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WWE SMACKDOWN TV REPORT
JUNE 3, 2022
COLUMBUS, OH AT SCHOTTENSTEIN CENTER
AIRED ON FOX
REPORT BY ALEX McDONALD, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Announcers: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee
[HOUR ONE]
-The show opened with the Smackdown intro video. Afterwards, they showed a wide crowd shot and Michael Cole welcomed the audience to the show. He then threw to Pat McAfee who talked up tonight’s main event, the Usos against Riddle and Shinsuke Nakamura. They showed a short video and a graphic for the match. They then showed a graphic for the Women’s Six Pack Challenge match as Cole hyped it.
-The New Day’s music hit and they made their entrance. They cut to the announce table. McAfee said tonight is a celebration of Michael Cole as it’s his twenty-five year anniversary. He said Cole has missed two shows in that time. Cole thanked him and threw to a video recap of the New Day and Drew McIntyre’s victory over the Brawling Brutes last week.
-Xavier Woods had the mic. He went for the cheap hometown pop, Kofi Kingston then did the same. The crowd was very loud for them. Woods said they want to talk about victory. The crowd then started the “O-H-I-O” chant. Kingston mentioned Sheamus, Butch, and Ridge Holland. Woods interrupted and informed Kingston they’re called the Brawling Brutes. Kingston continued, he said they’re back in the winner’s column due to the help of Drew McIntyre. Woods introduced McIntyre and then his music hit and he made his entrance. Cole said “it’s a Drew day, yes, it is.”
-McIntyre took the mic. He wanted to give a shout out to someone watching at home. The New Day asked “who, who, who”. McIntyre called out Big E. He said he needs to hear a loud “Big E” chant to show no one has forgotten about him. McIntyre said he will continue to send him pictures to keep him going. McIntyre said he missed a few weeks of Smackdown, but he’s going to call his shot right now. He said he’s going to win the Undisputed Universal Championship at Clash at the Castle. McIntyre then referred to himself as Big D. He started to say “Big D always goes in” but the New Day cut him off. The New Day then got a rainbow colored box and presented it to McIntyre as a gift. McIntyre said his birthday is on Monday. The crowd chanted “happy birthday” as McIntyre opened the box. It was a very small multicolored “kilt” that said “Big D”.
-The Brawling Brutes came out. They said they weren’t ready for McIntyre last week. Sheamus said if they had another chance things would be different. Butch rushed the ring and was tossed back out. [c]
(McDonald’s Analysis: That segment was cringe worthy in so many ways. McIntyre needs to get away from the New Day as soon as he possibly can. He’s now a goof? Is that the deal? What happened to that badass Scottish guy who was WWE champion for months at a time? There’s nothing good that can come from this for him. And as far as the Brutes go, I thought we were done with this? The ending of Smackdown last week was so definitive. The babyfaces won, the heels lost. No one cheated. Why can’t this feud just end? Oh, I know. There’s nothing else for any of these guys to do.)
(1) NEW DAY (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) & DREW McINTYRE vs. BRAWLING BRUTES (Sheamus, Butch, & Ridge Holland)
Sheamus hit the Ten Beats on Woods, then tagged in Butch who continued the move. Woods countered Butch with a jawbreaker then tagged in Kingston. They doubleteamed Butch which ended with a splash from Kingston for a near fall. Woods tagged back in and the New Day took turns kicking Butch. Woods then hit a senton on Butch for another near fall. Woods ran at Butch but Butch got his feet up and Holland tagged in. Holland tackled Woods at the knees, then took him to the corner where he tagged in Sheamus. Sheamus punched at Woods, then tagged in Butch. Butch stomped at the hand of Woods, then tagged in Sheamus. Woods recovered and rolled away from Sheamus. Kingston tagged in. He took Butch and Holland off the apron and dove at Sheamus, but Sheamus reversed. Kingston took control again and hit a crossbody followed by a Boom Drop. Kingston went to the corner, but Butch grabbed his foot. McIntyre attacked Butch on the outside. Sheamus took over on Kingston. Kingston recovered and Woods joined him. Woods and Kingston dumped Sheamus and Holland to the outside. They then dove over the top rope and took out both guys. The New Day celebrated on the announce table. [c]
Sheamus had a headlock on Kingston. Butch tagged in then stomped on Kingston. He ran across the ring and got in McIntyre’s face. Holland tagged in and powerslammed Kingston. Sheamus then tagged in and hit a knee off the top rope for a near fall. Sheamus slapped McIntyre on the apron. Kingston recovered and hit a Meteora on Sheamus, then tagged in McIntyre. McIntyre took over as Holland tagged in. McIntyre hit a belly to belly throw, a neckbreaker, and a kip up. McIntyre counted down, but Sheamus interrupted. McIntyre tossed Sheamus as well. McIntyre tagged in Woods. Butch tagged in as well. Woods took down Butch for a pin but Holland broke it up. Butch and Woods were left in the ring as the other wrestlers battled on the outside. Woods went for a roll up, but Butch kicked out. Butch hit the Bitter End and got the win.
WINNER: Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Butch, & Ridge Holland) in 11:00
(McDonald’s Analysis: Shocker, they 50/50 booked these guys again. Now the New Day can get another rematch and this feud can continue for another three months. Because the first three months just wasn’t enough.)
-Cole threw to a video recap of last week when Riddle and Nakamura teamed to attack the Usos. They then showed a recap of the match on Raw where Riddle and Nakamura “earned” a title opportunity tonight.
-Kayla Braxton welcomed Riddle and Nakamura in the back. She said they came together just last week and are now challenging for the titles. Riddle said they’re still in the honeymoon phase, but Nakamura isn’t Randy Orton. But he has cool moves. Nakamura said Riddle isn’t Rick Boogs, but he’s cool and laid back. (I think?) Kayla then threw to a video recap of the Bloodline’s beatdown on RK-Bro two weeks ago. Riddle looked serious after the video. He said for all the pain the Bloodline caused Orton, he promises to hurt them twice as bad. He said tonight is about vengeance. He told Orton tonight is for him. [c]
(McDonald’s Analysis: I’m not a fan of just ignoring the brand split so Riddle can be on both shows, but I like Riddle so much that I enjoy the chance to write about him. This segment started silly but the finish from Riddle after seeing the footage was fantastic. The serious sides of Riddle are very promising for the eventual break-up of RK-Bro. I’m fine with keeping him as a tag guy for now, but we need to see more of that side sooner, rather than later. That guy could be a major player.)
-Cole said that Ronda Rousey will be on the show tonight. They then showed a graphic for the Women’s Six Pack Challenge. Cole hyped the match for later on.
-Adam Pearce was in the back on the phone. Max Dupri entered. He said he’s been looking for a model that can be anywhere. Paris, Milan, even Wrestlemania. Dupri then said he’s found his first client. He said it’s a man who’s going to walk away from Instagram into the bright lights of WWE. Pearce asked who it was. Dupri told him that was a little invasive. Dupri then said that Pearce will find out with everyone else next week on Smackdown.
-Cole threw to a video package on the Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins feud. He hyped the match for Hell in a Cell on Sunday.
-Los Lotharios’ music hit and they made their entrance. They then did the Kiss Cam gimmick. McAfee talked up how great the Kiss Cam is. They, shockingly, found someone in the front row. A graphic was shown for Humberto Carrillo against Jinder Mahal. Cole hyped the match for after the break. [c]
-Los Lotharios posed in the corner. Cole threw to a video recap of the segment involving Mahal, Shanky, and Los Lotharios last week. They then showed Shanky dancing in the back. He was wearing new ring gear. Mahal’s music then hit and he made his entrance with Shanky. Shanky danced behind Mahal. Shanky stopped dancing when Mahal looked at him. Cole said Shanky’s new gear may allow him to dance better.
(2) HUMBERTO CARRILLO (w/ Angel Garza) vs. JINDER MAHAL (w/ Shanky)
Carrillo went after Mahal and hit a dropkick. Carrillo took Mahal down in the corner and stomped away at him. Carrillo kicked at Mahal in the corner and then hit a chop. Mahal recovered and hit a big back drop on Carrillo. Mahal used the ropes and dropped a series of knees on Carrillo. He choked Carrillo with his knee. Carrillo rolled to the outside. He hung Mahal up on the top rope, then hit a big kick. Mahal recovered and hit a big kick of his own. Mahal taunted Carrillo. Shanky danced at ringside, which distracted Mahal. Carrillo rolled up Mahal, but now, the ref was trying to get Shanky off the apron. Mahal then rolled up Carrillo and the ref turned around in time to count the fall for Mahal to get the win.
WINNER: Jinder Mahal (w/ Shanky) in 4:00
-Shanky tried to get Mahal o dance with him, but Mahal walked off. Shanky then danced for the ring announcer. She got up and danced with Shanky. McAfee was very happy for Shanky.
(McDonald’s Analysis: I guess WWE heard how uncomfortable it was for all of us to watch these guys harass the ring announcer last week. I guess having her join Shanky in the dance shows that she’s totally cool with it. This is so dumb. The only part of this that’s entertaining is Shanky acting like he’s not dancing when Mahal looks at him. Other than that, this is just ridiculous. Is Shanky going to be a babyface character like this? Will this make him an opponent for Gunther? Or Sheamus? I hope not.)
-Cole threw to a video recap of the Women’s Division in the locker room last week. The video then showed the attack on Rousey and Raquel Rodriguez by Shayna Baszler and Natalya. The package ended with Rodriguez and Rousey standing tall. After the video, Rousey’s music hit and she made her entrance. She sat ringside.
-Raquel Rodriguez’s music played and she made her entrance. Next out was Shotzi. Aliyah’s music played. Shotzi laughed. They then cut to the back where Aliyah banged on the locker room door. Cole informed us that she was locked in. McAfee said that Shotzi locked Aliyah and a camera operator in the locker room. Cole hyped the Six Pack Challenge match and asked if Aliyah will escape the locker room as they cut to break. [c]
-Back from break, they showed pictures of Ohio State University and then hyped the main event as a graphic was shown.
-Shayna Baszler’s music played and she made her entrance. Xia Li followed. Cole ran down the rules of the Six Pack Challenge match. Natalya then made her entrance. Shotzi yelled at the ref to ring the bell. Aliyah ran down the ramp from the back.
[HOUR TWO]
(3) NATALYA vs. SHOTZI vs. RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ vs. XIA LI vs. SHAYNA BASZLER vs. ALIYAH – Six Pack Challenge for the Number One Contender’s Spot for the Smackdown Women’s Championship
Shotzi and Aliyah brawled leaving the other four women in the ring. Rodriguez dumped Li, then went after Natalya but Baszler put Rodriguez in the Kirifuda Clutch and the two fell to the outside.Li and Natalya battled in the ring. Li hit a suplex on Natalya followed by a kick that missed, but Natalya sold anyway. Li went for the pin but Aliyah broke it up. Aliyah went for a cover on Natalya but Baszler broke it up and hit a gutwrench on Aliyah. Shotzi attacked Baszler, then Natalya hit a discus punch that took out Shotzi. Rodriguez entered and traded punches with Natalya. Rodriguez hit a big boot on Natalya. Shotzi tried to attack Rodriguez from the apron, but Rodriguez fought her off and delivered a stalling suplex on top of Natalya. She then hit a corkscrew elbow off the middle rope on both Natalya and Shotzi. Baszler jumped on the back of Rodriguez. Meanwhile, Natalya covered Shotzi for the win.
WINNER: Natalya in 4:00
-Rousey entered the ring. Natalya and Rousey stared each other down. McAfee said that two Hall of Famers will battle it out.
(McDonald’s Analysis: I’m not completely against this, but I’m irritated that this match only got four minutes. They could have used this to give some personality to some of these characters and let them battle for a while. They still could have accomplished the same thing in the end. Natalya is the “break glass” option and that’s what they’re doing here. Rodriguez isn’t ready yet and they want to save Baszler, so Natalya is the next logical choice. The match should be solid if they give it more than two minutes.)
-Cole threw to a video recap of Happy Corbin’s attack on Mad Cap Moss three weeks ago. They then showed an Instagram post from Moss about his return tonight. They then cut to a digital exclusive from Corbin. Corbin said he’s going to give Moss another ride out of the arena in an ambulance, only this time it may stop at the funeral home. He said if not, Moss can get down on his knees and beg for his job back. They then showed an ambulance in the parking lot. The sirens were going off. The back door opened and Moss emerged in short black trunks, black knee pads, and black boots. McAfee and Cole said he meant business. [c]
(McDonald’s Analysis: YES! THANK YOU!)
-Back from break, Cole hyped the Bella Twins at a Nascar event this weekend. They then cut to a video package on Lacey Evans. Cole said she will return to Smackdown next week.
-Moss’ new music hit and he made his entrance. He was still announced as Mad Cap Moss. Moss stood in the middle of the ring. The crowd chanted “welcome back”. Moss took the mic. He said that three weeks ago he laid in the ring with a chair around his neck and a ninety pound trophy slammed on him. He said Corbin thought that would be the end of Mad Cap Moss. Moss said he was right. Moss said that the man Corbin thought he knew was gone. Moss said that the “employee” Mad Cap Moss is gone and he buried him. Moss said that the trophy knocked something loose in his head. Moss said he’s been having a dream where he hits Corbin every time he asks Moss to tell a joke. Moss then said he knows that all the people in the crowd want to see that. Moss then called out Corbin.
-Happy Corbin’s music hit and he made his entrance. Corbin said that he’s sorry, but Moss isn’t here to fight. He said that Moss misses him. He said Moss is here to beg for his job back. Corbin said that he will consider it. Moss said he wants Corbin to come to the ring so he can knock his teeth down his throat. Corbin said he wants to come to the ring and teach Moss a lesson in humility. He said Moss isn’t thinking straight and he doesn’t want him to throw away his career because Moss is emotional. Pearce appeared. He said that a match between Moss and Corbin is a great idea. Pearce asked the crowd. The crowd cheered. Pearce then said the match is official. Corbin looked reluctant. Moss was ready in the ring. [c]
-A promo aired for Jeff Jarrett on the Broken Skull Sessions with Stone Cold Steve Austin.
(4) MAD CAP MOSS vs. HAPPY CORBIN
Corbin argued with the ref, then got in the ring, but immediately rolled back out. Corbin got in the ring and Moss headed towards Corbin but the ref was in the way. Corbin took a cheap shot. Moss recovered and took Corbin down, then tossed him to the outside. Moss threw Corbin into the barricade and then into the ring post, then back into the ring. Corbin rolled back out and grabbed a chair from ringside. Corbin swung the chair but Moss kicked Corbin in the gut. Corbin dropped the chair and Moss hit him in the gut with it. The ref called for the DQ.
WINNER: Baron Corbin by DQ in 2:00
-Moss used the chair on Corbin in the ring. He then tossed the steps into the ring. Moss attacked Corbin with the chair repeatedly. Moss put Corbin’s head in the chair and headed towards the steps. Pearce and a bunch of WWE officials ran into the ring and prevented Moss from attacking Corbin. Corbin escaped with some refs. He was announced as the winner by DQ.
(McDonald’s Analysis: I wish they had gone the full mile and dropped the Mad Cap part of Moss’ name, but I’ll take what I can get. Moss did a solid job with his promo. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it was enough to establish him as a renewed character while keeping his past intact. I was hoping he would do better, but let’s see if he can improve with time. As far as the match went, I thought Moss did very well. He shouldn’t care about the rules after what Corbin did to him. I’m glad that he lost it and went for a similar attack on Corbin to get even. Hopefully, down the line, we can see a full match between these two where they exceed expectations and do a good job. Moss has a good opportunity here. I hope he can make the most of it as Smackdown needs more stars.)
-Kayla was in the back with the Usos. Jimmy and Jey talked up what Moss did to Corbin. Kayla asked if the Usos saw what Riddle said earlier. Jimmy imitated Riddle and mocked him. Jey then dedicated the match to Roman Reigns. Jimmy said they’re still going to be dripped in all the gold. Jey told Nakamura and Riddle that they’re the twos and the Usos are the ones. [c]
-Corbin was in the back. He limped. Pearce appeared. Corbin asked if Moss was suspended. Pearce laughed and said Corbin did much worse to Moss a few weeks ago. Pearce then announced a No Holds Barred match between Moss and Corbin at Hell in a Cell.
-Cole announced an Intercontinental title match between Gunther and Ricochet for next week as they showed a graphic.
-Ricochet was in the back. He said he got the IC title because his work in the ring is flawless. He said he trained to earn those skills. He said that next week Gunther will respect his work on the mat. He said the title will stay on the shoulder of the one and only.
-Gunther was with Ludwig Kaiser in the back. Kaiser said the IC title represents honor and integrity. He said no one is more worthy than Gunther. He then said Ricochet’s time is up. Gunther said he will become the new IC champion.
(McDonald’s Analysis: I’m glad they’re doing this next week instead of adding it to Hell in a Cell for no reason. Ricochet’s promo was what it was. They’re keeping what he says limited which is probably the right thing to do. Kaiser’s words are also limited, but much more effective. Double that for Gunther. I’m interested to see how they book this match and how quickly Gunther disposes of Ricochet.)
-Shinsuke Nakamura’s music played and he made his entrance. Riddle then made his entrance to a great pop.
-Cole and McAfee ran down the card for Hell in a Cell this Sunday.
-The Usos’ music then played and they made their entrance. They raised both sets of Tag titles as they walked down the ramp. Cole said they’ve been champions for 319 days.
-Cole and McAfee finished running down the Hell in a Cell card.
-The Usos posed with the titles in the ring. Championship ring introductions then took place.
(5) SHINSUKE NAKAMURA & RIDDLE vs. THE USOS (Jimmy & Jey) (c) – Undisputed Tag Team Championship Match
Nakamura started against Jey. Nakamura hit a knee to Jey and took him down. Nakamura took Jey to the corner and tagged in Riddle. Riddle and Nakamura hit stereo kicks to Jey then Riddle hit a fisherman’s suplex for a near fall. Jey recovered and tagged in Jimmy. Jimmy and Jey double teamed Riddle and took him down. Jimmy attacked the back of Riddle and got a near fall. He then put Riddle in a chin lock. Riddle recovered and hit a big kick on Jimmy. Nakamura and Jey tagged in. Nakamura hit a scissors kick on Jey. Nakamura then took Jey to the corner. He delivered a knee to the gut on a perched Jey in the corner. Nakamura sent Jey to another corner and used his sliding German suplex. Riddle tagged in and got a near fall. Jey went for a Samoan Drop, but Riddle countered. Jey knocked Nakamura off the apron. Riddle climbed to the top but Jimmy shoved him off as Jey distracted the ref. Jimmy tagged in. The Usos hit Riddle with a double superkick and Jimmy went for the cover. Nakamura broke up the count. Nakamura took Jey to the outside and set him up against the steps. Nakamura went for a running knee, but Jey moved and Nakamura hit the steps. Jimmy then rolled out and held Nakamura as Jey stomped on the back of Nakamura’s leg. The ref called for trainers to check on Nakamura. The trainers helped Nakamura up and out of the arena up the ramp. Riddle followed and consoled Nakamura. Riddle ran back to the ring and took out the Usos. Riddle stood tall in the ring as the Usos looked on from ringside. [c]
Jimmy was in control on Riddle. Riddle fought back. He bounced back and forth between Jimmy in the ring and Jey on the apron. Jimmy hit a big kick to Riddle and got a near fall, then tagged in Jey. They double whipped Riddle into the turnbuckle and Riddle hit hard. Jey then mocked Orton’s stalking motion. Riddle recovered and hit a huge knee. Jey tagged in Jimmy. Jimmy went after Riddle but Riddle took control. He took Jimmy out with a kick. Then sent Jey to the other corner. Ridde got a fisherman’s suplex on both Usos, then sentons on both Usos. The Usos then rolled to the outside. Riddle hit a running knee on Jey, then took out both Usos with a Floating Bro. Back in the ring, Riddle delivered an Orton powerslam to Jimmy, followed by a draping DDT. Riddle then channeled Orton and went for an RKO on Jimmy but Jimmy shoved him off. Riddle knocked Jey off the apron and then rolled up Jimmy for a near fall. Jimmy recovered and used a pop up Samoan Drop for a near fall on Riddle. Riddle took Jimmy to the top rope. Roman Reigns’ music hit and distracted Riddle. Jey tagged Jimmy. Riddle delivered the RKO. Jey hit the splash and pinned Riddle for the win.
WINNER: The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) in 14:00 to retain the Undisputed Tag Team Championships
-Sami Zayn was shown in the production truck. He freaked out and said “it worked, it worked!”. They showed a replay of the finish as the Usos walked up the ramp. Riddle sat in the ring fuming. Zayn came out onto the stage and joined the Usos. Riddle ran up the ramp and attacked Zayn. Refs emerged from the back and pulled Riddle away. Riddle screamed “This isn’t the end! You don’t take Randy from me!” as they went off the air.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Wow. They got me for a second there. I actually thought Riddle was going to pull it off and hold all four tag titles until Orton returned. The match was really good. The Usos are just having great matches right now and are one of the top teams in the country. Riddle has also been on another level as of late. This whole segment played out perfectly. The finish with Zayn made sense and showed his loyalty to the Bloodline and his willingness to help them win. It also matched with his “strategist” gimmick. Riddle’s fury after the match was amazing. I said it earlier, but I want to see more of that guy. What he did at the end is top guy stuff. Most people don’t care when they lose in WWE, so Riddle taking it so personally struck a chord, because it’s different. Great job on all fronts here.)
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