8/30 WWE Smackdown Live Results – CALDWELL’S Complete Live TV Report & Talking Smack-cap

WWE Smackdown Live Results
August 30, 2016
Dallas, Tex.
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor (@JCTorch)

PWTorch columnist Greg Parks will have his weekly Smackdown TV Report later this week!

Smackdown opened with real-time footage from last week’s Smackdown after-show on WWE Network when Daniel Bryan called The Miz a coward for the way he wrestles. Miz shouted back that he’s never been injured and Bryan is a coward for not wrestling again. Bryan said he would wrestle if WWE would clear him. Miz then cut his promo after Bryan walked off the set. Miz shouted that he deserves respect as IC champion. And this is his show.

Live at Smackdown, they showed D-Bryan and Shane McMahon watching the footage. Shane said he thinks Bryan owes Miz an apology for provoking talent. He agrees with what Bryan said, but he’s management now. Bryan said he’ll consider that. But, Bryan said, it’s kind of ironic coming from the guy who has beef with Brock Lesnar. Shane quietly digested that as the camera zoomed in on him. Cue up the Smackdown intro.

Live in the arena, The Miz was already on the way to the ring with Maryse following close behind. Miz was all-business not here to fool around with a Miz TV skit. Miz shouted that after being pushed aside week after week, he will not be booed. Of course, the boos grew louder. Miz said it took 148 days to get people’s attention as IC champion. He vowed to bring the IC Title back to relevance.

Miz addressed the claim that he has a “soft style” and doesn’t like to get hit. Miz said he’s smart enough to not get hit. And then there’s his General Manager, who says he’s going to apologize to him. But, that’s only on the surface because when they need someone to do an appearance, appear in a movie, or play a freakin’ chicken for a commercial, they call him.

Miz said he’s not respected because he didn’t pay his dues wrestling the first 12 years of his career in VFW Halls. He’s not a failure like them. And all of you are cowards, not me.

Suddenly, Dolph Ziggler’s music played. Ziggler was not in Colonel Sanders mode here. Ziggler said there’s a reason why the people don’t get behind Miz because everyone sees through him. He just wants to be famous. Miz laughed. Ziggler said that’s no one will ever believe in Miz; why Bryan calls him soft and a coward. Ziggler told Miz that he just wants to walk a red carpet, hold up a title, and be famous.

Ziggler said that every single week, Miz has a chance to change that perception that he is not a coward and not soft. But, he doesn’t. So, you want to prove to the people, D-Bryan, your wife (oohs), and yourself that you’re not a coward? Then do it right now. Ziggler told him to fight him right now. “Prove to yourself that you’re not a coward!” Ziggler shouted in his face. “You and me right now!” The crowd broke into loud “Yes!” chants as Miz contemplated his move.

Miz handed the title belt to Maryse, then started to remove his suit items. And then he ducked out of the ring. Miz heard the boos. So, he stopped and removed his jacket. Miz rolled up his sleeves and approached the ring, then hopped off the ring apron to boos. Miz and Maryse walked to the back as Ziggler picked up the mic in the ring.

Ziggler said D-Bryan is right that Miz is nothing more than a soft, safe coward. Miz charged back down the ring as Maryse tried to hold him back. Maryse shouted in Miz’s face not to listen him because Ziggler hasn’t earned it. Maryse sent Miz up the ramp to the back as Ziggler hung back in the ring. Ziggler’s music played.

[ Reax: That was really strong follow-up on the Miz-Bryan business from the after-show. Miz suddenly feels relevant and interesting in this role of whether he will reinforce his heel shortcomings or finally break out as a legit top star embracing the fight game. It also made Ziggler relevant and interesting as the surrogate for Bryan. Win-win follow-up. ]

Still to come: WWE World Hvt. champion Dean Ambrose vs. Baron Corbin. Plus, Bray Wyatt has a challenge for Randy Orton

Up Next: Hype Bros. vs. Vaudevillains in the Tag Title tournament.

[Q2] [Commercial Break at 8:15]

In-ring: The Hype Bros. were introduced first, followed by The Vaudevillains believing they could win this match. Mauro Ranallo forced an introduction of a pre-taped vignette from the Vaudes predicting victory.

1 — THE VAUDEVILLIANS (AIDEN ENGLISH & SIMON GOTCH) vs. HYPE BROS. (ZACK RYDER & MOJO RAWLEY) — First Round Smackdown Tag Title Tournament match

Mauro noted a big Dallas return for Ryder after winning the IC Title ladder match at WrestleMania 32 in April. Ryder took an early beating, then Mojo tagged in to deliver punishment to English. Chaos in the ring. Ryder then Broski-Booted Gotch to wipe him out. Tag to Ryder to deliver the Hype Ryder to English for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Hype Bros. at 2:50. Short and sweet to get oer the Hype Bros. as a legit force in the tournament.

Post-match, Charly Caruso entered the ring to interview the Hype Bros. Ryder said it’s one team down and two more to go. Ryder said the Hype Train has left the station and it’s not coming back. Mojo vowed to win the Tag Titles at Backlash because they don’t get hyped; they stay hyped.

Bracket Reveal: American Alpha vs. The Usos in a semi-final and Hype Bros. vs. the Slater/Rhyno vs. Headbangers winners in the other semi-final. And that was how The Headbangers were officially reintroduced on TV.

Backstage: A.J. Styles was shown walking down the hallway wearing John Cena’s headband. Styles stopped at Apollo Crews, asking what his name is. Crews spelled it out for him. Styles said he is The Face that runs the P-L-A-C-E. Styles told him not to forget it, then Crews went back to working on his biceps.

[Commercial Break at 8:23]

NXT hype video: Shinsuke Nakamura is now the King of NXT. Nakamura appears on NXT tomorrow night on WWE Network.

In-ring: A.J. Styles, who was Nakamura’s Tokyo Dome opponent on January 4, was out next to the ring. Styles waited out an “A.J. Styles” chant, then gloated about being the man who beat up John Cena, beat John Cena, and will beat Dean Ambrose at Backlash. Styles vowed to make Ambrose look up at him when he is crowned the new WWE World Hvt. champion.

[Q3] Suddenly, Apollo Crews’s music played. Crews bounced out looking for some action. Styles, who runs this place now, shouted for his music to be stopped. Styles wanted to know why Crews it out here. He said he went to D-Bryan and got permission to challenge Styles to a match. Right now.

2 — A.J. STYLES vs. APOLLO CREWS

Crews knocked an unprepared Styles out of the ring to the floor, then told Ranallo that he can spell punch, too. Crews tossed Styles back into the ring heading to an early break.

[Commercial Break at 8:34]

Back from break, Crews continued to control the match. Crews knocked Styles to the floor again, then nailed a moonsault from the ring apron, wiping out Styles. Crews continued to control Styles back in the ring, scoring a close nearfall on a Samoan Drop that the crowd bought into. Styles had enough of Crews and wrenched his arm across the top rope, then climbed to the ring apron. Styles nailed a Phenomenal Forearm for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Styles at 8:10. Nice piece of booking giving Crews a reason to have the advantage on an unsuspecting Styles to get in his impressive offense, but have Styles get the last word leading into Backlash.

Still to come: Styles’s Backlash opponent, Dean Ambrose, faces Baron Corbin.

[Commercial Break at 8:43] [Q4…]

[…Q4] Ranallo, JBL, and David Otunga were shown on-camera to hype the Tag Title tournament continuing tonight, focusing on Heath Slater.

This Past Weekend: Renee Young traveled to West Virginia to visit Heath Slater… and Rhyno. Slater wanted to introduce Renee to his wife, who was a little over-the-top greeting Slater. His “wife” continued to get in the middle of the segment. Renee wanted to know about Slater not being drafted last month. Slater said it’s not that they didn’t want him; it was just an oversight. One thing Heath Slater is not is an afterthought.

Renee asked Slater about confronting Brock Lesnar as Rhyno munched on snacks. And then beating Randy Orton via DQ, but talking his way out of the contract. And then mistaking Shane for Stephanie McMahon. Slater said he shouldn’t be getting paid the minimum amount anyways. Okay, what about teaming with Rhyno? Slater said he is lucky to stand side-by-side with Rhyno. His wife burped. Rhyno munched on snacks. Renee got grossed out.

So, Rhyno, why did you decide to team up with Heath? Silent Rhyno just shrugged his shoulders. Slater said when they win the Tag Titles, he’s going to upgrade from this trailer to a double wide. Slater’s wife wanted to introduce their kids. Are they at school? No, they’re out back picking up cans. Slater said he should show Renee his above-ground pool. Suddenly, a car screeched in the background. Slater and his wife went off looking for the culprit as Rhyno continued to munch away.

[ Reax: Dumb segment trying to keep the gag going as a commentary on the environment Vince McMahon grew up in. ]

Still to come: Slater & Rhyno vs. Headbangers.

Up Next: Bray Wyatt addresses Orton.

[Commercial Break at 8:53]

Bray Wyatt Promo

Back from break, Bray Wyatt’s theme “interrupted the broadcast” to produce Wyatt alone in the night-light arena. Bray entered the ring and sat down in a rocking chair to begin his speech.

Bray said he doesn’t fear snakes (Randy Orton) or any man, because he is fear. Wyatt said Orton believes he has venom running through his veins, and that excites him. “You’re sick,” Bray chuckled to himself. “But, that’s what I like about you, man.”

Bray said what Brock Lesnar did to Orton at Summerslam was very interesting. Because it exposed all of Orton’s flaws. He said Orton went into that match thinking he was unflawed, untouchable, and unbeatable. But, he came out damaged. “Hi, my name is Bray Wyatt, Randy! And that is my game. I erradicate the infected,” Bray said.

Wyatt told Orton that if the voices inside his head are talking to him, then he hopes they tell Orton to run. Run, Randy, Run.

[Q5 — second hour] Suddenly, Orton’s music interrupted for a response. Orton slowly walked out on-stage in street clothes. Orton paused mid-way down the ramp. He said Bray has his attention as one damaged man to another, but the damage is part of his charm. Bray chuckled. He likes Randy coming out here with his scars. Wyatt said he admires Orton’s courage, but he is no longer the predator in this situation. “You are damaged. You are weak. I am the predator now,” Bray claimed to boos.

Wyatt said he is going to cut the serpent’s head off at Backlash and place the head on his mantle. Orton said he’s been through this game before. He said his scars go back to Cactus Jack dropping him on a pile of thumbtacks and facing The Undertaker in Hell in a Cell. Orton said his scars are below the surface. Because he has his demons, just like Bray.

So, Bray, you want Randy Orton at Backlash. “You got it,” Orton said. Bray smiled a sinister smile. But, fear? Orton said he’s not afraid of a man who calls himself a god. And he’s most certainly not afraid of kicking his ass. Right now. Orton threw down the mic and charged the ring, but the lights cut out and Bray was gone.

THE NEWS: Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt booked for Backlash.

Up Next: Alexa Bliss & Natalya vs. Naomi & Becky Lynch in women’s tag action.

[Commercial Break at 9:06]

Back live, Nikki Bella was ringside on commentary. Nikki was forced to re-watch Carmella attacking her on Smackdown and the after-show last Tuesday. As for the match, Natalya was out first, followed by Alexa Bliss. Cue up Rave Time to bring out Naomi in her glow-in-the-dark outfit. Becky Lynch was out last to partner with Naomi. Ranallo noted all four, plus Nikki and Carmella, will be in Six-Pack Challenge for the first Smackdown Women’s Title at Backlash.

[Q6]

3 — NATALYA & ALEXA BLISS vs. NAOMI & BECKY LYNCH

Naomi cleared Natalya to the floor early on. Bliss tried to check on Natalya, who angrily shouted back that she’s fine. They cut to an early break.

[Commercial Break at 8:17]

Back live, Natalya figured out her issues and had control of Naomi back in the ring. Hot tag to Lynch, who went nuts on Bliss before climbing to the top for a pump kick that grazed Bliss. Suddenly, Carmella showed up ringside to pick a fight with Nikki. Back in the ring, Bliss rolled up Becky with a handful of tights out of the ref’s view for a three count.

Post-match, Carmella proudly stood over a fallen Nikki and proclaimed herself the first Smackdown Women’s champion. After a replay of Carmella’s attack, they showed Becky checking on Nikki and her previously injured neck.

WINNERS: Team Bliss at 7:20. Combustible elements two weeks away from Backlash.

Announcers: Ranallo and Co. hyped the Tag Title tournament continuing with the return of The Headbangers. Ranallo threw to a video package from the Attitude Era of Thrasher & Mosh causing havoc back in the day. Their return is random… and it’s next.

[Commercial Break at 9:25]

Hawk Facts: Curt Hawkins can do cool things. He’s coming soon.

Back from break, The Headbangers bounced out on-stage returning to WWE action for the first time in 16 years. The musical selection was rather unmemorable. Mosh was fired up, while Thrasher seemed content with a nostalgia return, taking a victory lap around ringside. Of course, Otunga made a Hot Topic joke. Heath Slater and Rhyno were out next.

[Q7]

4 — HEATH SLATER & RHYNO vs. THE HEADBANGERS (MOSH & TRASHER) — First Round Tag Title Tournament match

Mosh dropped Slater with a cross-body early on, then Thrasher tagged in and splashed Slater. Meanwhile, some of the crowd chanted for Rhyno. Thrasher punched Slater across the ring, then tagged in Mosh. The HBs continued to wear down Slater.

Rhyno eventually just dragged Slater across the ring to tag in Rhyno. Rhyno exploded on Thrasher with The Gore for the pin and the win. And there was blood all over Rhyno’s face apparently from breaking up a pin by the HBs on Slater before tagging himself in.

WINNERS: Slater & Rhyno at 2:54. So random, but fine using a nostalgia team to put over the joke pairing of Slater & Rhyno.

Bracket: Alphas vs. Usos and Hype Bros. vs. Slater & Rhyno in the semi-finals. Those presumably take place next week leading into PPV.

[Commercial Break at 9:36]

Exterior Shot: American Airlines Center is paving the way to Backlash.

Back in the arena, A.J. Styles was on commentary for the main event of Dean Ambrose vs. Baron Corbin.

Suddenly, a man identifying himself as The Milkman was in the ring. This suited man said he was granted a license to compete tonight, but no one wants to get in the ring with him. So, he is not leaving the ring until someone comes out here and faces him. Milkman stripped down to his tighty-whities, then Kane’s pyro blasted.

Out came Kane looking to Pete Rose the Milkman. The graphic identified Kane’s non-kayfabe residence of Knoxville, Tennessee. Kane walked right down to the ring and chokeslammed The Milkman.

Baron Corbin’s music then played to bring out Corbin for the main event. Would Corbin and Kane cross paths? Corbin walked down the walkway and found Kane staring at him on the way up the ramp. Corbin brushed past Kane, then posed in the ring. Dean Ambrose was out next to a big reaction, making his first appearance of the night. Ambrose had that superstar reception.

[Q8]

5 — WWE World Hvt. champion DEAN AMBROSE vs. BARON CORBIN — non-title match

Corbin got in some early offense, but Ambrose knocked him out of the ring to the floor. Ambrose followed with a running splash. Ambrose then dragged Corbin around ringside and slammed him into the announce table in front of Styles, who no-sold. Ambrose kept trying to intimidate and impress Styles, allowing Corbin to neck-snap The Champ.

Back in the ring, Corbin pounded Ambrose with forearm blows. Corbin then lightly tossed Ambrose over the top rope to the floor. Smackdown cut to break with Dean-O in trouble.

[Commercial Break at 9:49]

Back from break, Corbin continued to work over Ambrose and talk trash. Ambrose fought back to his feet and went for the Rebound Lariat, but Corbin saw it coming and smashed Dean in the chest. Corbin covered for a two count, and then he did his signature deal yelling at referee Charles Robinson like an angry football player.

Corbin went back to working on Ambrose with a mathold. Ambrose fought back with a neckbreaker, then teased Dirty Deeds, but Corbin blocked. Corbin then charged the corner, but Ambrose avoided. But, Corbin came back with a big clothesline. Corbin tried to follow up, but Ambrose bounced off the ropes into the Rebound Lariat for a close two count.

Ambrose went to the top turnbuckle, but Corbin cut him off. Corbin lost focus yelling at Lil’ Naitch again, allowing Ambrose to smash Corbin down to the mat with forearms. Ambrose knocked Corbin to the outside, then he nailed a suicide dive into the guardrail.

Back in the ring, Ambrose approached Corbin to follow up, but Corbin countered with Deep Six for a close two count. The match moved back to the floor, which drew over Styles. Styles yelled at Corbin to stay on Ambrose. Corbin turned around and yelled at Styles that no one tells him what to do. So, Ambrose smashed Corbin into Styles to take out two birds with one shove.

Back in the ring, Ambrose nailed a top-rope smash for a close two count. Styles tried to get involved again, and ended up kicking Corbin in the face. That caused the bell to sound, presumably for a DQ.

WINNER: No Contest/Corbin via DQ at 12:10.

Post-match, Ambrose dropped Styles with a plancha. And the fight was on down at ringside. Corbin attacked Ambrose from behind, then threw him back into the ring, only to take Dirty Deeds. Styles then tried to get involved, but Dean crotched A.J. on the top rope.

Perched on the top rope, A.J. moaned and moaned in pain. So, Ambrose bounced the top rope up and down, then patted him on the stomach. Dean comically shook Styles’s hand, then asked for his title belt. Ambrose’s music played as he received the belt and rolled out of the ring with Styles still selling the crotchal damage hung up on the top rope. Styles asked for help as Ambrose casually walked to the back to close Smackdown.

Smackdown After-show

WWE Network picked up Smackdown events with Daniel Bryan joining Renee Young at the “Talking Smack” desk. Bryan apologized to Renee for how last week’s show ended and apologized to Miz for what he said to him last week. Bryan said they know how to push each other’s buttons and Miz knows that he is angry about not being able to wrestle anymore.

Bryan said he got up and left the set because Miz was right. He said if he had any guts, he would quit and go to the indies. Not bingo halls, but more like the Tokyo Dome. He said he could talk to A.J. Styles about that on the post-show. Bryan said he has to consider his health, though, and trying to start a family. So, Bryan said WWE won’t let them be around each other anymore since they can’t have a match.

Bryan said he is staying away from everything involving Miz, except for one thing. Bryan said he has an announcement – Miz vs. Ziggler for the IC Title at Backlash.

Bryan said he liked the fire from Miz and Ziggler earlier tonight. (And then Miz walked away from a fight, which Bryan did not bring up.)

Renee wanted to know who The Milkman is, but Heath Slater and Rhyno interrupted. Rhyno had a bandage over his left eye after being cut open. Slater said his face is all messed up, too. Renee wanted to talk about the promise that Slater has shown lately. Slater switched subjects to Bryan trying to have children with Brie. He proposed Bryan babysit his children for a week to see if he’s ready.

Rhyno wanted to get serious about why he’s in this tournament. Rhyno said he hasn’t held a Tag Title in 18 years, and that was in Europe. So, he wants to be tag champs with Slater. Plus, he wants Slater to get that double-wide trailer. What about a tag team name? They tossed around Beauty and The Manbeast.

Renee asked Slater whether he wants to be on Raw or Smackdown. Slater said he would like to be on Smackdown to win the Tag Titles and because D-Bryan has talked to him more than Foley. Question from Bryan – how did they end up bleeding in the same match? Slater shouted back that Bryan needs his fire back. He’s not the same Bryan he knew – don’t let Miz push you around! Exit Slater and Rhyno.

Where is A.J. Styles? Oh, there he is. Styles came on the set noting he hurt his huevos out there. Styles said the ropes hurt when you straddle them. Will this affect you at Backlash? No, no, c’mon. And why is this seat so short?

Bryan and Styles debated which one is taller, then Renee got down to business on how Styles and Ambrose are going to mix at Backlash. Styles said he’s pretty sure this is their first-ever meeting. He said it’s not about Ambrose, though, because it’s all about him. And being able to adapt made him a champion everywhere he’s been.

Bryan brought up John Cena being on Talking Smack two weeks ago waiting for someone to take his spot. Can Styles take that role? Styles said he can do that 100 percent. He said he loves what he does, and it’s difficult for him to be mean to kids even though he’s a heel. What does Styles’s oldest son think of Styles being in WWE? Bryan brought up Styles wrestling on the indies, TNA, and Japan. And his son tried to explain to his friends that he wrestled, but no one cared until Styles landed in WWE. “Oh wow, he’s a WWE wrestler!”

Bryan had one big question for Styles. He beat John Cena at Summerslam. How does that compare to other big victories in his career, like being IWGP World champion? Styles said wrestling Cena at Summerslam put him on the map. He said WrestleMania was special, but Summerslam was bigger than WrestleMania for his career.

So, what’s the gameplan for preparing for Backlash? He said he might be cocky, and he thinks he can beat everyone in the locker room (Styles glared at Bryan), so he’s not preparing any differently. Renee reminded Bryan that he can’t mix it up with talent anymore. Styles said no one said it has to be sanctioned. Renee asked Styles to spell conundrum before the show signed off with Styles and Bryan pretending to want to wrestle.