WWE Smackdown review
May 14, 2015
Taped 5/12/15 in Evansville, Ind.
Aired on SyFy
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist (Twitter: @gregmparks)


- WWE Open.

- Smackdown Open.

- The Smackdown opening was actually interrupted by a Bray Wyatt promo. He directly addressed Ryback. And even though Ryback won in their toe-to-toe battle on Monday, Wyatt promised to expose and make an example of Ryback. He said tonight, he will turn Ryback’s dreams to nightmares. “Resist the itch…and run.”

- In the arena, Dean Ambrose came out first. As he did, they showed all the Payback main eventers going at each other at the end of Raw Monday night. In the ring, Ambrose said he works best alone. He said he’d be standing alone at the end of Payback. Ambrose ran down all three of his opponents for the upcoming PPV. He said he hit Dirty Deeds on his only friend, Roman Reigns, on Monday. He said he only had one thing to say to Reigns before Sunday, but Roman’s music hit and he emerged from the crowd first.

A graphic was shown for Reigns vs. Kane tonight. Ambrose told Reigns he’s not going to get an apology. Reigns got in Ambrose’s face and smiled, saying Ambrose did exactly what he thought he’d do. Reigns said at Payback, it’s his turn for payback. Reigns said on Sunday, he’s bringing the big guns. He said he hopes Ambrose does the same. Reigns extended his hand and as Ambrose took time to think about shaking it, Kane walked out.

Kane said the men need to be concerned about even making it to Payback. Ambrose noted Kane should be concerned, given Triple H’s comments on Monday that if Seth Rollins doesn’t walk out as champion on Sunday, Kane will be fired. Kane said he wasn’t concerned, then put Ambrose in a match tonight against Sheamus. Oh, and it begins now. Ambrose was ready for it. Sheamus came out. The match is next.

[Commercial Break]

1 – DEAN AMBROSE vs. SHEAMUS

Tom Phillips noted that Amborse has a one-in-four chance of walking out of Payback as champion. The first minute of the match featured neither man able to gain an upper-hand. Ambrose struggled to take Sheamus down with a drop toe-hold, of which Sheamus battled to the ground. Sheamus fought back with European uppercuts. Sheamus got a boot up on a corner charge, but Ambrose bulldogged him out. Ambrose tried to come in off the apron but Sheamus delivered a knee-lift. He then tossed Ambrose into the ringside barricade. Sheamus celebrated by standing on the middle rope and posing for the crowd. The show cut to break at 4:40 of the contest.

[Commercial Break]

Back at 8:36 with Sheamus attempting to and successfully locking in the cloverleaf. White Noise connected, and the big man then set up for the Brogue Kick. Ambrose rolled out of harm’s way, however. Sheamus retrieved him and tried to throw him back in, but Ambrose knocked him off his feet with a clothesline. Sheamus cut off a suicide dive with a forearm. Ambrose avoided a Brogue Kick and on the other side of the ring, hit the suicide dive. Back-breaker by Sheamus for two at 11:18. The crowd chanted “this is awesome” as both men went to the top. Ambrose got down and with Sheamus on the second rope, Ambrose pulled his legs down. This sent Sheamus head-first into the ring post, and Ambrose pinned him after that.

WINNER: Ambrose, at 12:36. Ambrose had to win given his placement in the main event Sunday, but Sheamus was well-protected here.

The finish was replayed.

- Seth Rollins was in Kane’s office backstage. He tried to strong-arm Kane into helping him on Sunday. Kane didn’t want to hear it. Rollins said Kane needs to do the right thing. Kane said he’s struggling with that and he may not decide what the “right thing” is until he’s standing ringside Sunday. Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble were there hidden behind Rollins. Kane said he had to get ready to face Reigns and wished Rollins in his match…against Ryback.

- We’ll get a health update on Daniel Bryan from Raw tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- Tom Phillips thanked Imagine Dragons for “Friction,” the official Payback theme.

- Rusev came out, with Lana tagging a safe distance behind him. They showed Lana Fandangoing two weeks ago on Raw during his match. Lana waited as the crowd chanted “USA.” Rusev retorted, “the woman wants to talk!” to try to shut up the crowd. Lana read a prepared statement saying she was sorry for indulging in perverse western culture on Monday. She begged for forgiveness from Mother Russia, her family, and Rusev. Rusev then made her stand in the corner holding the Russian flag. Rusev said Cena showed everyone why he will lose at Payback. On Monday, Cena wasn’t prepared and lacked focus. They showed a clip of Cena almost losing to Neville, before Rusev interfered. Rusev said Cena’s mind was saying “I quit” on Monday. Rusev hilariously planned Cena saying “I quit” from his promo on Raw over and over and over again on a loop. I imagine him preparing for his match on Sunday by watching that loop for hours on end.

- Renee Young was backstage with Ryback. She asked about his focus tonight against Rollins, knowing that Bray Wyatt has promised to come after him. Ryback said beating Rollins could mean a future title opportunity. As for Wyatt, Ryback said he’s no dummy and he saw fear in Wyatt’s eyes this past Monday. He said he’s feeling hungry tonight. Ryback vs. Rollins is next.

[Commercial Break]

- The announcers talked about the return of Tough Enough and we saw more videos from hopefuls.

- Seth Rollins came out with J&J Security, the WWE World Title over his shoulder. He cued up footage of what happened Monday, wherein Rollins was laid out while Kane looked on at ringside. Rollins said Sunday, it’ll be every man for himself, and his opponents are just as cutthroat as he his. He said they’d cut each other’s throats and he’d be there to pick up the pieces. That’s pretty gruesome imagery compared to what we usually get on WWE programming. He called Ryback “tonight’s roadblock,” but before he could opine about that, Ryback’s music hit and he walked out.

As Ryback came to the ring, Bray Wyatt attacked him as he was apparently hiding behind the barricade at ringside. He just ran right over Ryback. That was all he did, however, though Ryback sold it like he had been run over by a truck. Numerous referees came out to check on The Big Guy. They replayed Wyatt’s attack a few times, then went to commercial with Ryback still not yet on his feet.

[Commercial Break]

- Out of break, Ryback was sitting in the corner in the ring, still trying to get to his feet. The match eventually did begin.

2 – SETH ROLLINS vs. RYBACK

Rollins aggressively went after Ryback. Ryback tried a standing suplex, but Rollins countered. He sent Ryback head-first into the middle turnbuckle, then delivered a knee to the back that sent Ryback outside. Mercury and Noble put the boots to him. Ryback made it back into the ring at the count of nine. DDT by Rollins on Ryback for two. The story here was Ryback not being able to mount his usual offense. He did eventually make a comeback, and set up for the Meat Hook clothesline. Mercury caused a distraction, but Ryback did eventually hit the clothesline. As he tried to finish Rollins, Rollins raked the eyes of Ryback. Rollins went to the top and met Ryback with a knee to his face. Two superkicks to Ryback were enough to keep the big man down.

WINNER: Rollins, at 6:16. Match told a good story with Ryback going down swinging after the pre-match attack.

- Roman Reigns vs. Kane, there must be a winner by pinfall or submission, is the main event tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- On the Payback Kickoff Show, the Meta-Powers of Curtis Axel and Macho Mandow take on The Ascension.

- Also, in Divas tag action, The Bella Twins face Naomi & Tamina.

- Renee Young was backstage with Naomi and Tamina. The attack by Naomi and Tamina on the Bellas from two weeks ago on Raw was replayed. Naomi complained about being overlooked for years. Naomi said Nikki Bella “is as fake as they come.” And Brie is a quitter just like her “pathetic husband.” Naomi said sometimes a good girl has to be bad in order to get things done. No comments from Tamina.

- The New Day came to the ring. Kofi Kingston said the fans don’t have to be like Tyson Kidd or Cesaro…they can choose to be like New Day. He said they are the change we need in this world. They tried to get a “New…Day Rocks” chant going, which went about as well as you’d expect. Kidd and Cesaro then came out.

3 – KOFI KINGSTON vs. TYSON KIDD

Tyson dove onto Kofi outside the ring about a minute in. Big E. attempted a distraction by getting on the apron, but Cesaro took him out. Xavier Woods did the same, and this time Natalya grabbed his foot. Kidd then kicked Woods off the apron. Kidd was rolled up for two. He blocked Trouble in Paradise and locked in the Sharpshooter. Kofi ended up tapping.

WINNER: Kidd, via submission, at 2:06. I feel like the matches with these two teams have been getting shorted lately on Smackdown. Perhaps setting up a quick fall or two in the Two-out-of-three Falls Match on Sunday?

- Phillips, Jerry Lawler, and Byron Saxton were shown at ringside. Phillips hyped the return of the Elimination Chamber, special only to the WWE Network.

- Up next, Daniel Bryan’s health update from Raw.

[Commercial Break]

- Phillips sent it to clips of Bryan’s promo from Raw this past week.

- At ringside, the announcers reacted to Bryan’s announcement.

- Bo Dallas came out. On his way to the ring, he addressed the Daniel Bryan situation. He said Bryan being gone will be difficult, but it’s his opportunity to be there for all the fans. He wanted to help the fans through the five stages of grief. He mentioned all five and talked about Bryan letting the fans down. Dallas, with a big smile on his face, said Bryan is gone and is never coming back. HE told the fans to Bo-lieve. Then Neville came out. Neville is billed as “the man gravity forgot, the new sensation…Neville!” by the ring announcer. Dallas vs. Neville is next.

[Commercial Break]

4 – BO DALLAS vs. NEVILLE

The match was joined in progress, having begun on the WWE App during the break. Wade Barrett was on commentary. Neville low-bridged Dallas out of the ring, but Dallas pulled on the apron cover, causing Neville to slip off the apron and hit his head on the way down. Ouch. Back in the ring, an enziguiri took Dallas off his feet. Neville then scaled the ropes and hit the Red Arrow for the win.

WINNER: Neville, 2:17 shown. Solid win for Neville heading into his match with Barrett at Payback. Barrett did a nice job talking up the match on commentary.

Barrett, standing on the commentary table wearing his crown, robe, and holding his scepter, referred to Neville as a “peasant” and said Neville comes out in a ridiculous costume every week. He said Neville needs some corporal punishment, and it’ll come at Payback in the form of a Royal Bull Hammer. The Red Arrow was replayed with Barrett’s music playing.

- Adam Rose and Rosa Mendes were in close backstage and Rosa said the Hot Dog was watching them. Rose called him over and the Hot Dog said his name is Carl and the gang is just waiting to get paid. A shot at TNA? “You’re like the bunny…you don’t get it” he said. Rose pushed the Hot Dog down as the rest of the Rosebuds looked on in shock. Rose began making out with Mendes (you know, because now we know he’s a family man given the ESPN E:60 special) as Kane walked by and shook his head in disgust. His match is next.

[Commercial Break]

- The announcers plugged the Tough Enough website.

- Kane came out and as Roman Reigns did, Kane met him trying to come over the barricade. The men fought at ringside and Kane tossed Reigns into Lawler. Reigns was then whipped into the steel steps. The match still had not begun to this point. Kane finally got into the ring while Reigns recovered. Reigns finally entered the ring to start the match.

5 – KANE vs. ROMAN REIGNS

Immediately, Kane tossed Reigns back to ringside. Kane missed Reigns with an attempted stair shot, and Reigns rammed Kane’s head into the ring post. Reigns retrieved a Kendo stick and waylaid Kane with it. Kane took hold of the stick and battered Reigns with it. Rollins and J&J Security were shown watching on a monitor backstage. They went to break with Kane in control at 1:47 of the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back at 4:43 with Reigns getting the boot up on a charge. Hey, two matches tonight with breaks in the middle, and neither featured a wrestler working out of a chin-lock upon return! Baby steps. Kane again sent Reigns outside the ring. He began to disassemble the announce desk. Reigns avoided any kind of damage and jumped off the desk, clotheslining Kane. Reigns even hit the running dropkick on Kane, but Reigns landed back-first on the table in doing so. Kane was on the receiving end of a stairs shot, then Reigns pulled out two tables. DDT by Kane spiked Reigns onto the mat for a two-count. Kane set up a table, but Reigns headbutted and punched free. He went for the Superman punch, but Kane chokeslammed Reigns through the table. Immediate cover, but Reigns kicked out at two. Wow. Kane signaled for the Tombstone and got Reigns up, but Reigns avoided it and hit the Superman punch. Reigns then speared Kane through a table that had been set up in the corner. Reigns covered Kane for the win.

WINNER: Reigns, at 10:39.

After a few replays, Reigns made his way up the ramp and celebrated with the cheering fans.

- They went backstage to Renee Young, who was with Rollins and J&J Security. Rollins said Reigns had a hell of a performance, but it’ll take more than that to take his WWE World Title. He said that goes for Ambrose and Randy Orton too. Young began to back away as Ambrose appeared behind the three men. He was holding a tray of cookies. He tossed them at Mercury, then attacked Rollins. J&J held Ambrose while Rollins attacked. Reigns made the save, pushing a cart into the heels. They ran away as Reigns and Ambrose were left standing with their backs to each other. They eventually turned around and eyed each other, noticing the WWE title belt lying on the ground between them. Reigns again offered a handshake and Ambrose looked like he would shake it. Instead, he used his outstretched hand to pick up the title. He put it over the shoulder of Reigns. “Don’t worry…I’ll take it on Sunday,” said Ambrose. Ambrose then walked away as Reigns admired the title to close the show.


Did you watch Thursday’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. He is the host of “Moonlighting with Greg Parks,” a PWTorch VIP-exclusive audio show posted each weekend. 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.

We suggest these recent related articles...

PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 10/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Thursday show, including Kevin Owens vs. Ryback in an Intercontinental Title Match

PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/24: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Thursday show, including Kevin Owens & Rusev vs. Dolph Ziggler & Ryback

PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/17: Ongoing coverage of the Thursday night show, including Seth Rollins & Sheamus vs. Dean Ambrose & Roman Reigns