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KELLER’S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
NOVEMBER 6, 2020
ORLANDO, FLA. AT AMWAY ARENA (“THUNDERDOME”)
AIRED ON FOX NETWORK
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves
Ring Announcers: Greg Hamilton
[HOUR ONE]
-Cole introduced the show as the camera panned the Thunderdome. Cole reminded us it is “critically acclaimed.” (That makes me enjoy Smackdown more! Keep saying that.) He then explained, “It’s Boss time!”
-Sasha Banks strutted out to her music. They aired a three minute video recap of their feud. Then Kayla Braxton interviewed Bayley backstage. She said watching that footage must’ve conjured up so many emotions in her. Bayley said rewatching Sasha forcing her to sign that Hell in a Cell contract just makes her angry. She said they didn’t the show most important aspect of Sasha’s career, which is her losing every title she wins on the first defense. She said tonight their rivalry will end the way it began, Sasha crippled by her own failure.
(Keller’s Analysis: Bayley’s not the most entertaining or witty or dynamic personality overflowing with charisma, but she is believable as a nasty person you just want to see get what she’s got coming. I think that’s an underrated quality in a modern pro wrestling heel. She doesn’t seem like she’s “performing” being mean despite often reciting memorized platitudes. She seems to genuinely enjoy being a heel.)
(1) SASHA BANKS vs. BAYLEY – WWE Smackdown Title match
They fought back and forth for a minute. Bayley slipped out of the ring. Sasha yelled at her and they cut to a break. [c]
Sasha charged at Bayley on the ring apron, but Bayley lifted her with her legs and sent her flying onto the edge of the ring apron face-first. Bayley took it to Sasha in the ring for a few minutes. Sasha made a comeback and landed double knees for a two count at 8:00. Bayley ended up at ringside. Sasha leaped off the ring apron and landed a hard crossbody, landing with a thud. They cut to another break. [c]
Bayley sent Sasha into the announce table at ringside with a head scissors. She swiftly threw Sasha into the ring. Sasha knocked Bayley off the top rope, then landed a running knee. Sasha hit a running elbow drop on Bayley on the ring apron. Sasha landed a frog splash back in the ring for a near fall. Sasha and Bayley tried to outmaneuver and counter each other in the ring. Bayley got the better of it, kicking Sasha into the ringside barricade.
Bayley grabbed a kendo stick from under the ring. The ref turned and got rid of the kendo stick. Bayley tried to use a chair behind the ref’s back. Sasha threw it out of the ring and into the monitor area. Bayley surprised Sasha with a back stabber and a Bayley-to-Belly for a believable, dramatic, and clever near fall. Bayley leaped off the top rope with a (weak looking) elbow drop for another near fall. Bayley paused to regroup, looking frustrated. Bayley landed a back suplex for another two count. Bayley applied the Bank Statement on Banks. Banks draped her foot over the ropes to force a break. Sasha countered Bayley into a Jackknife cover for a two count.
Bayley charged on the ring apron, but Sasha ducked, and Bayley crashed into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Banks landed a back stabber and then applied the Bank Statement. Bayley tapped out. Graves said it has to feel great for Banks to have the monkey off her back.
WINNER: Banks in 18:00 to retain the WWE Smackdown Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: Really good match. Cole’s call was solid throughout, but he undersold the finish and it took something away from the big moment. It’s amazing how many spots they worked not in the ring, not at ringside, but on the ring apron in this one.)
-As Banks celebrated on the ring apron, Carmella superkicked her. She gave her a face plant on the stage next. She posed proudly with her arms extended.
(Keller’s Analysis: It’s pretty clear we’re finally done with Sasha vs. Bayley for now.)
-Backstage Kevin Owens approached Jey Uso, all smiles. He asked if he’s alright. Jey said it’s been an emotional couple of weeks. KO asked if Roman Reigns’ has him getting him coffee. “Shouldn’t that be Paul Heyman’s job?” Jey took offense and asked if he thinks his family is a joke. KO said he was just joking. KO said they’re partners at Survivor Series, but he appears to have a lot on his mind. He suggested he switch to decaf. [c]
-The announcers talked about Undertaker having his “Final Farewell” at Survivor Series. (How many other farewells has he had?) Then they recapped the Carmella attack. Cole said Carmella says everyone will find out why she is untouchable. Graves said the Smackdown Women’s Division just got more interesting.
-Braxton interviewed Jey Uso in the backstage ring. They aired a video package of Jey attacking Daniel Bryan last week. She asked him to explain his actions. He said he had to do what he had to do, and family is blood, but Bryan isn’t. Braxton said Reigns has said if he doesn’t do what he says, he’s out of the family. Uso said she’s full of jokes. Heyman approached Braxton and asked if Reigns authorized the interview. “It was rhetorical; no he did not,” he said. Heyman whispered that Reigns wants to see him, so let’s not leave him waiting. Jey insulted Braxton before he walked away.
-They went to Rey backstage on the phone, sounding distressed. Dominik came up and asked why he’s not even dressed because his match is next. Rey said he couldn’t get ahold of Aalyah. Dominik said he hasn’t talked to her today. Rey told him to go get his gear for him. He got back on the phone. King Corbin attacked Rey. Dominik ran back to help his dad; Corbin ran away.
-A Raw commercial hyped “A Moment of Bliss” with Drew McIntyre. [c]
-Heyman talked to Jey backstage. He told him that if he wants to talk Kayla, he has to run it by Roman first. Jey asked if he really has to get permission. Heyman said yes. Jey suggested they go talk to him. Heyman nervously said he’d go bring Roman to him when Roman is ready. Jey was left waiting outside. Reigns came out a few seconds later, looking irritated. He asked Jey why he was on set and talking on camera. “There’s a chain of command around here,” he said. He said if he can’t find him, then check with Paul. Reigns asked what was happening with KO. Uso said he was just joking around. “Forget that fool,” he said. Reigns said it sounded to him like KO was disrespecting him. Reigns said if he disrespects Jey, he disrespects him and his entire bloodline. He asked if he’s going to let that slide. Jey got worked up and said he’d handle it. He walked away. Reigns asked Heyman, “You know about this?” Heyman stammered and said he found out about it while it was happening. Reigns said he’s supposed to know about everything and handle everything so he doesn’t have to. Heyman said he understands. Reigns told Heyman to go find Adam Pearce so they can address the KO problem tonight. Still no eye contact by Reigns with Heyman. Heyman nodded and left.
(2) KING CORBIN vs. REY MYSTERIO (w/Dominik) – Survivor Series Team Smackdown qualifying match
Rey was still in street clothes, limping a bit, as Dominik walked alongside him. Corbin dominated for a few minutes. Graves said adults don’t need their dad’s permission about who they’re dating. When Rey finally made a comeback, Seth Rollins’ music interrupted. Rey turned to look at the stage as Seth walked out. Cole said the last thing Rey needed was something else to throw him off his game. [c]
Corbin took control again as Seth watched from the stage. Cole asked if Seth hasn’t done enough damage to Rey and his family. Rey leaped off the top rope, but Corbin caught him and gave him a backbreaker against his knee and then a powerslam for a near fall.
[HOUR TWO]
Corbin applied a bear hug. Rey bit a Corbin’s head to break free. Corbin charged Rey in the corner, but Rey moved. Rey then leaped off the top rope and took Corbin down with a Thesz press. He rallied more with some kicks and a springboard dive for a two count. Corbin went for a Deep Six, but Rey countered and set up a 619. Corbin ducked to the floor. He hit Dominik from behind. Rey then dove over the top rope onto Corbin on the floor. Rey threw Corbin back into the ring. He hit a 619, but before he could capitalize on it, Seth attacked Dominik. Rey went after Corbin. Murphy and Aalyah came out. Rey yelled at Aalyah to get Murphy out there. Aalyah said he was there to help him. As soon as Rey re-entered the ring, Corbin gave him his End of Days for the win. Graves said he couldn’t be more excited to see Corbin representing Smackdown at Survivor Series. He said Seth has his chance to “punch his ticket” later. Cole plugged the Seth vs. Otis match.
WINNER: Corbin in 11:00 to qualify for Team Smackdown.
-Graves announced Jey vs. KO would take place later.
(3) ZELINA VEGA vs. NATALYA vs. RUBY RIOTT – Qualifier for Team Smackdown at Survivor Series
Ruby’s got a new look. Natalya put Vega in the Sharpshooter. Riott applied an armbar on Vega at the same time. When Natalya let go, Vega tapped. Natalya threw a fit when Riott was given the win.
WINNER: Riott in 4:00.
-Backstage, Big E was sitting on the floor playing “Trivial Pursuit” for money with a woman. In walked the Street Profits, singing “Big… E Rocks!” Big e stood and smiled. Big E waved them in for a word. He said if they lay down in the ring at Survivor Series, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods won’t beat them up too bad. All three then broke into hysterical laughter. Billie Kaye walked up to them and was laughing. The Profits stopped laughing. She presented them with her headshots and resume. She said she was a former member of the Raw Roster and could offer them inside information. They said they were on Raw the same as her. She froze. They smiled and walked away.
-Otis made his ring entrance to his new country-tinged entrance them about being a working man. [c]
(4) SETH ROLLINS vs. OTIS – Qualifier for Team Smackdown at Survivor Series
Graves said everything Seth does is for the greater good. Seth took control early. Murphy walked out and got Seth’s attention. They cut to Rey, Dominik, and Aalyah backstage watching on a monitor. Otis then took over against Seth. Otis backdropped a charging Seth over the top rope right near Murphy. Seth came back with a sling blade in the ring. Otis rallied a minute later, but Seth caught him charging with a boot to the face. Seth leaped off the second rope, but Otis caught him and gave him a fallaway slam. Otis then splashed Seth in the corner. Cole said this could be a major upset. As Otis set up the Caterpillar, Murphy stood on the ring apron. Otis took exception and charged toward Murphy. Murphy dropped to the floor. Seth superkicked Otis, then landed a stomp for the win. Cole said it appeared Seth is headed to Survivor Series because of Murphy. “I have no idea what just happened,” Cole said. They cut to the Mysterios backstage, displeased with that turn of events. “What is wrong with Murphy?” asked Cole.
WINNER: Rollins in 4:00 to qualify for Team Smackdown. [c]
-Backstage Seth approached Murphy, who had an intense expression. Seth said he think he knows what is going on. “Tell me I saw what I think I saw, Murph?” he said. Murph pointed at Seth and said, “Messiah.” Then he pointed at himself and said, “Disciple.” Seth was ecstatic and asked him to say it again. He said he knew he would see the light and understand the Mysterio family were never going to accept him. He held his face and welcomed him home. He said they have work to do, then he left. Aalyah ran up to him, yelling, shoving him. She said she defended him to his family and he went back to Seth. Murphy assured her calmly he knows what he is doing, so trust him. “This is for the greater good,” he assured her. She listened and stared back at him.
-They went to Cole and Graves at ringside who threw to Cole’s new sitdown interview with Lars Sullivan. Cole asked about Lars talking about being bullied as a kid. Sullivan said he hates bullies. He said he’s been bullied his entire life for the way he looks, the way he talks, and the way he dresses. He said bullies would push him down and kick him and steal his lunch and mock him and call him “Freak!” He breathed deeply. He said the other kids would stand there and watch and laugh at his expense. He said at 13 years old he started lifting weights and learned how to take care of himself and gained about 50 pounds of muscles in 18 months and the bullying stopped. He said then he became the bully. “I bullied the bullies, and that was so much fun,” he said. He said he would then bully the kids who laughed at him at his expense. “I got them because they deserved it. I learned that I could bully whoever I want. I could make them do whatever I want. I could make them eat whatever I want – dirt, glass, bugs. He began laughing and almost crying as he said he could make them do whatever he wanted. He let out a huge yell. He welled up and said, “Now that’s intimidation, that’s bullying, and I love it.” Cole said rarely in his career has he been that uncomfortable.
-Jey Uso made his ring entrance. [c]
-Braxton asked KO if he thinks things got out of hand with Jey. KO said he didn’t expect to be fighting his tag partner at Survivor Series tonight. He said he has a tendency to speak his mind. He called it perhaps a bad habit. He suggested Heyman is Roman’s “little bi…” He said what Reigns made Jey do to Bryan last week was out of hand. He said Jey can justify it all he wants, as he himself has done a lot of questionable things in his career for his family. He said the difference between them is he chose to do them, because he is his own man, which is more than he can say for Jey. KO said the beating he has coming is 100 percent from him.
(Keller’s Analysis: It’s nice to see now and then how good KO can be on the mic. Really strong pre-match promo.)
(5) KEVIN OWENS vs. JEY USO
They showed Reigns and Heyman watching backstage. Jey snapped KO’s neck over the top rope. Then he dove through the ropes at KO, but KO caught him and threw him into the ringside barricade. Then he landed a splash on the floor as they cut to a break. [c]
Heyman walked out during the match. Jey nodded at him as he rammed KO’s head into the ringside steps. KO rallied and landed a superkick. Heyman looked concerned at ringside. Jey charged at KO in the corner, but KO moved and landed a superkick followed by a cannonball. He followed up with a top rope flip senton for a two count.
Jey made a comeback a minute later and landed a neckbreaker for a two count. KO came back with a Pop-Up Powerbomb. Jey put his leg over the bottom rope to stop the count. Reigns’s music played. KO got distracted. Jey headbutted him in the crotch and followed with a superkick and frog splash off the top rope for the win. “A disgusting victory for Uso tonight,” Cole said. Reigns came out and congratulated Jey on his win on the stagea. He put his arm around him, then held up his Universal Title.
WINNER: Jey in 12:00.
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