and attacked The Shield. The ref exited the ring rather than attempt to break up this melee. Dean Ambrose then jumped into the fray. As they beat down The Usos, Mark Henry’s music played and he ran to the ring. The Shield attacked, but Henry clobbered them. As Henry was overtaken, The Usos ran back in to make the save. Interestingly, they played The Usos theme to end the segment.

- RVD returns to Smackdown for the first time in over eight years.

- Also, it’s official: Alberto Del Rio vs. Randy Orton is tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- Wade Barrett was in the ring for a match. Before that, however, we had to get a tutorial on how to download the WWE App.

2 – WADE BARRETT vs. DANIEL BRYAN

After Bryan came to the ring, they showed Cena selecting Daniel Bryan as his Summerslam opponent. Bryan fought out of the corner, but got caught on a cross-body attempt. JBL said if he had the chance to pick his opponent like Cena did, he would’ve chosen Yoshi Tatsu or Hornswoggle. Barrett settled into a rest-hold about a minute in. Bryan fought free and kicked away at Barrett in the corner. Barrett went for a side slam and Bryan turned it into a crucifix roll-up, which was then turned into the Yes Lock. Barrett tapped out.

WINNER: Bryan, at 1:54. Good to establish Bryan with a quick win after Monday night’s decision, and I guess Barrett has enough name value for the win to impress.

- Brad Maddox caught up with Vickie Guerrero backstage and asked if they were even now that they’re both GM’s. Vickie asked to shake on it and instead she slapped Maddox across the face.

- Next, Miz TV with Paul Heyman.

[Commercial Break]

- The Miz was in the ring for Miz TV. He recapped the latest with Paul Heyman, then introduced him. I feel like Heyman has been on the last three Miz TVs. Heyman walked out with no music. As he did, they showed Brock Lesnar’s attack on Punk from Raw. Miz said he has nothing to ask Heyman, since he knows he’ll lie anyway. Well this was a bad choice for a guest, then. Miz instead allowed Heyman to have the floor and say whatever he wants. He held the mic and looked away from Heyman. Heyman said he’s merely an advocate, while Lesnar is a “merciless emissary of suffering,” and his sights are set on C.M. Punk. A “C.M. Punk” chant interrupted Heyman. Heyman said this is painful because he still has love in his heart for his former best friend. He offered a public plea for Punk: Stay. Down. He told Punk to leave the WWE Universe behind, lick his wounds, and don’t think about getting back up again. Heyman said if Punk ever shows his face here again, Lesnar is going to take his actions as “a spiteful act of provocation” and Punk will be dealt with by Brock. “Really?” responded, Miz.

He said he understands why Heyman lies, because when he tells the truth and shows his real self, it’s even uglier. He said he’s revolted by Heyman and the fact that he swore on his children and yet still lied. Miz dropped the mic and left the ring. Aside from the “really?” stuff, that was actually a decent babyface performance from Miz. Heyman picked up the mic as Miz was heading to the back. He said he wanted to introduce the man who defeated Miz at Money in the Bank, Curtis Axel. That name just doesn’t have the same zazz as “Brock Lesnar” when Heyman says it. Axel and Miz passed each other on the ramp. Axel faces Jericho next.

[Commercial Break]

- After an exterior shot of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, they again showed Vince naming Vickie Guerrero as Smackdown GM from earlier in the evening. They also replayed the slap of Maddox.

3 – CURTIS AXEL vs. CHRIS JERICHO – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Jericho caught Axel coming off the ropes with a dropkick. He then clotheslined Axel to ringside. Dropkick through the ropes on Axel. Back in, Jericho went to the top and took Axel down with an elbow for two. Jericho connected on a northern lights suplex for two. Axel came back with a blow to the back of Jericho’s head. Jericho hit a cross-body off the top, but Axel countered a Codebreaker. They went to break with both men trying to recover at 3:55 of the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back at 7:26 of the match. Axel was in control already, even more so after Jericho missed a shoulder in the corner and went into the ring post. Missed elbow-drop off the second rope from Axel. Jericho began his comeback and hit an enziguiri for two at 8:45. Axel dodged a bulldog and landed a spinning neck-breaker for two. Lionsault for a near-fall. Jericho went to the top, and Heyman alerted Axel of the situation, allowing him to block an axe-handle. Jericho attempted the Walls of Jericho, but Heyman got on the apron to distract. Roll-up by Axel for two, then Jericho again went for the Walls. This time, he locked it in. One last gasp allowed Axel to reach the bottom rope for a break. Jericho catapulted himself over the top rope and onto Axel on the outside. Heyman again distracted Jericho, leading to Jericho being kicked in the head upon coming back into the ring. This time, a neck-breaker that sent Jericho face-first into the mat was the finish.

WINNER: Axel, at 12:47. Good match, but Axel still seems to be missing something.

The finish was replayed. As Heyman and Axel reached the top of the ramp, Ryback came out. He toyed with Jericho in the ring, but Jericho fought back. Ryback had enough and nailed Jericho with a meat-hook clothesline. Shellshock was next. Then he gave Jericho one more kick for good measure before leaving.

- Still to come: Alberto Del Rio vs. Randy Orton.

[Commercial Break]

- Damien Sandow, winner of the World Title Money in the Bank, was in the ring. They showed stills of him winning the briefcase on Sunday. Sandow quoted Gandhi, and reminded fans that it was every man for himself on Sunday. Sandow vehemently insisted he did not screwy Cody Rhodes. He wondered aloud why Rhodes did what he did on Monday, so they showed Sandow losing to Christian Monday and the ensuing attack by Rhodes. Sandow said he wouldn’t react to his like the slack-jawed mouth-breather fans would. He said he and Cody are both civilized gentlemen who are still best friends. He offered Cody the opportunity to come out and explain himself.

Rhodes calmly walked to the ring. Sandow said no explanation is necessary so Sandow offered to simply forgive Cody. Sandow offered Rhodes a metaphorical olive branch – the honor of being the protector of the case. Sandow said this means that until he decides to cash in the contract, Rhodes will be responsible for its safety. “You’ve earned this,” said Sandow. Cody took the briefcase and mouthed “thank you,” to Sandow. Rhodes then bopped him in the head with the briefcase and got in a few punches before Sandow retreated. Rhodes chucked the briefcase half-way up the aisle. Sandow retrieved it and ducked backstage. I thought maybe that Rhodes would take the offer and end up screwing Sandow when Damien would try to cash it in.

- After the announcers were shown on-camera reacting to what just happened, RVD was shown backstage. He’s out next.

[Commercial Break]

4 – DARREN YOUNG vs. ROB VAN DAM

Young (and Titus O’Neil) were already in the ring. Young took RVD down then chanted “millions of dollars!” Leg-scissors by RVD for two. Spin kick by Van Dam, then a standing moonsault for two. Young rolled out of the ring, but Van Dam landed on Young with a slingshot cross-body. RVD went to hit the ropes, but O’Neil got on the apron and blew his whistle at Van Dam. Young took over on offense and dropped Van Dam throat-first across the top rope. Young missed on a sunset flip and Van Dam kicked Young down. He gave one to O’Neil for good measure, then hit the Five-Star Frog Splash for the win.

WINNER: Van Dam, at 3:17. As long as Van Dam can still hit all of his spots, he’ll have a job somewhere.

- Next, Del Rio vs. Orton.

[Commercial Break]

- The Raw Rebound aired, focusing on the Wyatt Family’s attack on R-Truth.

- Vickie Guerrero was on the phone backstage when Teddy Long walked in. They need to find another trope to use to introduce these GM backstage segments other than “GM is on the phone.” Vickie offered to let bygones be bygones. Long asked if she really meant it. After what she did to Maddox, I’d question it too. “Hell no,” yelled Vickie. She then sic’d security on Long and had him escorted out of the building.

- Randy Orton came out for the main event. It’s next.

[Commercial Break]

5 – RANDY ORTON vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO

Orton pounded away on Del Rio in the corner, then hit a standing dropkick. Del Rio locked Orton in a cross arm-breaker with Del Rio himself in the ropes. He then sent Orton shoulder-first into the ring-post. Del Rio continued working the arm. The fight went to the outside and Orton dropped Del Rio rib-first into the barricade. Del Rio responded by whipping Orton into the ring steps. In the ring, Del Rio came off the top, but Orton caught him with a dropkick. Powerslam was countered and Del Rio hooked on the cross arm-breaker, but Orton got to the ropes with his free arm. Del Rio connected with a kick as Orton was standing on the apron. Del Rio mocked Orton’s RKO preparations and even went for the move, but Orton shoved him off and gave him a powerslam for two at 6:43. Del Rio charged at Orton, but Orton took him to the apron and gave him a DDT. RKO was countered into a back-stabber for a very near fall. In the middle of the ring, Orton rolled through a cross arm-breaker. Del Rio then missed a kick and Orton RKO’d him for the win.

WINNER: Orton, at 8:50.

The finish was replayed post-match. Orton posed on the top rope holding the briefcase as the show ended.


Did you watch Friday's Smackdown episode? Send your 0-10 score & Reax to pwtorch@gmail.com for our TV Reax feature.

Greg Parks has been covering WWE Smackdown for PWTorch.com since January of 2007. Follow him on Twitter @gregmparks for live Tweeting during Raw, Impact, and PPVs, as well as other bits of wisdom. Comments, questions and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_man9784@yahoo.com.

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