5/21 WWE SMACKDOWN TV RESULTS: Keller’s report on Backlash fallout, Crews vs. Sami vs. Apollo vs. Owens, Rick Boogs debut

KELLER’S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
MAY 21, 2021
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA IN “THUNDERDOME”
AIRED ON FOX BROADCAST NETWORK

Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

Ring Announcer: Greg Hamilton

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[HOUR ONE]

-Cole introduced the show as the camera panned the ThunderDome and then showed a gathering of champions on the stage, standing side by side and awkwardly dancing together. “It’s the top tier of WWE, the proud men and women who hold the gold,” he said. McAfee plugged the Intercontinental Championship four-way match.

-Sonya Deville introduced the show from mid-ring and talked about WWE Smackdown leaving the ThunderDome and returning to the road where they belong. She introduced each of the champions on the stage and said it’s an extra-special episode. Crews interrupted Deville and asked why she is disrespecting him by saying he is defending his title. He complained that the odds are stacked against him but he will still retain his title. He kissed the IC Title. Sonya indulged him but tried to move on. She introduced Belair who twirled her hair and smiled.

Sonya then announced Roman Reigns. Out came Paul Heyman, who said the stage isn’t a parade of champions, it’s a parade of title holders. “Roman Reigns isn’t a title holder, he’s a champion,” he said. “He isn’t just a champion, he’s the preeminent champion of WWE and all of sports entertainment.” He said that’s why when someone buys tickets to the upcoming live events, they will do so with the confidence of doing so to see the Tribal Chief.” He said he Reigns will a “Parade of Champion” (singular) later “at Roman Reigns’s leisure.” He thanked everyone and walked away. He shot Commander Azeez a look of being intimidated and not wanting any problems as he passed by him.

Sonya said that was the first surprise of the evening and probably not the last. She then asked everyone to give a hand to the champions. Bayley entered the ring and complained she wasn’t acknowledged as a champion for 380 days “during this whole ThunderDome era” and a dual champion. She talked about each of the champions, closing with Belair. She said she used her “stupid pony tail” as a weapon to win at WrestleMania and again at Backlash to beat her again. She said she’s not a champion, she’s a criminal. Belair entered the ring and held her title in Bailey’s face and had some words for her. Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax attacked Belair from behind. Bayley joined in and beat her down. Natalya and Tamina jumped in to even the odds. The heels tossed Belair and Natalya out of the ring, then triple-teamed Tamina.

(Keller’s Analysis: That was just weird. Gathering the wrestler on the stage to act cartoonish is never a good thing for anyone – which is why it’s wonderful they left Roman Reigns out of it. There seemed to be some deliberate effort to manufacture a sense of high-energy and importance to the show after a weak viewership number last week.)  [c]

(1) NATALYA & TAMINA & BIANCA BELAIR vs. NIA JAX & SHAYNA BASZLER & BAYLEY

Cole said Sonya made this match official during the break. Cole said Jax & Baszler are Raw wrestlers, but are taking advantage of the “Brand-to-Brand Invitational” which, he explained, gives wrestlers the opportunity to visit the other brand once per quarter. A few minutes in, Belair landed a spinebuster on Baszler. When Jax and Bayley pulled Baszler to ringside, Belair leaped off the top rope onto all three. She grabbed her knee in pain afterward. Cole said, “That champ’s hurt!” as they cut to a break. [c]

Bayley was in control against Belair. She eventually tagged in Tamina, who powerslammed Bayley, then tagged in Natalya. She gave Bayley a German suplex, then tagged in Tamina who superkicked Bayley and scored a two count; Bayley grabbed the bottom rope to force the break. A minute later Natalya landed a discus clothesline. When Belair went for a handspring move on Baszler, Bayley pulled her out of the ring. When Natalya yelled down at Bayley, Baszler put Natalya in her Kirafuda Clutch for the tapout win.

WINNERS: Jax & Baszler & Bayley in 15:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: High-energy match.)

-Kayla Braxton interviewed Big E in the backstage ring set. He said tonight he stands in the ring with dogs. He said this is a chance for him to sharpen his iron and prove he is the best. He said he will leave no doubt he is the rightful and deserving IC Champion. He told Kayla there’s no denying it. [c]

-Cole and McAfee talked more about WWE returning to touring in July with a 25-date tour, including headlines from various media entities. McAfee said they’ll be back where they’re supposed to be.

-Another Aleister Black vignette aired. This was titled “Beautiful Pain.” He said the tattoos on his body represent pain that serves a purpose. He said there is no lying with pain. “It is honest, it is truth,” he said. He asked where we’d be without the truth of agony. He said they represent sins that they embody. “You all live proudly in your cesspool of sins and denial because it’s all you are,” he said. “It has become your identity to be loathsome and blithe. You are sick and dying animals, and it time for me to separate the weak from the strong.” He said his father taught him it is time to cull the herd.

-Baron Corbin came out. Cole said he didn’t realize how bald Corbin is, a joke at his expense because Nakamura stole his crown. They replayed Corbin pinning Nakamura last week, then a clip of Nakamura parading around in a convertible wearing a crown. Cole said he hasn’t taken the crown off since last week. They showed Nakamura making taunting posts with his crown on with his cat and sipping coffee. Corbin said he wasn’t going to say anything, but that was the most disrespectful thing he’s ever seen. He said Nakamura may call himself the King of Strong Style, but he’s no real king. He called Nakamura’s cat shabby and fat, and said a real king respects the crown. He said he’ll grind his face into the canvas, then send the crown to be cleaned polished properly. He yelled for Nakamura to come out. Cole said they can’t call him King Corbin because he doesn’t have a crown, so he’s just “Corbin.”

A guy came out playing an electric guitar. Corbin asked who he is. He said he is Ric Boogs (NXT’s Boogenhagen) and he’s going to rock with the real King of Smackdown. Nakamura then came out as Boogs played his entrance theme live. Cole said Nakamura vs. Corbin was next. [c]

(2) SHINSUKE NAKAMURA vs. BARON CORBIN

Boogs was at ringside. Cole called his guitar playing “an incredible performance.” Corbin took early control. The screen noted that #Smackdown was the no. 1 trend on Twitter. Boogs talked at ringside as he continued to hold his guitar. McAfee asked what “Boogs” means; Cole said it’s his last name. Nakamura made a comeback and scored a two count after a Russian Leg Sweep. Corbin came back and showed frustration after Nakamura kicked out after a German suplex. Cole touted Corbin’s incredible strength. McAfee said without a crown, it’s easier to appreciate Corbin’s jaw line. Corbin landed his Deep Six for a two count. Boogs DISTRACTED Corbin by playing Nakamura’s theme song on guitar, and Nakamura rolled up Corbin for a three count. Corbin put the crown back on his head and celebrated on the stage with Boogs as Corbin fumed from the ring and yelled, “That’s mine!”

WINNER: Nakamura in 7:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: The match was fine. The whole angle makes both Corbin and Nakamura seem pretty juvenile, but Nakamura is so into it, I’m amused by that aspect. Not sure how much Boogs I can take, and I could imagine the fans turning against him hard but also being into him for the camp enthusiasm of his act.)

-Jimmy Uso told Sonya that the greatest tag team is ready to reunite. Sonya asked if she’s checked with Jey because, last she saw, he was hanging out with Roman Reigns. He said he wouldn’t be there if he didn’t know Jey was on board. He suggested they face The Street Profits. She said a match of that caliber has to be promoted and hyped, so next week it’ll take place. Jimmy was happy. Cole wondered what Reigns thinks of that.

-Reigns, Jey, and Heyman made their ring entrance to Reigns’s entrance theme. McAfee said Reigns has put the show on his back. Cole said Heyman says fans will buy tickets to see Reigns in person. (They’re trying to will it into truth.) They cut to a break. [c]

-A soundbite aired with Kevin Owens, who said during his first two years in WWE they called him the prize fighter, and tonight he wants to live up to that name. He talked about his partners and threatened to shove his head up his “Azeez” if he sticks his nose in the match. He said he is determined to become a three-time IC Champion.

-Back in the ring, Reigns, Heyman, and Jey stood as they went to a sponsored highlight package of Reigns beating Cesaro at Backlash followed by the post-match attack by Seth Rollins of Cesaro. (They’re really stretching out the time between Reigns’s entrance and the actual segment where he speaks.)

[HOUR TWO]

-They piped in a “Roman Sucks!” chant as he readied himself to talk. He said he considers himself a humble man and “in fact, I take every opportunity I can to teach my sons about humility.” He told Heyman he doesn’t like to brag on live television, so he’s going to take this opportunity to let his special counsel celebrate him. Heyman listed Reigns’s wins since his return last year, including stacking Edge and Daniel Bryan on top of each other as if it were a handicapped match. He said they’ll never see Edge again, and he also banished Bryan from Smackdown “into a life of Bella retirement.” Heyman said he just defeated the most polished and accomplished grappler. He said he beat Cesaro on his own at his own game. He said it’s a career highlight to celebrate and acknowledge the preeminent champion in all of WWE and sports entertainment. Heyman said his whim and wish is his command. “What else may I please do for you, my Tribal Chief,” said Heyman. Reigns said, “Bring me my cousin.” Heyman demanded the ringside producer start Jey’s music. Instead, Cesaro’s music played.

Cesaro walked out with his arm in a sling. Reigns said to “cut this bum’s music.” He said he isn’t his cousin and he must be lost. Cesaro said he was looking for Seth, but instead he heard all this yapping from the ring. Reigns asked what he’s going to do with one arm. “Want me to break the other?” Reigns asked. “What do you want me to do?” Cesaro suggested a rematch at Hell in a Cell. Reigns smiled and said, “Me and you again? You really want to do this again?” he said. Seth then attacked Cesaro from behind and threw him into the ringside steps, then retreated. He stomped away at him at ringside. Two referees helped Cesaro to his feet. Seth charged back at him again and gave him a Stomp. Pat Buck and Jamie Noble joined referees in trying to talk Seth into calming down. Seth leaped past them and gave Cesaro another stomp, face-first onto the steel. Cole said Seth’s wild eyes are of a man possessed. Medics rolled a stretcher out.

(Keller’s Analysis: Reigns is starting to show a little more range in his mic work, gradually loosing up a bit but continuing to be top-shelf in everything he says and all of his subtle body language. The fact that he is relishing Heyman’s extreme subservience as if it’s deserved rather than being embarrassed by it makes him even more of a heel.) [c]

-They replayed Seth attacking Cesaro at ringside. Backstage, Megan Morant asked Seth why he went to such extreme measures. Just then, Cesaro was wheeled past him. Seth yelled at him and asked when he’s going to learn, while huffing and puffing. McAfee said he’s manic.

-Rey & Dominik Mysterio came out with their newly won tag team titles. Cole threw to a sponsored clip of their win at Backlash. They entered the ring and held up their belts. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode walked out. Roode told Dominik not to let that big win on Sunday go to their head. He said his dad did all the work and he reaped all the benefits, just like he lived his life. He said this whole “Bring Your Son to Work Day” thing is over. He said he’ll prove once and for all that he doesn’t belong there. Dominik held up his belt as if to indicate, “This shows I belong.”

(3) DOMINIK MYSTERIO (w/Rey Mysterio) vs. ROBERT ROODE (w/Dolph Ziggler)

With Dominik rallying a few minutes in, Ziggler DISTRACTED him on the ring apron. Rey kicked Ziggler at ringside, but Roode took control briefly against Dominik. Dominik avoided a charging Roode in the corner, then hit a 619 and a frog splash for the clean win.

WINNER: Mysterio in 3:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: That was way too fast for Roode to lose clean to Dominik, no matter how confident WWE is in Dominik’s upside.)

-Backstage Jimmy let Jey know that they’re wrestling together next week against The Street Profits. “You made a tag match without checking with me first?” Jey said, not impressed with the news. Jimmy said it’s not about Roman, it’s about them. He said they accomplished a lot without him. Jey said he owes it to Roman to tell him this news. [c]

-McAfee hyped up WWE returning to a live tour in July. He stood and pointed around at where all the people will be. Cole said the first live event in front of a crowd will be Friday Night Smackdown on July 16 in Houston, Tex.

-Jey approached Reigns and Heyman backstage. Jey said he had nothing to do with it. An irked Reigns stood and asked, “Who’s we?” He told Jey he’s being selfish right now. “This is we,” he said, pointing at him and Jey. He hugged Jey and whispered something to him. Jey looked disturbed and emotional at how Reigns reacted and what he said to him.

-The Street Profits talked excitedly about their match against the Usos next week. Montez Ford mocked Jey. Angelo Dawkins said it won’t be cute what they do to them next week. They got serious at the end and looked at the camera and said, “We want the smoke!”

-Kayla interviewed Sami Zayn backstage. He cut her off and said she is trying to get in his head before his match. He called her a corporate hack and a propagandist. He said he will never forget the word “conspiracy” no matter what anyone says or does to him. He said he will reclaim his status as the Champion of the People and his persecution ends tonight.

-Sami’s ring entrance music played and made his entrance first. Then KO made his entrance. Cole hyped the main event as they cut to a break, noting there is no Champion’s Advantage. [c]

-Cole hyped that Baszler & Jax would get a rematch against Natalya & Tamina for the WWE Tag Team Titles on Raw next week. McAfee hyped next week’s Usos vs. Street Profits match.

(4) APOLLO CREWS (w/Commander Azeez) vs. KEVIN OWENS vs. SAMI ZAYN vs. BIG E – Intercontinental Title match

Big E made his entrance after the break. Then Crews made his entrance. KO clotheslined Sami at the bell and tumbled to ringside as Big E and Crews battled in the ring. KO hit Big E with an early step-up enzuigiri. Sami then jumped KO and punched away at him. He yelled down at him as Cole talked about him going down the deep end with conspiracy theories. Lots of action led to KO flip-diving onto Big E on the fl0or as they cut to a break. [c]

They fought rapid-fire for several more minutes before cutting to another break after Big E speared Crews off the ring apron to the floor. [c]

Cole pushed WWE’s return to live events. McAfee said spears like Big E’s before the break is why tickets are going to sell fast when WWE returns to live events. Sami cut off Big E running the ropes. KO went for a Pop-Up Powerbomb on Sami, but Sami blocked it. KO came back by driving Sami head-first onto his knee for a two count. When KO climbed to the top rope, Crews knocked him off balance. Big E suplexed both Crews and Big E. KO landed a frog splash on Big E for a near fall mid-ring. KO landed a cannon ball on Big E in the corner. Sami went after KO and scored a near fall after a Blue Thunder Bomb. Azeez checked on Crews on the floor. Sami dragged KO to center-ring and then climbed to the top rope. Crews went after Sami. Sami punched him to the floor. Big E then went after Sami, but Sami knocked him away. KO avoided Sami’s jump. Big E lifted Sami, but KO superkicked him. KO superkicked Sami. Crews dove at KO, but KO gave him a sitout powerbomb for a near fall.

Sami pulled KO to ringside and threw him into the barricade. KO backdropped Sami over the barricade. Sami came back and suplexed KO onto his head at ringside. Sami re-entered the ring and charged, but Big E gave him a uranage. Big E then gave Crews a Big Ending. As Cole yelled, “Big E’s going to win the title!” Azeez yanked him out of the ring. Big E shoved Azeez into the ringpost. The lights began to flicker and smoke filled the ringside area. Aleister Black entered the ring and gave Big E his Black Mass spinning heel kick. Crews scored the pin.

WINNER: Crews to retain the IC Title in approx. 20:00.