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The following report was originally published five years ago this week…
WWE Smackdown review
July 5, 2013
Taped 7/2/13 in Topeka, Kan.
Aired on SyFy
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist (Twitter: @gregmparks)
– WWE Open.
– Smackdown Open.
– After Michael Cole welcomed us to Smackdown, C.M. Punk came out. No Paul Heyman in tow. As he entered the ring, you could see the Money in the Bank briefcase hanging above the ring. He’ll be a part of the MITB All-Star match. They showed the finish of the tag match on Raw that Punk was involved in. Punk stood in the ring, arms folded, as the crowd chanted his name. He finally spoke, saying that if he were John Cena, he’d give a heartfelt speech about the Fourth of July and all that gobbledygook. Punk said he’s not Cena, and that his name is C.M. Punk. Ugh. Punk said he has a different point-of-view than Cena on a lot of things. He said the Fourth of July, to him, about independence. Punk said independence is very important to him. He talked about walking away after Wrestlemania and ditching Paul Heyman. Apparently, people are saying he’s unlikely to win the MITB match this year.
Punk said he has two simple goals: Get his hands on Brock Lesnar, and win the MITB All-Star Ladder Match and become WWE Champion again. He said he had no problem publicly admitting his goals, but before he was done, Alberto Del Rio’s music interrupted. Del Rio walked out in a suit, World Title draped over his shoulder. Del Rio said he was expecting more from Punk. Punk said he was expecting Del Rio to be in a nice car instead of a cheap suit. Del Rio claimed this was his show, but Punk said title or no title, this has never been Del Rio’s show. Del Rio said Punk’s people celebrate the holiday by stuffing their faces with food. He chastised Americans for using their freedom to watch TV and get fat. Oh, and they also cheer a pig like Dolph Ziggler. He said the fans cheer “USA” because they’re a bunch of sheep.
Punk questioned Del Rio’s recent attitude turn. He said the fans saw through Del Rio’s “garbage,” trying to be someone he wasn’t. Del Rio said someone needs to teach Punk manners. He said he’s the World Heavyweight Champion and Punk said that just means he’s the #1 contender to Punk’s title: Best in the World. Del Rio told Punk this was his world and he ordered Punk out of the ring. Punk dared Del Rio to make him leave. Before either man would budge, Teddy Long came out. He made Punk vs. Del Rio for tonight.
– Michael Cole and JBL reacted to the match that was just made.
– A graphic aired for Christian vs. Randy Orton, which will take place later tonight.
[Commercial Break]
– Punk was backstage working on his wrist wrap when Paul Heyman walked up. He wanted to say something to Punk as a friend: The match with Alberto Del Rio doesn’t make sense to him. He asked if he could get Punk out of the match. Punk said while he has nothing to gain, he’s going to fight anyway. Heyman then talked about the MITB match and offered his services at ringside for the match. Punk appreciated the concern, but told Heyman to stay out of it. Heyman didn’t seem offended and instead wished Punk luck tonight.
1 – THE USOS vs. THE RHODES SCHOLARS
The Usos will get their title shot at Money in the Bank kickoff, the preview show. I was hoping that match would make the main PPV. Damien Sandow cut a promo on the way to the ring, promising to usher in a new era in WWE. He said both he and Cody Rhodes will be in the MITB Ladder Match, but that won’t cause a rift between the two. Rhodes said “may the best man win.” Sandow said he couldn’t agree more.
Jimmy no-sold a head to the turnbuckle early in the match. Jey tagged in and went for a cover after a forearm shot. Rhodes took over control and tagged in Sandow. Side Russian leg-sweep then the Elbow of Disdain for two. Double-team suplex attempt, but the Uso got out of it. Superkick put Sandow down and Jimmy and Jey climbed opposite turnbuckles. Double splash for the win.
WINNERS: The Usos, at 2:17. Interesting finish, given that neither team could really afford a clean job, with Sandow and Rhodes heading into the MITB match.
After the match, The Shield appeared on the video screen. Seth Rollins called The Usos “lucky” and he said their loss to the Usos and Christian last week was not a setback. He said they’re stronger than they’ve ever been. Roman Reigns said The Usos need to bring a lot more luck at MITB. Dean Ambrose talked about Christian and said the WWE Universe needs to get used to him lurking in the shadows as MTIB briefcase holder. He said he’s going to be US Champion and Mr. Money in the Bank and he’s going to own the world. Great job, as always, from Ambrose there.
– In tonight’s main event. C.M. Punk faces World Champion Alberto Del Rio in a non-title match.
[Commercial Break]
– This week on Raw, Vickie Guerrero’s job evaluation.
2 – ALICIA FOX vs. KAITLYN
Layla once again accompanied Kaitlyn to the ring. We saw clips of Kaitlyn vs. Fox from Raw, as well as A.J.’s “pictures” of Kaitlyn’s modeling career. A.J. and Kaitlyn will fight at MITB for the Diva’s Championship.
Once the match began, Fox rammed Kaitlyn into the turnbuckle. Northern lights suplex for two. Rear chin-lock applied by Fox. Kaitlyn was sent head-first into the top buckle. Another chin-lock from Fox. Kaitlyn broke free and as she began to take the fight to Fox, A.J. Lee came to the ring to her music. Kaitlyn ignored her for the most part and hit a number of shoulder tackles. A.J. skipped around the ring and finally got Kaitlyn’s attention. Kick to the back of the head by Fox, but Kaitlyn regained composure. She dropkicked A.J. off the apron, but Fox rolled her up for the win.
WINNER: Fox, at 2:46. Strange that this was the follow-up to what happened on Raw, where Kaitlyn didn’t get distracted enough to lose to Fox. It’s almost as if they booked these two finishes out of order.
After the match, Kaitlyn chased A.J. up the ramp and backstage. The finish was replayed for viewers at home.
– Still to come, Punk vs. Del Rio.
[Commercial Break]
– A.J. was in a hurry backstage, clutching her Diva’s Title and looking around to make sure Kaitlyn didn’t sneak up on her. The Bella Twins interrupted and claimed the title would be theirs soon. A.J. was too distracted to care. She ran into Big E. Langston and she hurriedly tried to get him to leave. He asked about Ziggler and A.J. said he’s got a match tonight and she’ll text him later. A.J. wanted Langston to hurry, and like Jerry to Elaine on Seinfeld, implored Langston to run and “get your knees up!”
– They showed clips of Randy Orton vs. Kane with Daniel Bryan as guest ref on Raw.
– Renee Young was backstage with Christian and Randy Orton. Christian said he already beat Orton for the World Title, and he’ll put everyone on notice by beating Orton again tonight. Orton said Christian is about to find out that he’s the man everyone should be worried about at Money in the Bank. Orton promised to beat Christian in one…more…match.
– Cole and smilin’ JBL were shown on-camera. They talked about the Wyatt Family and we saw one of the vignettes.
[Commercial Break]
3 – RANDY ORTON vs. CHRISTIAN
After some early mat wrestling, Orton took Christian to the mat with a shoulder knock-down. Christian felled Orton with a back elbow. Clothesline by Orton for two at 1:43. Orton went for his signature DDT early, but Christian countered and back-dropped Orton out of the ring. They cut to break at 2:22 of the match.
[Commercial Break]
Back at 5:29 of the match. Christian was back in charge of the match. Punches and kicks from Christian connected, but Orton hit him with a Thesz Press. Christian went to the top rope soon after and landed a cross-body for two at 6:40. Rear chin-lock applied by Christian. Orton got out and whipped Christian into the buckle, where Captain Charisma took a chest-first bump. Standing dropkick from Orton found the mark. He began to get fired up but missed a powerslam attempt when Christian dodged it. Nice counter. Orton barely missed a beat though, and hit a modified gutwrench suplex for two. Sloppy roll-up out of the corner by Orton for a near-fall. Christian slapped Orton right in the face and fell victim to a powerslam. Killswitch was countered, as was the RKO, and Christian hit a back suplex. He set up for the Spear and connected. Orton kicked out at 11:03 of the match. Killswitch was countered again into an Orton rope-assisted DDT. Christian walked into an RKO, but Christian shoved Orton off. To the top again went Christian. He came off and landed on his feet when Orton moved, only for Orton to RKO him for the win.
WINNER: Orton, at 12:35. Good match and it provided the announcers a lot of time to hype up the MITB All-Star match in which these guys will be featured.
– Long was on the phone backstage. He was talking about Smackdown’s main event when Paul Heyman barged in. Long was looking for him: He wants Heyman on commentary for the main event. Heyman balked, because Punk told him not to get involved in his matches anymore. Long said Heyman knows Punk better than anyone, therefore, he should be able to provide valuable insight. Long said Punk always does the opposite of what he’s told, so since Punk doesn’t want Heyman out there, Long will do the opposite too. Why would Long needle Punk like that?
– A graphic aired for Punk vs. Del Rio, tonight’s main event.
[Commercial Break]
– As Dolph Ziggler made his way to the ring, they showed what happened Monday on the WWE app between Ziggler and A.J. Looks like there’s trouble in paradise. A graphic aired for Ziggler vs. Del Rio at Money in the Bank. Ziggler got a mic in the ring and said that to say the past few months have been a blur is an understatement. Ziggler talked about his concussion and how Del Rio took advantage. He said he won’t make excuses for losing the title to Del Rio, solidifying his babyface status. Like Punk, Ziggler stuck to the narrative that the fans saw through Del Rio’s good-guy act. Ziggler said he’s cocky and arrogant, but he was saying it in a different tone than he did when he was a heel. Miz should take notes. Ziggler said he’s taking back what’s rightfully his at MITB. As 3MB came to the ring to provide an opponent for Ziggler, they showed Ziggler defeating Jinder Mahal on Raw, and Ziggler turning the tables on a 3MB attack. Ziggler faces Drew McIntyre next.
[Commercial Break]
4 – DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. DREW MCINTYRE
Fast-paced opening few seconds, with Ziggler doing just what he does: show off. A high-impact move by McIntyre put Ziggler down for two. McIntyre hammered away at Ziggler in the corner and suplexed Zigler in the middle of the ring. It only got him a one-count. Back-breaker by McIntyre, and another. Cover for two this time. After getting the advantage, Ziggler countered a suplex and gave McIntyre the Zig Zag for the win.
WINNER: Ziggler, at 3:10. Another win and a quick match to establish Ziggler as a babyface.
Ziggler again escaped 3MB’s attempted attack after the match. In fact, he went right in there after them again, and ran through them like a greased pig. 3MB still couldn’t get their hands on him.
– Back to JBL and Cole, as they talked about Del Rio vs. Cena in Raw’s main event. They also discussed Cena vs. Mark Henry. They threw it to a video package on Henry.
– A graphic aired for Cena vs. Henry for the WWE Title at MITB.
– Fandango and Summer Rae were backstage. They’re out next.
[Commercial Break]
– “We dance on Friday nights!” proclaimed JBL as Fandango and Summer Rae danced their way to the ring.
6 – FANDANGO vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL
Gabriel was promoted to actually getting an entrance this week. Fandango was distracted by his own dancing, leading to Gabriel hitting a back heel kick. Gabriel taunted Fandango with dancing of his own, then sent Fandango head-first into the apron. He went for a suicide dive, but Fandango kicked him in the head as he tried to come through the ropes. Fandango to the top, and off with a leg-drop for the win.
WINNER: Fandango, at 1:37. At this point, better to use Gabriel for matches like this than someone who could matter in the immediate future. Too bad WWE doesn’t utilize this theory more often.
Of course, after the match, Fandango pronounced his name correctly for all the plebeians.
– A pre-tape aired featuring Zeb Colter, Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro standing in front of the fence and “Don’t Tread on Me” flag. Colter cut the promo while Cesaro (looking a bit like Sacha Baron Cohen) and Swagger looked on. Colter’s promo was about foreigners taking advantage of the USA for the Fourth of July. He promised to help restore America to greatness. He also talked about Cesaro and Swagger in the MITB Ladder Match, guaranteeing one of them will walk out as the winner.
– Next, in the main event, it’ll be C.M. Punk vs. Alberto Del Rio with Paul Heyman on commentary.
[Commercial Break]
– Paul Heyman was on commentary with JBL and Cole. Cole plugged the JBL and Cole show with, likely not-so-coincidentally, Heyman as the guest. As Del Rio came to the ring, they showed him losing to Cena on Raw thanks in part to Ziggler.
7 – C.M. PUNK vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO
“C.M. Punk” chant right off the bat. Heyman once again questioned Punk accepting this match. Punk took the advantage with a dropkick to the back of Del Rio’s head. Del Rio turned the tables in the corner and pounded on Punk. Del Rio missed a splash and Punk hit a high running knee in the corner. Punk went to the top rope but Del Rio rolled away before the elbowdrop could ensue. They went to break at 2:00 of the match.
[Commercial Break]
Back at 5:23 of the match with Del Rio in control. JBL and Heyman were verbally teaming up on Cole on commentary. Heyman even said Cole considered himself a Paul Heyman guy at one point. Del Rio worked the arm of Punk. Punk tried to shake off the arm as Del Rio set up for a superkick, which he connected for two. Punk finally came back and slammed Del Rio. He was still selling the arm. He did climb to the top turnbuckle but Del Rio gave Punk and enziguiri. Punk crumpled to the mat and Del Rio got a two-count on a pin attempt. Punk again came back, but was stopped on a tilt-a-whirl back-breaker. Del Rio kicked Punk to the floor. Punk lifted Del Rio onto his shoulders outside the ring, but Del Rio got out and whipped Punk into the barricade. Punk was then thrown onto the announce table. “This is so bad!” said Heyman. Del Rio de-monitored the desk as Heyman pled with Del Rio to stop. Del Rio punched Heyman in the face. Punk got a bug-eyed look and bolted at Del Rio, flying off the announce table and onto him. In the chaos, the bell rang signaling a double count-out.
WINNER: No contest (double count-out), at 11:03.
Punk tossed Del Rio into the ring and gave him the Go To Sleep. His music then played as they replayed Del Rio’s punch to Heyman and Punk’s subsequent attack. Punk was shown checking on Heyman outside the ring. Heyman apologized, saying it was his fault, as Punk helped him to his feet. Punk put his arm around Heyman as Heyman continued to apologize profusely as the show ended.
NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS 2013 FLASHBACK: 5 YRS AGO – Keller’s WWE Raw Report (7-1-13): Cena vs. Del Rio in Champion vs. Champion match, plus Punk, Shield, Kane, Vince McMahon, Ryback, Cody, Orton, Vickie
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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