10/4 WWE Smackdown LIVE – Parks’s Complete, Real-Time Report

WWE Smackdown LIVE review
October 4, 2016
From San Diego, Calif.
Live on USA Network
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist (Twitter: @gregmparks)

– WWE Open.

– Tonight, the three wrestlers involved in the World Title match at No Mercy will go face-to-face-to-face.

– Smackdown opened with the lights going out and Bray Wyatt’s music playing. He came to the ring, lantern in hand. And he’s scheduled for a match.

1 – BRAY WYATT vs. KANE

The graphic for Wyatt vs. Randy Orton at No Mercy was shown. On Kane’s entrance graphic, they gave his hometown as Knoxville, Tennessee. Kayfabe is dead. Kane responded to a Wyatt attack with a series of right hands in the corner. A jaw-breaker allowed Kane to break free from a rest-hold. Senton from Wyatt missed. Sidewalk slam by Kane. DDT followed. Wyatt countered a chokeslam with a uranage and hit a senton. As Wyatt did his spider walk, Randy Orton showed up on the Titan-Tron…upside down. He said he’s looking at the world the way Wyatt sees it. And at No Mercy, he’ll turn Wyatt’s world rightside-up. The screen normalized and Orton said he can play Bray’s game better than him. Orton asked Wyatt to come catch him. Kane knocked Wyatt out of the ring with a right hand. Wyatt voluntarily took the count-out loss.

WINNER: Kane, at 4:19. I liked the idea of Wyatt taking on Kane here as a warm-up for Orton, but I didn’t like the result. Wyatt should’ve taken down Kane in short order. Kane has been a non-factor since the brand split. Why the need to protect him?

– Baron Corbin was sauntering through the halls backstage. Charly Caruso greeted him and Corbin seemed none too pleased. She mentioned how he has caught the attention of Jack Swagger lately. Corbin said if Swagger thinks he’s going to come to Smackdown to make waves, he’s dumber than he looks. He threatened to drop Swagger, who then walked onto the scene. Swagger said they should find out if Corbin is as bad as he thinks he is, right now. Corbin said he does his talking in the ring. Swagger said he’d find Daniel Bryan and see if they could finish the conversation in the ring.

– Nikki Bella vs. Alexa Bliss is up next.

[Commercial Break]

– Backstage, a more disheveled than usual Wyatt walked backstage, talking to himself apparently, saying that Orton’s time is coming.

2 – ALEXA BLISS vs. NIKKI BELLA

Carmella joined the announcers at the commentary table. She didn’t get her own intro, however. Bliss took Nikki down early. Face-buster that showed a ton of light by Nikki. Like, it wasn’t even close. Dropkick took Bliss down, and Alexa rolled out of the ring. Carmella trash-talked Nikki, leading to Nikki throwing Bliss into her. That’s a spot that’s quickly becoming overdone. In the ring, a “let’s go Nikki” chant broke out. Carmella charged into the ring and attacked Nikki.

WINNER: Bella, via disqualification, at 1:50. Not particularly thrilling action while it lasted.

Becky Lynch came out to make the save. She tossed Bliss and Nikki threw Carmella out of the ring. Tag match next?

[Commercial Break]

3 – ALEXA BLISS & CARMELLA vs. NIKKI BELLA & BECKY LYNCH

Well whaddya know. Daniel Bryan made this match during the break, and JBL even said Bryan was doing his best Teddy Long impression by making this match. The heels were in control of Nikki in the early going of this match, joined in progress. Bronco Buster in the corner by Carmella on Nikki, landing ever so gently on Nikki’s chest. Bliss with a clothesline and a two-count. It sounded like Carmella was getting some good heel heat. Tag in to Lynch after Bella avoided another Bronco Buster. Bex Plex on Bliss, and another. Carmella pulled Bliss out of harm’s way, so Lynch jumped off the apron to forearm Bliss. Superkick by Carmella took out Lynch, and a spear by Bella knocked Carmella down. Bella chased her backstage. Twisted Bliss by Alexa onto Lynch for the pinfall win.

WINNERS: Bliss and Carmella, 4:03 shown. We got a little taste of Bliss vs. Lynch here, and if their interaction in this match was any indication, it could be a good one on Sunday.

Replays of the match were shown.

– Wyatt continued his trek backstage, searching for Orton. It was extremely dark wherever he was. Wyatt came upon a rocking chair, lit by a dusty glow. He shouted out to the unseen Orton if that is all he had. The camera luckily panned back as Orton closed an overhead door, locking Wyatt into whatever room he lured him into. Orton asked Wyatt how it felt to be the hunted rather than the hunter. “Lord, have mercy….or not,” said Orton. A security-like camera in the room showed Wyatt pounding on the overhead door, trying to get out.

– A.J. Styles will face off with his No Mercy World Title challengers, Dean Ambrose and John Cena, tonight.

– Also tonight, The Miz will introduce a “Dolphumentary” on the career of Dolph Ziggler.

[Commercial Break]

– Daniel Bryan came to the ring with five women in the Susan G. Komen “More Than Pink” t-shirts. Bryan talked about WWE being in the 5th year of partnering with Komen to fight breast cancer. He said they’re now recognizing more than just donating, but those who are taking action and inspiring others to take action. He recognized the women in the ring for surviving breast cancer and taking action. He gave them all rousing introductions. He called the women heroes and champions. They started a “Yes!” chant and his music played without him revealing what was on the table mid-ring, covered by a pink sheet. That was odd. Were they telling him to get on with it? He said he wasn’t done yet, and then he quickly uncovered the sheet and on the table were Smackdown titles, one given to each woman.

– It’s confirmed: Jack Swagger makes his Smackdown in-ring debut against Baron Corbin.

[Commercial Break]

4 – THE VAUDEVILLAINS vs. THE HYPE BROS

No entrance for the Vauds. Mojo Rawley broke out some dance moves after slamming Simon Gotch. As Gotch created separation and he and Zack Ryder jockeyed for position, The Ascension emerged on the stage to watch the match. Ryder, from the second rope, dropkicked Aiden English off the apron. That allowed Gotch to take over. Exploder suplex by Gotch. The heels had the advantage until English missed a knee-drop. Rawley tagged in at 3:10 and worked over English. Hype Ryder connected on English for the win.

WINNERS: Hype Bros, at 3:52. A much-needed win for the babyface tandem after they’ve taken some high-profile losses early in their run on the main roster.

Replays were shown of Rawley’s offense and the finish.

– Miz TV’s “Dolphumentary” is next.

[Commercial Break]

– The Royal Rumble returns to the Alamodome in San Antonio. Tickets go on sale a week from Friday.

– Miz and Maryse were in the ring. Miz wanted to bring out the guest of honor immediately, as this may be his last Smackdown appearance: Dolph Ziggler. Miz said Ziggler’s career could be over Sunday, but it won’t be forgotten. Miz cued up the Dolphumentary video package, a mock-WWE Network WWE 24 presentation called “The Success of a Failure: The Dolph Ziggler Story.” They even showed him introducing himself to people backstage in his original Ziggler gimmick, as well as clips of him a part of the Spirit Squad and as Kerwin White’s caddy. They aired clips of WWE Superstars and Legends presumably talking about him, but it was hard to tell whether it was cut that way or they were really supposed to be talking about him.

Back live, Ziggler threatened to slap the hell out of Miz if he said any more. He said that for every ten embarrassing moments, there’s one magic moment that keeps him going. He talked about granting wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and said that’s real emotion. He talked about his short time as champion and seemed to get emotional. He said that feeling is why he can’t walk away. Ziggler said if he can’t deliver, he doesn’t belong in WWE. He said Miz won’t ever take his career from him and that he’s not done yet.

“Yes you are,” replied Miz. He said Ziggler’s career will be over, but he has just the thing to raise Ziggler’s spirits: The Spirit Squad music played and out walked two former members. It was Kenny (Dykstra) and Mikey (Mondo), I believe. I feel kind of sad that I identified them so quickly. Kenny still has the pipes. I really can’t believe this happening. The two Squad members spelled out “Dolph” and cheered that if he loses, he’ll head to the unemployment line. Miz said two of them got lost in transit when they got sent back to OVW. He said Nicky (Ziggler’s name in the Squad) could reunite with the Squad after Sunday. Ziggler wanted to go after Miz, but Kenny and Mikey attacked. They gave him their finisher but Ziggler came back and superkicked Kenny, then superkicked Mikey coming off the top. Miz attacked, but Ziggler fought him off though Miz did avoid a superkick. They’re really putting a lot of forethought behind this feud. WWE must see it as a big deal, a rarity for a secondary title feud.

– More with Wyatt locked in a storage locker. He ended up just sitting in the chair after walking around a bit.

– The No Mercy World Title match face-off happens tonight.

– Jason Jordan vs. Jimmy Uso is next.

[Commercial Break]

– Roberto Clement was honored for Hispanic Heritage Month.

– Just confirmed for No Mercy: Nikki Bella vs. Carmella.

5 – JASON JORDAN vs. JEY USO

Pretty sure the graphic before the match said Jimmy was fighting Jordan. No entrance for the babyfaces. Once again, for the third straight Usos match, David Otunga mentioned a conversation with the Usos’ father, Rikishi. Jey snapped Jordan’s neck across the rope, and 36 seconds in, worked a rear chin-lock. Both Jason and Jey’s partners were at ringside. Out of nowhere, Jordan rolled up Jey and stacked him up for the win.

WINNER: Jordan, at 1:18. This is not how I pictured American Alpha’s debut month going.

Jimmy attacked Chad Gable outside the ring, throwing him into the barricade. Jordan was chop blocked by Jimmy outside after the match. Before more damage could be done, Heath Slater and Rhyno ran out to make the save. The attack on Jordan’s knee was replayed, as was Slater and Rhyno’s save. They actually replayed the babyfaces running out and not even physically interacting with the Usos, just running them off.

– Wyatt was singing to himself in his rocking chair, still locked away. He then began talking to Abigail. He asked her to take him home. He reached out for her, but of course, we saw no one.

[Commercial Break]

– Outside what had become Bray’s tomb, Orton finally opened the door. Wyatt was nowhere to be found – just an empty rocking chair. Orton was incensed. He threw the chair in anger.

– Clips aired of John Cena from Talking Smack last week. He confronts Dean Ambrose and A.J. Styles later tonight.

– Jack Swagger came out. He faces Baron Corbin, next.

[Commercial Break]

– Another plug for WWE’s partnership with the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

– “When Curt Hawkins goes swimming, sharks beach themselves.” “Amelia Earhart got lost searching for Curt Hawkins.” “There’s a covert branch of the United States government known as the CIA: Curt In Action.” At No Mercy, Curt Hawkins will make his return. If you’re not a WWE Network subscriber, there’s your $9.99 value right there.

6 – JACK SWAGGER vs. BARON CORBIN

Corbin worked out of a waist-lock and ran over Swagger. Swagger ducked a clothesline and delivered a shoulder tackle of his own. Corbin blind-sided Swagger with a right hand while the referee admonished Swagger. Corbin, with Swagger on the mat, pounded away with fists and forearms. They went to break at 2:09 of the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back at 5:42 with Swagger still on the mat selling the offense of Corbin. It was more of the same during the break. I believe there was a “USA” chant to bring Swagger back to his feet, which didn’t make a lick of sense. JBL called Corbin a “future World Champion.” Corbin charged at Swagger, who ushered Corbin out of the ring. Swagger avoided a corner charge and connected on a few clotheslines. Patriot Lock hooked in by Swagger. The ref called that Corbin tapped, but there was controversy, as JBL and Corbin charged that Corbin was simply reaching for the ropes.

WINNER: Swagger, via submission, at 8:21.

Corbin was irate after the match, tearing apart the ring steps and the announce desk.

– Up next: The face-off involving Ambrose, Styles, and Cena.

[Commercial Break]

– A.J. Styles was out first for the face-off. Styles said Smackdown has been called the land of opportunity, and he believes it. He said he took advantage of the opportunities afforded him at Summerslam and Backlash. Styles said he has another opportunity this Sunday, to beat Cena and Ambrose at the same time. That drew Ambrose out to the ring. Ambrose called Styles a chump and said he took the low road. Ambrose said Cena showed his true colors by costing him the World Title last week, and said Cena should instead be thanking him for bringing the title to Smackdown. John Cena came to the ring.

Styles stopped Cena before he could speak, telling him to shut up. He said everybody knows what Cena is going to say. Styles said he doesn’t care how many championships Cena has won – he’ll never be in the same conversation as Ric Flair. Styles would know. After all, he’s a former protégé of Flair. Styles said while Cena chases history, he makes history. He got excited yelling for Cena to make one of his rah-rah speeches. He wanted to watch Cena make a fool of himself like he did at Summerslam.

As Cena was about to speak again, Ambrose told him to stop, repeating what Styles said, that he knows what Cena is going to say. Ambrose said Cena is going to spin it so the guy who got screwed over will look like a jerk. He talked about Cena politicking his way into the match, stabbing people in the back to stay on top. He said Cena can’t outwork him. Ambrose said he knows Cena has no respect for him because he never kissed Cena’s ass. “Talk is cheap,” replied Cena, who tackled Ambrose. He threw Styles out of the ring and gave Ambrose an AA. As Cena celebrated and his music played, Styles reentered the fray. He hit a Phenomenal Forearm. Styles held up his title as his music played and slid out of the ring. Ambrose attacked him from behind and tossed him into the barricade. Dirty Deeds on the steel ramp. Finally, Ambrose’s music played while he held the title. Then the Spirit Squad came back out…okay, I’m kidding. The attacks were replayed. Ambrose stood tall to close the show.

Did you watch Tuesday’s Smackdown episode? Send your 0-10 score & Reax to pwtorch@gmail.com for our TV Reax feature.

Greg Parks has been covering WWE Smackdown for PWTorch.com since January of 2007. He is the host of “Moonlighting with Greg Parks,” a PWTorch VIP-exclusive audio show posted each weekend. Follow him on Twitter @gregmparks for live Tweeting during Raw, Impact, and PPVs, as well as other bits of wisdom. Comments, questions and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_man9784@yahoo.com.