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ELDER’S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
SEPTEMBER 25, 2018
DENVER, COL. AT PEPSI CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
ANNOUNCERS: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves, Byron Saxton
[HOUR ONE]
-Tom Phillips welcomed everyone to Denver, Colorado for Smackdown Live. With her newly died auburn hair, Carmella joined R Truth in the center of the ring. Corey Graves complained, saying that we were supposed to be seeing “Miz TV.” Graves called it “a sub-par fabrication at best.” Truth welcomed the crowd to “Miz… err… Truth TV.” Truth asked for a “what’s up” from the crowd before welcoming Carmella as his partner in the mixed match challenge.
-Truth mentioned that his first guest will be facing Miz in two weeks at Super Show Down, where the winner will face the WWE Champion. Carmella then welcomed Daniel Bryan to the ring. Bryan entered the arena to a strong “yes” chant from the crowd as Tom Phillips further plugged the matchup at Super Show Down.
-Bryan took a seat next to Truth and Carmella as Truth welcomed him as the show’s first guest. Truth asked Bryan if he could call him simply “D” which Daniel was fine with. Truth mentioned that Bryan had been dealing with Miz’s plotting and scheming for eight years, adding that Bryan was able to foil Miz’s plans with the “other Carmella” last week. Phillips quickly reminded everyone that Truth was referring to Maryse before Truth turned to Carmella and told her that he was glad that she had dyed her hair, adding that she was starting to confuse people.
-Truth asked Bryan how cathartic it would be to defeat Miz to become one step closer to the WWE Championship, which Bryan applauded as an insightful question. Bryan then added that Truth TV was already better than Miz TV. In response, Truth said it was time for a “seven second dance break” and he and ‘Mella got up for a quick dance, which Bryan found amusing. Bryan brought up how Truth used the word cathartic, and asked him if he knew what it meant. Truth, possibly confused, told Bryan that he did, but that he should explain it for the crowd. Bryan then explained the word, and added how he had a lot of unfinished business with Miz. He continued by saying that if he did beat Miz, then yes, it would be cathartic. As Bryan continued, he was interrupted by Miz who appeared at the top of the stage.
-Miz first asked R Truth what he was doing. Truth responded by saying that he had beaten Miz two weeks ago, and if Miz had a championship, then he would have won it. Truth added that since Miz didn’t have a championship, but did have a TV show, then he would just take that instead. Miz called Truth an idiot. Truth told Miz that he was an idiot “with a talk show.”
-Miz went on to describe Bryan as a scrappy and an honest fighter which is the reason why Bryan will never beat him. Miz added that he will win at all costs, and that is the reason he has beaten Bryan before, and will beat him at Super Show Down. Miz added that he will do anything to beat Bryan, but questioned if Bryan would do the same. Miz said that would require Bryan to compromise his moral code, and that if Bryan cheats, he will forever be tarnishing the name “Daniel Bryan.”
-R Truth admonished Miz for his comments and proceeded to banish Miz for life from Truth TV. Miz said that the show wasn’t Truth’s in the first place. As Miz went to remind Truth again that it was his show, Truth interrupted with another dance break which caused Miz to storm backstage.
-Backstage Miz asked Paige how she could replace a groundbreaking show like Miz TV with Truth TV. Paige told Miz that if he wanted it back so badly, then he could go win it back as R Truth suggested.
-The show went to its first commercial break as the announcers plugged the fallout from Aiden English’s beat down of Rusev last week as well as a contract signing between A.J. Styles and Samoa Joe. [c]
(1) R TRUTH (w/Carmella) vs. THE MIZ
Back from break, Daniel Bryan joined the crew at the announcer’s desk. Truth took control early which caused Miz to retreat to the outside of the ring. Miz briefly taunted Bryan before getting back in the ring. Miz taunted Bryan by hitting Truth with Yes Kicks, however Truth reversed the last one into a roll up. Bryan complimented Miz, saying that he turned his weaknesses into strengths, and that he has learned how to wrestle a lot better. Bryan added that it shocks him that he doesn’t use his wrestling skill to win matches, but always sinks to the lowest common denominator. The competitor’s slowed the pace as they cut to commercial break with the match continuing PIP. [c]
Miz maintained control throughout the break, however Truth regained momentum as the show returned. Truth did a split before landing a spin kick. Truth followed with a splash in the corner followed by a jawbreaker which led to a two count. Bryan questioned whether Truth would replace Miz at Super Show Down if he were to win this match. Miz thumbed Truth’s eye as the referee was separating the two. Miz then capitalized by executing a Skull Crushing Finale.
Before pinning Truth, Miz locked eyes with Bryan at ringside. Miz raised his arms to begin his own “yes” chant from the crowd before hitting Truth with a running knee. Miz then covered Truth for the pin but quickly retreated as Bryan entered the ring.
WINNER: Miz via pin in 13:00.
(Elder’s analysis: This was a refreshing opening segment. This pushed the story along without it just feeling like more of the same. With Truth involved, there were some genuinely funny moments. As for the match, I appreciate that Truth was presented as a legitimate opponent. The outcome was never truly in question but Truth got plenty of offense in for it not to feel like a throwaway match. Bryan brought up a variety of good points on commentary as well.)
-The announcing team threw to footage from earlier in the day in which Charlotte was posing for some photos. Out of nowhere, Becky Lynch attacked her. Lynch demanded that the photographer stick around and had him photograph her holding the Smackdown title high above a downed Charlotte.
-Sheamus and Cesaro made their way to the ring as they cut to a commercial break. [c]
-Returning from break, The New Day their entrance and said that they were going to have a #SaySomethingNiceChallenge where they would complement Sheamus and Cesaro. Woods poked fun at Cesaro’s areolas and commented that he looks like a Swiss Jason Statham, but said that they enjoyed his movies. Big E added that while they find Sheamus’s mohawk distracting, that the carpet must match the drapes. Sheamus immediately grabbed the microphone and said that while the New Day always wants to joke around, he and Cesaro just want to fight. Phillips plugged the two team’s matchup at Super Show Down as the match began.
(2) SHEAMUS (w/Cesaro) vs. BIG E (w/Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston)
Sheamus attacked Big E from the start, but E quickly regained the advantage and landed a big splash onto Sheamus on the apron as they cut to commercial break. [c]
Big E nailed Sheamus with a series of belly to belly suplexes. Big E attempted a big splash but was met with knees. With Big E down, Sheamus went his corner as Cesaro could be heard yelling “enter your zone” to pump him up. Sheamus pounded his chest and went for a Brogue kick but Big E caught him and hit him with a powerbomb. Big E removed the straps of his singlet and hoisted Sheamus up for a Big Ending. Sheamus managed to escape and quickly nailed Big E with a Brogue kick before covering him for the pin.
WINNER: Sheamus in 7:00.
-Cesaro joined Sheamus in the ring to celebrate as Kingston and Woods aided Big E outside the ring.
(Elder’s analysis: There just wasn’t too much going on here. We have seen these guys fight so many times in tag team action. For a rivalry that has gone on and on for so long, tonight’s matchup just felt like a quick afterthought. The match itself was fine, but it did little to further the storyline.)
-Backstage, Paige asked A.J. Styles not to destroy the set when he goes out there tonight. A.J. added that if he needed to destroy anything, that he will be sure that it was Samoa Joe.
-Lana walked up to Rusev’s locker room door. When Rusev emerged, he told her that Aiden English was going to pay for attacking him last week, and that he just wanted to know why English chose to do it. [c]
-Lana accompanied Rusev down to the ring. Phillips threw to a video package from last week that highlighted Aiden English’s attack on Rusev. Rusev told the crowd that his friend and partner Aiden English betrayed him last week. Rusev added that he did it on Rusev Day, and that makes him a traitor. Rusev demanded that English come out and explain to him why he attacked him.
[HOUR TWO]
-Aiden English then came out to the top of the stage. English insisted that it was not his fault. English said that before he joined with him, Rusev was just floundering. English said that he made Rusev the most beloved superstar in WWE. English threw to a video clip of some of their highlights as a team. English added that at Wrestlemania they had 70,000 people cheering for them, and questioned what had happened. English went on to blame Lana, and threw to a video package which showed the team’s recent turmoil. English then added that things were better when it was just he and Rusev.
-Lana responded by calling English a glorified cheerleader, and suggested that he was only out to make a name for himself. English said that no one would question her dedication to her husband, and added that she is always honest with him. The crowd interrupted with a “Lana is the best, Lana’s number one” chant. English then asked Lana that if she is so honest, would she tell Rusev what happened during that one night in Milwaukee? English proceeded to drop the microphone and walked out with Rusev and Lana remaining in the ring in bewilderment. Corey Graves was particularly excited, exclaiming “I can’t wait to find out what it is.”
(Elder’s analysis: Well, that was a bombshell! It certainly got a good crowd reaction. So this is an angle we have seen plenty of times in the past. Sometimes it feels lazy, but in this instance it came out of nowhere, so it really made for a shocking twist. Like Corey Graves, I can’t wait to find out what happened in Milwaukee!)
-Phillips threw to a video package about Samoa Joe and A.J. Styles’ contract signing two months prior, in which Joe attacked A.J. from behind. At the end of the segment, the camera zoomed in on Samoa Joe’s locker room door, before cutting away to Naomi who was helping Asuka prepare for an upcoming match. [c]
-Back from break, Lana wondered aloud what Aiden English was talking about earlier. Rusev just mumbled “mmm” which led to Lana asking him if he believed him. Rusev said that he did, but wondered out loud what English meant about Milwaukee. Becky Lynch walked over and told the couple that Milwaukee was a fun town. When Lana asked Lynch to mind her own business, Lynch told Lana that it was she who should mind her own business, or else she would be carried out of the arena like Charlotte Flair was earlier after Lynch’s attack. Lynch added that she runs the women’s division now, and that Rusev will need to carry Lana’s bags when Lynch gets done with her. Lynch ended with “Milwaukee, eh” before walking off. Rusev, unbothered by Lynch’s remarks, asked Lana when they were in Milwaukee last. Lana exclaimed “Seriously!” before walking off.
-The IIconics were shown in the ring before Naomi and Asuka made their entrances. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce were welcomed as guest commentators for the upcoming match as Phillips plugged their upcoming match against Naomi & Asuka at Super Show Down. Phillips threw to a video package from earlier in the day when Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose got in a confrontation with Naomi & Asuka. Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose entered and the match began as they cut to commercial break. [c]
(3) NAOMI & ASUKA vs. MANDY ROSE & SONYA DEVILLE
Asuka started off strong against Mandy Rose, but Deville tagged in and caught Asuka with a spear to regain the advantage. The show came back from break as Asuka mounted a comeback after a reversed kick and belly to back suplex. Naomi entered on a hot tag and caught the entering Rose with a hurricanrana. After a leg drop, Naomi went for the pin but Deville made the save. Deville tagged herself in and went for a pin after a running knee but Asuka ran in for the save. Asuka then landed a hip attack to knock Rose off the apron. Asuka was tagged back in and her and Naomi finished Deville off with a pair of kicks. Asuka then pinned Deville.
WINNER: NAOMI & ASUKA via pinfall in 3:30.
(Elder’s analysis: There’s still not much story going between these “teams,” or within the women’s division whatsoever aside from Becky & Charlotte. If WWE is planning on introducing women’s tag belts, they need to just get it over with, because there are too many talented competitors in this division that are just treading water.)
-Naomi and Asuka celebrated in the ring as The IIconics looked on from outside the ring. Phillips announced that Smackdown GM Paige confirmed that Becky Lynch will be facing Lana tonight before Graves highlighted the contract signing between A.J. Styles and Samoa Joe. They cut to Shinsuke Nakamura walking backstage before cutting to commercial break. [c]
-Back from break, they highlighted their charity work done through Connor’s Cure.
-In the ring, Tye Dillinger led the crowd in a “ten” chant. Shinsuke Nakamura then made his entrance.
(4) TYE DILLINGER vs. SHINSUKE NAKAMURA
Right from the bell, Dillinger went on the attack. Nakamura soon regained control. Shinsuke attempted a Kinshasa but Dillinger blocked it and landed a super kick of his own. Dillinger landed a frog splash from the top rope but only managed a two count. Dillinger isolated Nakamura in the corner and began landing punches when Randy Orton appeared out of nowhere and threw him to the ground. Orton then threw Dillinger into the corner which caused him to fall to the ground outside.
WINNER: Dillinger via disqualification.
-Orton followed Dillinger outside and threw him into the ring post and dropped him back first onto the announcer’s table. Back in the ring, Orton dropped Dillinger onto the ring ropes before hitting him with a DDT off of the apron. Orton then mocked Dillinger’s “ten” hand sign before walking away. Nakamura then grabbed his belt and began to follow before deciding to hit Dillinger with a Kinshasa. Nakamura then made his way up the ramp as Philips highlighted the contract signing between A.J. Styles and Samoa Joe for later tonight.
-Backstage, Rusev wished Lana good luck. She asked Rusev if he believed her, and he said that he did. Lana called English a liar and Rusev agreed. Rusev told Lana that he was just a little frustrated as the crowd could be heard chanting “Milwaukee.” Lana walked off as Rusev looked on and Graves announced that Lana would be facing Becky Lynch next. [c]
-Backstage, Randy Orton was asked by a reporter why he just attacked Tye Dillinger. When asked if Dillinger was his next victim, Orton responded simply by saying that “his perfect ten crap pisses him off.”
With Lana already in the ring, Becky Lynch made her entrance.
(5) BECKY LYNCH vs. LANA
As the match began, the crowd began chanting “Milwaukee.” Graves added that there is no way that Lana could be 100% focused on Becky Lynch. However, Lana did go on the offensive and hit Lynch with a bulldog before an unsuccessful pin attempt. Lana then followed Lynch to the outside where Lynch got the upper hand. Back in the ring Lana hit Lynch with a kick and covered for the pin but Lynch kicked out at two. Lana went to the second rope but was pulled down by Lynch. Lynch then caught Lana in the Becksploder before applying her Dis-Arm-Her which caused Lana to tap.
WINNER: Becky Lynch via submission in 2:30.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton asked Aiden English if he could elaborate on what happened in Milwaukee. English told her that he would next week, and that he has video evidence. They then cut to Paige who was preparing a security team for the upcoming contract signing. [c]
Paige is mid ring and she told the crowd that she has taken all precautions tonight because she knows how these contract signings usually end. Paige then welcomed A.J. Styles down to the ring as the announcing team reminded everyone that his match against Samoa Joe at Super Show Down will be a no count out and no disqualification. Paige then welcomed Samoa Joe, but he was nowhere to be found.
A.J. said that he wasn’t surprised, because Samoa Joe usually just attacks him from behind. A.J. went on to talk about how their upcoming no count-out, no d-q match is perfect for Joe, because he doesn’t follow rules, before being interrupted by Joe on the video screen. Joe said that he great thing about their business is that they get to travel all over the world and see exotic places, and go places that they would never expect to be. Joe added that tonight he found himself at one of those places, only to be shown next to A.J.’s mailbox. Joe asked Styles if he feels helpless, because there is nothing that he can do now. As Joe was standing in front of Styles door, he showed him that he brought a baby doll for Styles daughter Annie. Styles said that he begged Joe not to mess with his family. Joe asked A.J. how he feels right now, and added that this is how he will feel after their match at Super Show Down. Joe said that their rivalry has always been about consequences. A.J. told Joe not to do anything stupid. Joe said it would be rude to just let himself in, and that he would ring the doorbell. Joe said “Daddy’s home!” as the show went off the air. [c]
(Elder’s analysis: You could feel the crowd’s uneasiness with the personal nature of Joe’s antics. Joe had great delivery here. Paced nicely, with a calm and measured delivery that played nicely against A.J.’s panic. The ultimate payoff between these two feels wasted on a “Super Show Down.” Maybe it’s nitpicking, but to me this deserves a grander, more historic stage than a random network special.)
FINAL THOUGHTS: I thought this was a really solid show. R Truth’s unexpected thrusting into the spotlight has been a fun twist. The opening segment can often times feel too drawn out, but tonight it felt fresh with the introduction of Truth TV. The Rusev Day saga is getting better and better and I can’t wait for Aiden’s evidence reveal next week. The final segment between Joe and A.J. was great. However, it says little for Paige’s authority as General Manager as she just watched on quietly as one of her wrestlers was about to enter the home of another wrestler, potentially putting his family at risk. For being so pro-active in not wanting the contract signing to get out of control, she wasn’t very reactive when one of her wrestlers stepped so far out of line.
NOW CHECK OUT KELLER’S REPORT: 9/25 WWE SMACKDOWN RESULTS: Keller’s report including Styles-Joe contract signing, Big E vs. Sheamus, Rusev-English follow-up
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