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WWE SMAKDOWN REPORT
SEPTEMBER 19, 2008
AIRED ON THE CW

A recap aired of the Jeff Hardy/Triple H feud, culminating in Hardy's win in the fatal 4 way last week. The subsequent attack on Hardy by Vladimir Kozlov was also shown.

JR and Tazz welcomed us to the show, tonight coming out of Nashville, Tennessee.

Tonight's dual-main events include Jeff Hardy facing off against The Brian Kendrick in hour one, while Triple H goes up against the "King of Bling," MVP in hour two. No mention so far of Kozlov.

(1) Michelle McCool vs. Maryse - WWE Divas Championship Match.

Ross noted that this was the first time in Smackdown history that the Diva's championship would be defended. The two squared off right after the bell, hitting a few takedowns and reversals. Maryse seems more technically comfortable in the ring this week, as opposed to the last few weeks where all she did was throw people around by their hair. Maryse took control, throwing McCool to the ropes, but was quickly reversed into a downstairs dropkick into the face of Maryse. Maryse to the outside, allowing McCool to mock her. McCool attempted to pull Maryse back into the ring, but her legs were cut out from under her, sending McCool down hard to the apron. Maryse back inside, hitting a few cross rights to the floored McCool. McCool reversed into a pin attempt for two. The two traded blows back and forth, with McCool being thrown to the floor by Maryse, who followed up into a camel clutch. McCool powers out, and is thrown back to the floor by Maryse, half cradle for one. McCool to the turnbuckle, reversed into a head scissors, thrown to the outside apron by Maryse, reversed into a headbutt and lariat by McCool, ending with a running swinging neckbreaker for a two count. Nice sequence. Double underhook by McCool into a standing facebuster for the pin. Creative finisher by McCool.

WINNER: McCool by pinfall.

Thoughts - A short but technically sound match by the two women tonight. Maryse has improved in the ring dramatically since last week, and seemed like a legit challenger to the title tonight. The new finisher by McCool is impressive; if she can work a little more on the transition into the move itself, it can be as effective and dangerous as, say, the Pedigree or the F-U.

Inside Vicki's office, The Big Show was laying out his plans to win the WWE title, while getting Smackdown to where it needs to be for Vicki, who enthusiastically agreed. There was a knock on the door, and Eve entered, wanting to ask Vicki a few questions about tonight's show. The first question was whether or not The Undertaker was here tonight, and if so if he would be seeking retribution on their actions taken towards him. Guerrero dismissed the question, demanding she ask the second question. Eve began by saying that she had been training real hard for her in-ring debut, but was cut off by The Big Show and Guerrero both laughing at her, asking her to sit down on the couch. Show told Eve that they would show her why her first question was irrelevant, turning the television nearby on to show a video recap of Show and Vicki beating The Undertaker down at Unforgiven. No mention was made about her in-ring debut.

[Commercial Break]

(2) Festus (w/ Jesse) vs. Ryan Braddock

Jesse and Festus came out in their "My Moving Co." gear, like they did last week. There was a quick recap of their kidnapping of Kenny Dykstra last week, although neither Ross or Tazz made mention as to what happened to Dykstra after he was wheeled off the stage.

Festus did his thing as the bell rang, sending Braddock into the corner, but missing a dive onto Braddock, who countered with a dropkick. He hit a few punches against Festus, but quickly lost control when Festus returned fire with a few heavy punches and a clothesline. Festus hit a one man flapjack shortly thereafter, prompting Jesse to toss a roll of duct tape into the ring. As they taped Braddock up, the ref called for the bell, sending Festus back into his catatonic state. Jesse finished taping Braddock up as they went to commercial.

WINNER: Braddock by DQ, I think. There was no official announcement, but that would seem to be the logical answer here.

[Commercial Break]

Jesse and Festus were carting Braddock to the back, like they did with Dykstra last week. This is just getting more and more bizarre by the week. Although, I will admit, the mystery of what will happen to these men is compelling me to tune in next week to find out.

JR and Tazz announced that there would be a return of a hit show tonight - the return of Carlito's Cabana.

Back in Vicki's office The Big Show and Vicki were mocking Eve's question about the Undertaker, saying that if The Undertaker were here, Vicki would make him get down on his knees and beg for forgiveness. Show said that he would humble The Undertaker, just like he did at Unforgiven. They showed the same video of Show beating The Undertaker down.

Back at ringside, Tazz said that he doesn't remember the last time The Big Show caused that much damage.

On the big screen, Shelton Benjamin cut a promo saying that being "The Gold Standard" means being the best, and making the right decisions. He went on to say that the decisions of his opponent landed him in jail for 13 months. He closed saying that those decisions made by his opponent make him unable to reach the same heights of

"The Gold Standard."

(3) Shelton Benjamin vs. R-Truth - Non-title Match.

Benjamin came down to the ring first, following his on-screen promo. Truth followed, rapping his way the ring. Shelton looked utterly disgusted by Truth's actions, sneering at Truth the entire time.

The two stared one another down before tying up, Benjamin forcing Truth into the corner. Clean break by Benjamin, followed by a single leg takedown, Benjamin easily outwrestling Truth into the ropes. Truth nailed Benjamin with an elbow to break the hold. Truth to the ropes, comes back with a spinning corkscrew forearm to the head of Benjamin. Benjamin back on the offense, hitting a T-Bone suplex in the center of the ring. He followed up with a couple crossfaces, then stretching Truth into a backbreaker. Irish whip by Benjamin into the turnbuckle, Truth fires back, knee to the stomach by Benjamin. Another takedown by Benjamin, followed by a few more crossfaces. Truth breaks free, but gets caught up in a sleeper, which is quickly turned into a jawbreaker by Truth. Mule kick into an axe kick attempt, Benjamin ducks, attempts a german suplex, but is countered into a roll up for the pin by Truth.

WINNER: R. Truth by pinfall.

Thoughts - Pretty boring match, especially when taking into account the good to great matches Benjamin has had over the past few weeks. The non-title stipulation was a dead giveaway that Truth would be coming out on top, so that also took some of the wind out of this match, as well. It would be nice to see more non-title defenses overall, with the champ coming out on top more often than not, as it would give more meaning to a non-title victory over the champion when it does happen, instead of using it as a crutch to get the challenger over.

Post match, a popup appeared with Gregory Helms, saying that he's making his way back to Smackdown, and that the price of gold just went down. Cheesy. Helms looks like he's aged about 10 years in the 2 years or so time span that he's been gone from WWE.

Up next: Jeff Hardy vs The Brian Kendrick.

[Commercial Break]

(4) Jeff Hardy vs. The Brian Kendrick.

Hardy made his way down to the ring for a pre-match promo. He said that he's been in the WWE off and on again for the last 10 years, and that the journey has not always been a smooth one. Man, taking this weeks events into account, that statement almost seems prophetic. He told the audience that he is their "Charismatic Enigma," and that he is comfortable in his own skin as who he is and he appreciates those who respects that. He called out Triple H, telling him that he understands that Hunter was not trying to humiliate him, but he was trying to fire him up, and Triple H accomplished just that. He told Triple H that he is coming for his title at No Mercy. Hardy then turned his attention to Kozlov, but was interrupted by Kendrick's music.

Kendrick and Ezekiel made their way to the ring, Kendrick telling Hardy he needs to worry about facing him tonight.

Hardy started the match by straight up slapping Kendrick to the mat. The two traded a few punches back and forth, with Kendrick throwing Hardy to the floor.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Kendrick was working over Hardy's legs, trying to keep him grounded. Snap mare by Kendrick, into a single leg crab (why is everyone using that move today?). Hardy grabs the ropes, Kendrick grabs Hardy's leg which is reversed into a mule kick. Near fall by Hardy. Kendrick takes control, Kendrick sends Hardy to the turnbuckle, Hardy attempts a Whisper in the Wind, but thinks twice about it when he notices Ezekiel in the corner. Kendrick follows up with The Kendrick attempt, but is reversed into a backslide for the pin.

WINNER: Hardy by pinfall.

Thoughts - Too short to amount to much. They need to move Kendrick back down the ladder or at least into another feud if they want to keep his character interesting. Having him become a jobber to the stars is not really fitting for his persona.

As Hardy made his way up the ramp, he was ambushed by Kozlov. He stood over Hardy's fallen body as he talked to him in Russian.

Fade up to Vicki's office, where Show barged in and started freaking out, saying that the Undertaker was here. Vicki pleaded for Show to take care of her. They showed the door to Vicki's office opening, apparently from The Undetaker's point of view. Vicki took control of the situation, making "The Undertaker" bow down, kiss her feet and apologize. They broke out into laughter, pulling the camera back, revealing Chavo Guerrero dressed like The Undertake, instead. They showed the same beatdown video from Unforgiven again.

[Commercial Break]

Carlito and Primo were in the ring for the Cabana segment. Carlito introduced Primo as his special guest. They talked up their victory over the tag team champs last week, with Primo saying how easy it was. They said it was only a matter of time before they became tag team champions. as if on cue, Hawkins and Ryder's music hit.

Hawkins and Ryder told the Colons that they got lucky and would not get a shot at their titles. Carlito and Primo were confused, as they did not know who Hawkins and Ryder were. Funny stufff. They eventually goaded the tag champs into a match, but it would be next week instead of tonight. Carlito thanked his guests and asked someone to come carry the set out of the ring. Jesse and Festus came down to help with the move, as Hawkins and Ryder ambushed the Colons. The Colons rallied, and with the help of Jesse and Festus, took the tag champs out.

Backstage, Maria was designing an outfit, when Brie Bella walked into the picture. She asked Maria to design a few outfits for her, when the two were interrupted by Victotia and Natalya. They accused Brie of having an affair with Hornswaggle, and challenged Brie and Maria to a tag match next week. They tore up Maria's design and walked off.

(5) Scotty Goldman vs. The Great Khali (w/ Runjin Singh).

Goldman was already in the ring as an inset interview played, with Goldman mocking Khali.

Khali made his slow entrance to the ring, Sing talking him up the entire way.

Goldman got a few kicks in early but was easily decimated by Khali shortly thereafter. Khali pinned Goldman by stepping on him after a tree choke slam.

WINNER: The Great Khali

Thoughts - Why all the hype for Goldman, just to job him out to someone who isn't physically going to be able to be a part of the company years from now? It makes no sense.

Next: Triple H vs. MVP.

[Commercial Break]

The Raw recap aired, highlighting the cage match between Jericho and Punk, with Jericho being escaping the cage following a headbutt by Punk. They then showed a recap of Jericho's number one contender storyline, ending with the announcement of Michaels challenging Jericho to a ladder match.

Back in Vicki's office, Chavo chased out Hawkins, Ryder, and Neeley (I thought they were split?), saying he wanted some alone time to watch Show beat down The Undertaker. The same footage from the previous three times aired, but this time it ended with The Undertaker on screen, rolling his eyes. A huge hand came out of nowhere and started choking Guerrero as The Undertaker's bell tolled.

[Commercial Break]

(6) Triple H vs. MVP - Non-title match

Triple H made his way out first (What's with the champs all being introduced first?), followed by MVP, both making their full entrances. The two tied up at the bell, Triple H overpowering MVP, but being reversed at the turnbuckle, giving MPV the advantage. Clean break by MVP. Another tie up, MVP sent to the ropes. Shoulder block by Triple H. Ross compared Hunter to a young Harley Race. That's a fair assessment, as far as in-ring ability goes. Side headlock by MVP, Hunter down to one knee, shoots MVP to the ropes, another shoulder block, this time taking Triple H down. Porter started showboating, allowing Triple H to get back up. Side headlock by MVP, to the ropes, yet another shoulder block by MVP, blocked hiptoss by MVP, one by Hunter, then a shortarm clothesline to bring MVP down. Hunter mocked MVP's pose, ending it in the DX chop. Hunter took several shots to MVP's face, landing a headlock in the process.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, MVP was on the offensive, working over Hunters arm. Armbar by MVP, into a facebuster for two. Porter continued working over the arm, another near fall. Wristlock into a keylock attempt, stopped short by MVP. Into a hammerlock, shoots the half, MVP gets two. Triple H gets in a few shots to MVP's face, but MVP yanks the arm to regain control. Knee to the stomach by MVP, to the ropes, armbar takedown by MVP, two count. MVP sets up for the drive by kick, but is caught off guard by the high knee by Triple H. Neckbreaker by Triple H gets him back on the offensive, face buster, followed by a clothesline for two. Spinebuster by Triple H, MVP to the floor. Hunter follows, gets sucker punched to the gut by MVP, and is tossed inside. Porter to the top turnbuckle, is caught by Triple H, reversed into a Pedigree for the win.

WINNER: Triple H by pinfall.

Thoughts - The best match of the night, which isn't saying much. I find it ironic that as soon as I mention the fact that non-title matches are almost exclusively won by the challenger, Triple H gets a win over MVP in his non-title match. Then again, Triple H always gets a win in these types of situations, so there's still no surprise as to who is going to come out on top.

After the match, Kozlov's music as he marched down to the ring. Hunter stood his ground, calling him into the ring. The two stood at opposite ends of the ring, as MVP distracted Hunter long enough to allow Kozlov the opportunity to strike first. Triple H fights back, but gets drilled into the corner by Kozlov. Triple H hit a facebuster, and attempted a follow up, but was stopped short by the headbutt by Kozlov. His music played as he stood over the fallen Triple H to close the show.

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