SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...
WWE SMACKDOWN TV REPORT
OCTOBER 20, 2023
SAN ANTONIO, TX FROST BANK CENTER
AIRED ON FOX
REPORT BY ALEX McDONALD, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Announcers: Michael Cole, Kevin Patrick, Corey Graves
[HOUR ONE]
-The show opened with a video recap of last week’s Smackdown. The video started with John Cena’s appearance and then transitioned to Roman Reigns making his return to confront Cena. The video then transitioned to L.A. Knight’s entrance and exchange with Reigns before he thwarted Jimmy Uso’s attack and accepted Solo Sikoa’s challenge. Then, the video showed highlights of the match between Sikoa and Knight with Knight coming out on top before being taken down by Reigns and the spear. The video ended with Reigns standing over Knight.
-The camera panned the crowd and Kevin Patrick introduced the show. They showed a graphic with Logan Paul and Rey Mysterio. Corey Graves hyped the segment. Then, they showed a graphic for the Women’s Championship match between Iyo Sky and Charlotte Flair. Patrick promoted the match for later in the evening.
-Paul Heyman was in the ring. He introduced himself. He said he has big shoes to fill this week. He then asked the crowd if they saw what Jimmy Uso did on Monday Night Raw. Heyman said that Jimmy took the inspiration from Reigns and cost Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes the Undisputed Tag Team titles. Heyman then asked if the crowd heard the other news. He said that the Los Angeles Times broke this news a few hours ago. He said it’s the most read article in the publication today. Heyman announced that Reigns would defend the Undisputed Universal Championship against L.A. Knight at Crown Jewel. Heyman pointed to the screen and a graphic was shown as Michael Cole hyped the match. Back in the ring, Heyman said he’s like everyone there, except he dresses better and makes more money. He said they’re all fans of L.A. Knight, though. Heyman called himself an admirer of Knight. He said if the crowd likes Knight as much as he does, you must watch Crown Jewel because it’s the last time you’ll see Knight in the ring. The crowd chanted for Knight. Heyman said Knight is going to get smashed by Roman Reigns.
-L.A. Knight made his entrance to a loud ovation from the crowd. He talked trash on his way to the ring as Heyman looked on. Knight got in the ring and snatched the mic from Heyman. He asked for his music to be shut off. He said all Heyman has been doing is making noise. Knight said he’s not here to talk to Heyman and Heyman can leave. Knight called out Reigns. Heyman started to leave but Knight told him to get back in the ring. Knight asked where Heyman’s lip was now. He said he heard a bunch of idle threats when he was in the back, so he wants to hear it from Heyman now. Heyman stammered and then started to leave. Knight stopped him again. Knight said that Heyman said the spear last week was a warning shot. Knight asked Heyman if it was the right move. Heyman didn’t answer. Knight said he doesn’t do warning shots. He said that if you’re going to take him down, you should take him down for good. Knight said he won’t stop until he beats Reigns for the title. Knight said if Reigns is scared, Heyman should say so. Knight said Reigns hasn’t seen anyone like Knight before. He said he’ll take the title as fast as he’s risen in WWE. Knight said there’s a contract signing next week. Knight told Heyman to tell Reigns that it’s his game. Knight slammed the mic into Heyman and walked off. Cole asked if Reigns’ long reign could be over two weeks from tomorrow.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Solid segment. I get that it’s Knight’s schtick, but he relies really heavily on the catchphrases to get through some of these promos. It works for him, and that’s great, but I hope he brings more next week when he’s face to face with Reigns. I think that’s where some of the danger with Knight comes in. WWE has done such a great job making their characters multi-dimensional and Knight isn’t right now. I’m willing to give him a chance, and I’m glad that they’re striking while the iron is hot, but I’m starting to understand more and more why WWE thinks this could just be a fad. I’m interested to see what they do with Knight in the next two weeks and what happens in the aftermath of this match. There’s a zero percent chance he’ll win as they won’t switch that title in Saudi Arabia after this long reign. Since most of us know that, where does Knight go afterward?)
-They showed a graphic for John Cena. Patrick said he would be in the arena tonight.
-Montez Ford worked out in the back while Angelo Dawkins cheered him on. Bobby Lashley appeared and said they need to “go out and do what they do and take these guys out with pride.”
-Santos Escobar made his entrance with Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro. They showed a graphic for Escobar against Ford. Patrick hyped the match for after the break. [c]
-Escobar waited in the ring.
-Montez Ford made his entrance with Angelo Dawkins and Bobby Lashley in tow. Patrick threw to a video package on Lashley’s exchange with Carlito last week. The video then showed the Street Profits’ attack on Carlito.
(1) SANTOS ESCOBAR (w/ Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro) vs. MONTEZ FORD (w/ Angelo Dawkins)
The bell rang twenty-one minutes into the hour. They locked up and Escobar got the advantage. Ford landed a kick to the gut then took Escobar down. Ford hit a running kick to the back and covered Escobar for a one count. Ford landed another kick and made another cover for another one count. Ford tossed Escobar into the corner and Escobar leapt over Ford. Escobar came off the ropes but Ford took him down with a big dropkick. Ford made a cover and got a two count. Ford shot Escobar off the ropes. Escobar went for a sunset flip but Ford rolled through and landed a kick. Ford hit a splash and made the cover for a two count. Ford took Escobar to the corner. Escobar fought Ford off and went to the second rope. Ford landed a big kick that knocked Escobar to the floor on the outside. Ford yelled into the camera that they would be back after these messages. [c]
Ford had Escobar in an armbar and Escobar fought to his feet. Ford took Escobar down and got another two count. They showed Lashley watching on a monitor in the back. Escobar charged Ford but Ford hit a back elbow followed by a springboard bulldog. Ford pounded on Escobar with rights then went back to the armbar. Escobar fought to his feet and landed a couple of punches. Escobar landed a big dropkick followed by a pair of flying shoulder blocks. Escobar ducked under Ford and hit a superkick that sent Ford to the outside. Escobar ran the ropes and came through with a dive that took Ford down. Escobar rolled Ford into the ring and climbed to the top rope. Escobar came off with a crossbody and made the cover for a two count. Both men pulled themselves up in opposite corners. Escobar charged and landed knees in the corner. Escobar lifted Ford to his shoulders but Ford got free and sent Escobar to the corner. Escobar sent Ford to the apron and Ford landed a kick. Ford climbed to the top rope. Escobar answered with a kick of his own and followed Ford to the top. Escobar hit a Frankensteiner. Both men were down and Dawkins pulled Ford to the outside. Escobar came off and took down Ford with a double axe handle. Escobar rolled Ford into the ring. Dawkins threw Escobar into the ring post. The L.W.O. attacked Dawkins but Dawkins fought back. Escobar came around the corner to take out Dawkins. Escobar went back into the ring and Ford rolled him up for the win.
WINNER: Montez Ford in 9:00
-Dawkins hit the ring and attacked Escobar with Ford. Wilde and Del Toro tried to even the odds but were taken down. Carlito’s music hit and he ran down to the ring as the Street Profits exited and escaped up the ramp.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Solid match. Ford got a lot of offense in the early going so I thought he might take the loss. I don’t see the need for the screwy finish, but that’s what WWE does in this situation. They’re trying to get the Profits over as heels, so they’re going to use the cheap finishes to do so for now. Ford looked good here and Escobar sold his offense really well. I would be into more from these two in one on one settings with some clean finishes. Ford’s offense is still really flashy despite him being a heel. I don’t know how that will work long term.)
-Damage Ctrl was in the back. Bayley and Dakota Kai chopped Iyo Sky to get her fired up for her match against Charlotte Flair. Bayley hyped Sky up with words of encouragement. [c]
-They showed a graphic for Royal Rumble. Patrick said it’s the fastest selling Rumble in history.
-The L.W.O. was in the back. Rey Mysterio appeared and talked to them. He said he heard Logan Paul is going to call him out, so he’s going to take care of business. Zelina Vega asked Mysterio if he wanted them to accompany him. Mysterio said he had to handle the situation himself.
-The announce team sat ringside. Patrick threw to a video recap of Pretty Deadly’s return last week on Smackdown. Patrick asked how Pretty Deadly celebrates a victory. They showed a video of Pretty Deadly in a nail salon. Elton Prince said they have a massage on the way and are living the dream. Kit Wilson agreed. Prince said they got a squeaky clean win over the Brutes last week. Wilson said they would never see them again. The Brutes appeared and beat up Pretty Deadly in the nail salon. They dipped their heads in the foot baths and then Ridge Holland invited Butch to get a pint.
-Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman were in their locker room. Jimmy Uso appeared. He asked if they saw Raw. Jimmy said he ran the play and threw a bullet for a touchdown. Jimmy did a celebration dance. Heyman pointed off in the distance.
(McDonald’s Analysis: That felt like a very abrupt ending to that segment. I don’t know what happened but it felt like it didn’t actually conclude before they cut to Cena arriving.)
-John Cena arrived in the back. [c]
-Michael Cole hyped Bad Bunny as the host for Saturday Night Live tomorrow.
-John Cena made his entrance in the arena. Cena said it’s sold out in San Antonio and everyone can see the place is fired up. Cena said the crowd has him fired up. The crowd chanted for Cena. Cena thanked them. The crowd chanted “thank you, Cena.” He said the crowd has no idea what that means to him. Cena said it’s been a rough day and he was hit with pretty harsh truths. He said he should be honest with the crowd and himself. Cena said he talked about Reigns’ streak last week. Cena said he found out he had a streak of his own. 2,002 days. He said that was a long time. Cena said it’s been that long since he last won a televised singles match. Cena said he wants the crowd to think about that. He said his last win was in 2018. Cena leaned against the ropes and looked emotional. He said he’s been talking a lot about retirement. Cena said it’s time they all face facts. He said it’s been a long time since he’s had a win. The crowd chanted “you still got it”. Cena said he believes in himself and the crowd. He said he believes in the beauty that is this madness and he believes he can still go. Cena said he believes that the time is now to turn the math around. Cena said it’s going to be a bad night for the next idiot who walks through the curtain. Cena said whoever it is will get smoked.
-Solo Sikoa made his entrance. Cena looked concerned, but determined. Sikoa stepped onto the apron and entered the ring slowly. Sikoa started to walk toward Cena. Sikoa went for a punch but Cena blocked it. Cena sent Sikoa to the corner. Jimmy Uso ran down the ramp and took Cena down in the ring. Jimmy pointed to Sikoa and Sikoa beat on Cena. A man in a black hoodie came out of the crowd and pulled Jimmy to the outside. The man revealed himself to be Jey Uso. Jey tossed Jimmy into the timekeeper’s area before officials arrived to separate them. In the ring, Cena hit an AA on Sikoa. Cena posed on the second turnbuckle as his music played. Jimmy and Sikoa slunk up the entranceway. Sikoa looked at Cena angrily from the ramp. Cena continued his pose routine in the ring.
(McDonald’s Analysis: I can’t tell how we’re supposed to feel about the Cena promo. Yeah, he hasn’t won since then, but can anyone think of a time when he really should have? I know we shouldn’t think about it in a meta-sense, but it’s kind of hard not to. On top of that, didn’t he never lose for long periods of time also? Maybe all the losing is why he gets a universal positive reception now. Speaking of which, hearing a crowd chant “thank you, Cena” is surreal given his history with crowds.)
-The announcers sat ringside. They talked up Logan Paul as news clippings showed. The news reports mentioned Paul’s win in his boxing match. They then showed a video recap of the boxing match.
-A black SUV pulled into the parking lot. Logan Paul emerged. Patrick said he’s arrived. Graves said he will call out Rey Mysterio after the break. [c]
-They showed a video package on Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre. They said they would see us soon.
-They showed post card shots of San Antonio. Patrick said all the stars are here. He then threw to a video package on the previous segment with Cena, Sikoa, and the Usos.
-The announcers sat ringside. Patrick threw to a video recap of the Undisputed Tag Team title match on Raw this past Monday. The video highlighted Jimmy costing Jey the match, and thus the titles.
[HOUR TWO]
-Jey Uso was in the back with Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce. Pearce said Jey got the idea from Jimmy. Aldis fined Jey $10,000 and told the officials to escort Jey out of the building. Pearce offered to take Jey. Aldis asked security to take Pearce and Jey. Pearce asked if he was getting kicked out. Aldis said he was. Pearce said “let the games begin” and walked off.
(McDonald’s Analysis: What a coincidence, the GM’s have a dust-up with six weeks to go before Survivor Series. Who could have imagined such a thing.)
-Logan Paul made his entrance. The crowd booed. Paul said that six days ago he was in England beating up a scum bag. He said he won his fight. Paul said calling it a fight is a disservice to combat. He said if he wanted a real competition he should have had another WWE match. Paul said he got to beat up an Internet troll. A coward who hides behind a mask on the Internet. Paul said that he isn’t here for Mysterio. He said he already beat him in his first WWE match. Paul said when he beat Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio was still his son. Paul said the last time he beat Mysterio, Reigns showed up to work and Knight didn’t have a job. Paul said a lot has changed since then. He said he’s engaged and has a successful drink company. Paul said he knows who he is and he’s a WWE Superstar. Paul said he isn’t here for Mysterio, but Mysterio has something Paul needs. He said Mysterio has respect and legacy, but Paul has his own and doesn’t need that. He said that Mysterio has the United States title and Paul needs that title. Paul said he beat up a dead beat Dad last weekend and at Crown Jewel, he’ll have to beat up another. Cole mentioned that Paul beat Mysterio in a tag team match.
=Rey Mysterio made his entrance. Paul leaned down to look at Mysterio. Mysterio stood opposite Paul with a mic. Mysterio said that Paul reminds him of Dominik. He said they have amazing natural ability and passion and have incredible careers ahead of them. He said they also both have big mouths. Mysterio then said something in Spanish. He said Paul needs humbling. Mysterio said the last time he had to kick sense in Dominik, he was reluctant, but he won’t hesitate with Paul. Mysterio took off the U.S. title and held it up. He asked if Paul wanted it. Paul said he wants it badly. Mysterio said he’ll give Paul the chance. Mysterio challenged Paul for Crown Jewel. Paul posed and accepted. Paul extended his hand to Mysterio. Mysterio looked to the crowd and pondered his decision. Mysterio extended his hand toward Paul. Paul reached out and grabbed Mysterio’s hand and shook it. Paul dropped his mic and walked off. Cole said Paul is going to find out why Mysterio is the biggest little man in WWE history. Graves said that Paul threw Mysterio off his game.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Paul is just so unlikeable. Mysterio was good here and did a good job keeping his message short and sweet. I think they could actually go with Paul as champion when this is over. It won’t hurt Mysterio at all and they could still move forward with whatever they were going to do with Mysterio and Escobar. I can’t stand Paul, but it would give him some added credibility. I have no idea where Paul would go from there, but it is an intriguing idea.)
-The announce team sat ringside. Patrick hyped the Women’s title match and threw to a video package on Sky and Charlotte over the past few months. After the video, they showed Charlotte warming up in the back.
-Grayson Waller made his entrance. Austin Theory made his entrance to join Waller on the stage. They showed a graphic for Waller and Theory against Cameron Grimes and Dragon Lee. Patrick hyped the match for after the break. [c]
-Cameron Grimes made his entrance and paused at the top of the ramp.
-Dragon Lee made his entrance and joined Grimes on the stage. Patrick threw to a video recap of Theory’s match with Lee a couple of weeks ago on Smackdown.
(2) A-TOWN DOWN UNDER (Austin Theory & Grayson Waller) vs. CAMERON GRIMES & DRAGON LEE
Lee started with Theory. They locked up and Lee sent Theory off the ropes. Theory took Lee down with a shoulder block. Lee answered with a hurricanrana and Theory tagged in Waller. Waller took down Lee. Lee landed a kick and tagged in Grimes. Grimes and Lee hit a double team high and low kick. Waller dropped to the outside and Theory joined him. Grimes ran the apron and kicked Theory. Grimes tossed Waller into the ring post. Lee and Grimes then tossed Theory into the ring post. Waller and Theory were down against the barricade. Lee and Grimes celebrated in the ring. [c]
Waller kicked at Lee and landed an uppercut. Theory tagged in and they attempted a double team but Lee fought out and hit a tornado DDT on Waller. Grimes tagged in and climbed to the top rope. He took down Theory with a crossbody. Grimes then took down Theory again before he hit Waller with a kick and Theory with an elbow. Grimes landed a German Suplex and bridged into a two count on Theory. Lee took down Waller. Lee ran the ropes hit a dive on Waller on the outside. In the ring, Grimes slammed Theory and got a near fall. Waller took out Lee on the outside. Grimes rolled up Theory and Waller hit the ring to break up the cover and stun Grimes. Theory hit A-Town Down and got the win.
WINNER: Austin Theory & Grayson Waller in 7:00
(McDonald’s Analysis: I don’t like this for Lee. Has he been called up? If so, teaming with Grimes isn’t really the recipe for success. I would rather they just moved on from this or gave Grimes a partner that didn’t have as much potential. Match was fine, but simply filler. I really like the team of Waller and Theory. I want to see them more as singles guys who occasionally team, but this is fine until one of them is involved in a program of actual consequence.)
-The announce team sat ringside. Graves said everyone wants to be Theory and Waller. Patrick threw to a video recap of last week’s segment featuring Nick Aldis, Triple H, Dominik, and the newest member of Smackdown, Kevin Owens. The video showed Owens’ giving the Stunner to Dominik. After the video, they showed a still shot of Kevin Owens with Cathy Kelly. Graves said we would hear an exclusive interview after the break. [c]
-They showed a pre-taped interview with Kevin Owens and Cathy Kelly. Owens said he doesn’t feel great to be away from Sami Zayn. He said they worked for a long time to get to where they were. He said to be separated that way after not getting a fair rematch for the titles sucked. He said he is excited to be on Smackdown. Owens said he had a lot of history with the Bloodline. He said he hopes they won’t cross paths, but they won’t. Owens mentioned that he’s never had a singles match with Mysterio or Sheamus, and he wants to do both. He said there’s a lot of new faces for him to punch. Owens asked if Kelly wished she could punch Waller and Theory in the face. Kelly agreed. Owens said he wants to make sure all the fans go home knowing it was the Kevin Owens Show.
(McDonald’s Analysis: That was a giant waste of time. Owens said a whole bunch of nothing and we didn’t get any insight into what he’ll be doing on the roster. I guess Owens against Waller or Theory would be fine. It does give me an idea though. If Paul wins the U.S. title, a feud with Owens would be perfect for both guys. They’re basically total opposites and they could work well playing off each other.)
-They showed a graphic for the L.W.O. against the Street Profits next week. Graves then hyped Reigns’ return for next week as they showed a graphic for the contract signing with Reigns and Knight.
-Charlotte Flair made her entrance.
-Iyo Sky made her entrance with Dakota Kai and Bayley.
-Formal ring introductions took place.
(3) IYO SKY (c) (w/ Bayley & Dakota Kai) vs. CHARLOTTE FLAIR – WWE Women’s Championship Match
They locked up. Charlotte took Sky down and went for a Figure Four but Sky got away and rolled to the outside. [c]
Back from break, Charlotte had Sky in a headscissors and slammed her head into the mat. Charlotte got to her feet and went after Sky. Sky landed a jawbreaker followed by a right. Charlotte fought back. Sky whipped Charlotte into the corner and Charlotte went to the apron. Bayley grabbed Charlotte’s foot and pulled her off the apron. Sky ran the ropes and came through with a dive that took Charlotte down. Sky sent Charlotte back into the ring and climbed to the top rope. She came off with a missile dropkick and covered Charlotte for a quick one count. Sky went for a headlock but Charlotte fought to her feet. Sky slammed Charlotte down. Sky went back to the headlock as Charlotte tried to fight Sky off. Charlotte escaped with a back suplex. Charlotte landed a kick on Sky in the corner. Charlotte charged but Sky moved and Charlotte hit the top turnbuckle. Sky ran the ropes but Charlotte caught her. Charlotte went for a slam but Sky was able to send Charlotte up and over the top rope as Charlotte hit the apron on the way down. Sky went to the apron and came off with a hurricanrana. Charlotte stopped Sky and delivered a powerbomb onto the apron. Sky was down with Charlotte standing over her as they cut to break. [c]
Charlotte set up Sky for a superplex. Sky fought back and transitioned into a sunset flip powerbomb. Sky made the cover for a two count. Sky charged Charlotte in the corner and hit double knees. Sky made the cover for another two count. Sky spun around Charlotte into a crossface. Charlotte got to her feet and sky pushed her off. Sky went for a roll-up but Charlotte reversed into a German suplex. Both women were down as Bayley looked concerned at ringside. Both women got to their feet. Charlotte landed a series of chops. The last one took Sky down. Sky got up and dove at Charlotte but Charlotte caught Sky and hit a fallaway slam. Charlotte followed up with a suplex and kipped up. Charlotte charged Sky in the corner but Sky got a boot up. Sky came off the second rope but Charlotte caught her. Charlotte climbed with Sky to the second rope and delivered another fallaway slam. Charlotte made the cover for a near fall. Sky rolled to the apron and got up. Charlotte attacked Sky but Sky hung Charlotte up in the ropes. Sky came off the top rope but Charlotte caught her and transitioned into a Boston Crab. Sky countered into a cover and Charlotte kicked out at two. Charlotte landed a shot on Sky and Charlotte tried to stomp on Sky’s leg in the corner. Sky moved and Charlotte landed hard on her knee. Sky went for the moonsault but Charlotte got her knees up. Charlotte hit a big spear and covered Sky. Bayley put Sky’s foot on the rope to break the count. Charlotte was upset and dropped to the outside to attack Bayley. Charlotte tossed Bayley over the announce table. Charlotte got back into the ring and charged Sky. Charlotte collapsed as Sky hit her with the title. Sky made the cover for the win.
WINNER: Iyo Sky in 15:00
-Cole said you have to give Sky credit for taking advantage of the situation. They showed a replay of the final moments of the match. Bayley and Sky stomped on Charlotte in the ring. Bianca Belair’s music played and she ran to the ring. Belair knocked down Sky and went after Bayley. Sky tried to help and Belair took her down before turning back to Bayley. Belair went for the K.O.D. on Sky but Bayley pulled Sky free and pushed her out of the ring. Belair grabbed Bayley and hit her with the K.O.D. Belair helped Charlotte to her feet and stood tall with her in the ring. Kai and Sky checked on Bayley on the outside.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Well, at least they gave us a screwy finish we haven’t seen in a while. I really don’t like that Cole excuses the behavior of the heels and says we have to respect it. No we don’t. It’s cheating. If an NFL cornerback tackles a receiver going for a pass and it’s not called, do we celebrate the player for being resourceful? No! We get mad because it’s cheating and it should have been called. It’s stupid and Cole should know better. It also adds to the confusion of this whole situation because Charlotte isn’t really the most upstanding babyface on the female roster. I’m glad that Belair is back, but I feel like she hasn’t done anything besides feud with Damage Ctrl for months upon months. They made such a mistake during the draft. They didn’t mix up the Women’s Divisions enough. There’s way too much same on Smackdown and all they did was move a tired Raw storyline to a different night. I’m glad we’re at a point where this match can main event Smackdown on national television, but I really wish the storyline was more compelling to show these women in a better light. On top of that, Charlotte was way off in this one. The spot where she landed in the corner was a comical, super fake looking sell and the way she literally stood there with her arms open waiting for Sky to come off the second rope was embarrassing. Performance Center level stuff there. Please, some fresh stories in the Smackdown Women’s Division. Somehow.)
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