By Vince Valdez, PWTorch.com contributor

WWE SMAKDOWN REPORT
SEPTEMBER 12, 2008
AIRED ON THE CW
TAPED IN MILWAUKEE, WISC..

A video montage aired, broadcasting highlights from the Smackdown championship scramble, ending with Triple H retaining the world title after a last-second pinfall over MVP.

J.R and (The) Tazz introduced the show.

Tonight: A Fatal Four-way match to determine the number one contender for No Mercy. Also, Vicki Guerrero and The Big Show will address the crowd in regards to Show's actions towards The Undertaker at Unforgiven.

Triple H came down to the ring for a promo. The announcers hyped up his PPV win, noting that he had tied Jeff Hardy with three pinfalls a piece.

Triple H went over the results of the PPV, without actually giving away too much of the action - a good tactic for those who haven't seen the PPV and want to see what all the fuss is about. He called the championship scramble "One of the most difficult matches" of his entire life. Before he could get much further than that, however, Jeff Hardy's music hit.

Jeff took center stage and congratulated Triple H on his win on Sunday, saying that he, along with the rest of the locker room, respect Triple H. Hunter mockingly returned the compliments, going over all the accomplishments that Hardy has achieved, only to fall short of ever reaching the brass ring, saying that Jeff was always "one second away." Jeff shot back, saying that he never had the the Clique, DX, or "The Family" to achieve the same level of heights that Triple H has. Hunter partially agreed, but also pointed out that Matt Hardy won the scramble last night for the ECW title, and that Jeff has not been able to maintain focus in the ring long enough - focusing on his "extracurricular activities," instead - to ever accomplish the goal of winning the world title. He finished by saying that even if Hardy wins the fatal 4 way tonight, by the time No Mercy is over, Hunter will still be proven right.

Thoughts: A typical promo by Triple H, nothing special. Hardy held his own end of the promo, keeping up with Hunter in the trade offs and interactions. The segment could have also been a bit shorter, but at least they took the time to set up the premise for the main event and plant the seed of desire in Hardy.

[Commercial Break]

(1) Maryse & Natalya & Victoria vs. Michelle McCool & Maria, & Brie Bella

McCool and Natalya started things off, with a roll up pin attempt by McCool early on for a near fall. Tag into Maria, who spoke with Tazz earlier (ha!) about her desire to get back into action tonight, and her red hair. Tag into Brie Bella, with J.R touting her undefeated streak thus far. Impressive flip slam On Bella off of Natalya's hands, dumping Bella onto the mat. Tag into Maryse, whom Ross described as having an "aggressive streak." Tag by Maryse to Victoria, who missed a flip over the top rope onto Bella. Bella attempted a tag, but Maryse and Natalya interfered. Bella then took to the outside, and attempted to crawl under the ring, but was thrown back in by Victoria where Bella surprised her with a pin for the win.

WINNERS: Michelle McCool, Maria and Brie Bella by pinfall.

Thoughts: Looks like they're starting an underdog undefeated streak with Bella, possibly setting her up for a heel turn against McCool down the line. On the technical side of things, it does seem as if all of the women (with the possible exception of Maryse) are becoming more comfortable in the ring, as their moves are looking sharper and more succinct.

[Commercial Break]

(2) R-Truth vs. Chavo Guerrero (w/ Bam Neely)

Before the match, a commercial aired from last week's Smackdown where Truth scored a pinfall over Neely.

Truth danced and sang his way to the ring getting the crowd behind him. Guerrero and Neely followed shortly thereafter, Neely with a scowl on his face. Guerrero and Truth started off trading hists back and forth, followed up with a pair of deep armdrags by Truth, then a spin kick. Guerrero followed up with a spin kick of his own, almost knocking Truth's teeth out. Guerrero then took Truth to the mat, trying to stop Truth from utilizing his high-flying offense. The attack was short lived, however, as Truth regained control, and hit a powerslam for a near fall. Missed axe kick by Truth led into the Three Amigos which drew some serious heat from the crowd. No mention of Eddie. Guerrero went up for the frog splash, but Truth caught him on the ropes and set Guerrero up for a superplex. Before anything could happen, Bam Neely pushed Truth off of the ropes, causing a DQ.

WINNER: R-Truth by DQ.

After the match Guerrero chided Neely for interfering in the match, then began physically attacking Neely, telling him that Neely works for him. Neely lost his temper and threw Guerrero to the ground. Truth took advantage of the situation, and used it to take out both men.

Thoughts: Good match for all involved. I still stand by my original assessment of Truth in that this is not the person we've been built up to see, and that he's more flash than substance. However, it is a win for Truth over an established star in Chavo, not to mention this angle allows Bam Neely to split off from Chavo, as neither one really needed the other any longer now that "La Familia" has split up.

Backstage, Shelton Benjamin was chatting up Eve when Triple H walked into the mix. He told Benjamin that Hardy was reaching for the brass ring and that Benjamin should be worried. Benjamin remained calm, and said that he doesn't reach for brass rings, he reaches for gold titles. Good line.

[Commercial Break]

(3) Festus vs Kenny Dykstra

Jesse and Festus came out dressed as moving men, carrying a box and a hand truck. Dykstra, as usual came out bragging about himself, referencing himself as a "22 year old stud." He walked up to the catatonic Festus and landed a cheap shot before the bell could ring. Jesse came to the rescue and took out Dykstra long enough to sneak out of the ring and hit the bell, sending Festus berserk. After a few hits by Festus, he and Jesse started taping Dykstra at his hands and feet, then wrapping him up to the hand truck. Ok.

[Commercial Break]

Back from commercial, Dykstra was completely covered in bubble wrap and saran wrap. As he screamed for help, Jesse slapped a piece of duct tape over his mouth and wheeled him to the back as Biscuits and Gravy played. Maybe it's just me, but this is turning into a scene from "Deliverance" real fast.

WINNER: N/A

Thoughts: I'm not completely sure where this is going, but at least it's giving all three men something to do.

A video package from Unforgiven was shown, highlighting the storyline involving Vicki Guerrero, The Big Show, and The Undertaker, ending with Vicki and Show leaving The Undertaker beaten down in the middle of the ring.

Vicki Guerrero came down to the ring to a huge chorus of boos. She reiterated the fact that The Undertaker threatened her; that he had threatened to take her soul, and send her to hell. She went on to say that The Undertaker failed, and that The Undertaker couldn't even take her job. She didn't take all of the credit, however, as she introduced The Big Show.

Show's music played, and a stern looking Big Show came down to join Vicki. He shook her hand and took the mic.

Show began by saying that, at first he did not want to help Vicki, but as time went on he realized that The Undertaker believed that he was above the law of Smackdown, and that no one would ever be above Show. He says that he follows the rules of Smackdown because he knows what's best for Smackdown. He called himself and Vicki a "true power couple;" that there would be no wedding rings or sweet nothings, but instead, they would achieve results, of which each would benefit from. He demanded that The Undertaker apologize, otherwise Show would see that he does.

Thoughts: Good promo, even if Show's intentions seemed a little unclear. He's mad because he follows the rules and The Undertaker doesn't? If I remember correctly, Show has been the one who has constantly been imposing his will on Smackdown without repercussion. That said, this is a good interim feud that can carry Undertaker a month or two before the Survivor Series hits.

Another graphic aired advertising the fatal 4 way match tonight.

[Commercial Break]

(4) Scotty Goldman & Funaki vs Vladimir Kozlov.

Goldman and Funaki got in a couple moves in before Kozlov completely decimated the duo, pinning Funaki after a nasty looking headbutt/powerbomb.

WINNER: Vladimir Kozlov via pinfall.

Post-match, Kozlov demanded (first in Russian, then in English) a better challenge than what he has been facing, and that if a challenge isn't provided, he would find one himself.

Thoughts: This sounds like this is the end of the Kozlov squash matches, which, honestly, came at just the right time. Not only is Kozlov ready to start his ascent up the ladder, but Smackdown needs a good lower-mid card heel to establish himself as a potential threat to the upper card. with the way both men are being marketed, a Kozlov vs R. Truth matchup would be the best bet.

Backstage, Ezekiel Jackson was reading the WWE magazine, when Triple H walked up behind him. The two men briefly stared one another down, before The Brian Kendrick entered the scene. Kendrick complained that he should already be the number one contender, as he is the longest reigning champion in scramble history (hilarious!). Triple H agreed, saying that he was rooting for Kendrick all along. He closed in saying that out of all the losers in the scramble, Kendrick was the biggest one of all.

[Commercial Break]

(5) Kurt Hawkins & Zach Ryder vs. Carlito and Primo Colon - Non-Title Match

Carlito and Ryder started the match off, with Carlito hitting several intense shots against Ryder. blind tag to Primo, who hit a nice looking springboard dropkick onto Ryder for a near fall. Tag Team powerbomb by the Colons onto Ryder (another blind tag by the Colons) for another near fall. Nice work by the Colons - Carlito seems especially turned up for this match. Hawkins tagged in after a small comeback by Ryder, near fall on Carlito. Hawkins tagged in, suplex for two. Tag back to Ryder, another near fall on Carlito. tag back to Hawkins (Nice work on Ryder and Hawkins in cutting the ring off and keeping the fresh man in), another near fall. Tag back to Ryder, to the ropes, missed dropkick by Carlito. Tag to Hawkins, backslide by Ryder, allowing Hawkins to attack Carlito at will. Nice use of the move. Another tag back to Ryder, who began slamming Carlito's head into the match, almost causing a DQ. Tag back to Hawkins, who hit a Mr. Perfect like sitting head snap for two. chinlock by Hawkins, broken out by Carlito, Hawkins missed a splash into the corner, Tag to Primo, who unloads onto Hawkins, as well as sending Ryder to the mat. Flying cross body onto Hawkins for a near fall, broken up by Ryder. Tag to Carlito who hit the Backstabber for the win.

WINNERS: The Colons by pinfall.

Thoughts: GREAT match that showcased the talents of all four men involved. Way too short to be anything worth remembering years down the line, but it was excellent while it lasted.

Backstage, Triple H ran into MVP, and called him "The King of Bling." Triple H seemed confused as to why MVP is in the fatal four way tonight, saying that he didn't do anything in the championship scramble to earn a shot tonight. MVP retaliated, saying that he was going to take Triple H's title at No Mercy. Triple H said he hopes MVP doesn't choke like he did Sunday night. I get why Triple H is stirring the pot amongst all four men, but his delivery seems too fake to me. It's as if the writers are trying to portray these men as too stupid to see past Triple H's intentions.

[Commercial Break]

(6) MVP vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. The Brian Kendrick vs Jeff Hardy - Fatal Four Way match to determine the number one contender at No Mercy

Kendrick took to the outside as soon as the bell rang, letting the other three men wear each other out. Hardy took Benjamin down, as Kendrick tried to sneak in for a pin, but was chased out by Hardy. Kendrick retreated back to the outside, while MVP and Shelton Benjamin worked Hardy over, hitting a flapjack, then both going for a pin over Hardy. the two stared each other down, MVP attempted a single leg takedown over the former All American, and was taken down into a pin attempt for his troubles. Kendrick snuck back in and attempted a pin over Hardy, which was broken up by Benjamin, sending Kendrick back outside again. Hardy to the corner, MVP and Benjamin went back at it, MVP coming back out on top. Porter sending Hardy to the turnbuckle, Kendrick coming back in and attempting The Kendrick on Benjamin, stopped and caught by MVP mid-flight, using Kendrick's feet as a weapon against Benjamin. Kendrick broke out of the hold, shoved MVP into Hardy, who hit MVP with a kick to the stomach, then flew into MVP and Kendrick, sending Kendrick into a T-Bone suplex by Benjamin. Benjamin sends Hardy to the turnbuckle, hitting a Whisper in the Wind, pin attempt for 2.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, MVP had Benjamin in a chinlock, Hardy previously knocked to the outside during break. Kendrick was shown waiting on the outside, waiting for a pin attempt. MVP and Benjamin continued to trade blows back and forth, a caught boot by MVP turned into a dragon whip by Benjamin. Kendrick back in the ring, and took advantage of the situation nailing Benjamin with a downstars dropkick, which happened to be in the way of Benjamin's head. Camel clutch by Kendrick, while Ezekiel Jackson threw Hardy into the outside railing behind the ref's back. Benjamin powered out of the camel clutch, backing Kendrik into the turnbuckle before hitting a modified electric chair to break the hold. Near fall by Benjamin. MVP back into the mix, dropkicking Benjamin's head (again). back and forth by the two men, neither one easing up, with MVP hitting a modified belly to belly type throw against Benjamin. Neck vice by MVP, into a pin attempt for two. Hardy rolled back into the ring only briefly before being thrown back outside by MVP. Porter with an attempted suplex, reversed into a German suplex by Benjamin for another near fall. Kendrick took a cheap shot at Hardy on the outside, while MVP's pin attempt was rolled through by Benjamin for two. MVP kicked out, then took to Kendrick, who tried to crawl to the outside. Benjamin got ahold of MVP, threw him to the outside just as Hardy was coming back inside. Benjamin disposed of Hardy the same way, Hardy holding onto his ankle as he landed. MVP back into the ring, suplexed by Benjamin for two. Armbreaker by Benjamin onto MVP, Porter standing up to pin Benjamin, broken up by Hardy, who unleashed on everyone inside the ring. Pin attempt by Hardy, only gets 2. Hardy to the top, Swanton attempt, missed. MVP and Kendrick tried for a pin over Hardy at the same time, MVP ending up holding Hardy up while Kendrick ran for an attack. Hardy breaks the hold, MVP hits a fierce clothesline on Kendrick. Hardy into the turnbuckle, hits another whisper in the wind, only gets a two before being interrupted by Benjamin. Benjammin throws Hardy outside, allowing MVP to come on the offensive. Benjamin to the turnbuckle, missed kick by MVP, Paydirt by Benjamin. Kendrick takes advantage, and hits The Kendrick, pin attempt, broken up with a Swanton by Hardy onto both men, scoring the pin for the win.

WINNER: Jeff Hardy by pinfall to become the number one contender at No Mercy.

Almost immediately after the match, Vladimir Kozlov's music hit as he stormed to the ring. Without mercy (get it?), he began to decimate Hardy hitting his headbutt, a stiff kick to the stomach and an inverted DDT. He looked at Hardy for a brief second before heading back to the ramp as the show came to a close. Looks like Kozlov found his own challenge.

Thoughts: A good, high intensity main event match that was a nice follow up to last Sunday's pay-per-view. The injection of Kozlov into the mix is an interesting addition, as I was almost positive they would have him feud with a second tier star before throwing him into the main event mix. Then again, it's not as strange as it sounds, given Vince McMahon's love for big men with little in-ring ability.

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