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WWE SMACKDOWN TV REPORT
NOVEMBER 11, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS, IN AT GAINBRIDGE FIELDHOUSE
AIRED ON FOX
REPORT BY ALEX McDONALD, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Announcers: Michael Cole, Wade Barrett
[HOUR ONE]
-The show opened with a video recap of the main event between Roman Reigns and Logan Paul last Saturday at Crown Jewel. They then cut to the Smackdown opening video, which has been updated with all the new arrivals. After the video, pyro went off in the arena and the camera panned the crowd. Michael Cole thanked all the Veteran’s and wished the audience a happy Veteran’s Day.
-The Usos’ music played and they made their entrance. Cole touted their title reign at 481 days. The camera cut to Cole and Wade Barrett at ringside. Cole explained that the Usos are two days behind the New Day for the record of consecutive days as Tag Team Champions. Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and Paul Heyman were shown watching on a monitor in the back. Cole said that Logan Paul’s video dive was the top viewed video on YouTube this year.
-The New Day made their entrance. Barrett said they’ll defend their record and their legacy with their lives tonight. Formal ring introductions then took place.
(1) THE USOS (c) (Jey & Jimmy) vs. NEW DAY (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) – Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Match
Woods started against Jey. The crowd cheered for New Day. They locked up and Woods shot Jey off the ropes but Jey took him down with a shoulder tackle. Jey posed in front of Woods. Woods then shoved Jey then took him down. Woods put on a headlock. Jey shot Woods off the ropes and Woods took him down then covered Jey for a near fall. Kingston tagged in and hit a crossbody off the top rope on Jey for a near fall. Jey recovered and drove Kingston to the corner and he tagged in Jimmy. Jimmy hit the ring and delivered a couple of right hands before he took Kingston down with a headlock. Kingston shot Jimmy off the ropes and did a drop down followed by a pair of leapfrogs before he took Jimmy down with an elbow. Kingston took Jimmy to the corner and they performed a Unicorn Stomp. Woods then hit a running dropkick on Jimmy in the corner. Woods tossed Jey to the outside. Jey climbed to the apron but Woods hit him with a knee that sent him to the floor. Kingston tagged in and climbed to the top rope. He came off with a Trust Fall and took both Usos out on the outside. The New Day posed as they cut to break. [c]
Jimmy hit Kingston with an elbow and tagged in Jey. Kingston fought back and came off the ropes but Jey pulled the top rope down and Kingston fell to the floor. Jimmy attacked Kingston on the outside. Jey came from the ring with a suicide dive and took out Kingston. Jey then whipped Kingston into the barricade. Jey tossed Kingston back into the ring then stalked him. Kingston got to his feet slowly using the ropes. Jey stopped Kingston and choked him with the middle rope. The ref pulled Jey off. Jimmy came around the corner and delivered a big right hand. The crowd chanted “we want Sami”. Cole said Sami Zayn is not present. The Usos used a wishbone on Kingston as Jimmy tagged in. Kingston tried to crawl towards Woods but Jimmy kicked Kingston away. The crowd then chanted “Sami Uso”. Jimmy choked Kingston in the ropes then pulled at his face. The ref pulled Jimmy away and Jey delivered the cheap shot right hand this time. Jey tagged back in and they used another wishbone on Kingston. Jey taunted Kingston then tagged Jimmy back in. Jey held Kingston for Jimmy to punch him in the stomach. Jimmy then put Kingston in a headlock. Kingston fought up and out. He springboarded off the second rope and delivered a dropkick. Jimmy was able to tag in Jey. Jey grabbed Kingston but Kingston kicked Jey off. Kingston crawled closer to Woods. Jimmy came around the corner and knocked Woods off the apron. Jey hit a neckbreaker on Kingston and covered him for a near fall. Jey looked irritated as they cut to break. [c]
Back from break, Jey had Kingston in a headlock. Kingston fought out and delivered a big dropkick. Both men crawled towards their corners. Woods and Jimmy tagged in. Woods ran the ropes and eventually hit a clothesline. Jimmy went to the corner and Woods hit another clothesline. Jey attacked Woods from behind but Woods fought Jey off and took him out with a Russian leg sweep. Woods delivered double knees to the gut of Jimmy and covered him for a near fall. Woods wrenched the neck of Jimmy and delivered a headbutt before he tagged in Kingston. Woods and Kingston double teamed then Woods hit a big leg drop off the top. Kingston made the cover for a near fall. Kingston kicked at Jimmy. He then hit a Boom Drop. Kingston led a “New Day rocks” chant. Kingston tried Trouble in Paradise but Jimmy moved and tagged Jey. Jey entered and hit right hands on Kingston. Kingston reversed and rolled Jey up for a near fall. Kingston lifted Jey but Jey fought back with a big kick. Woods tagged in and headbutted Jey from the apron. Jey escaped a DDT then hit a superkick. Jimmy tagged in. The Usos double superkicked Woods, then Kingston, then Woods again. The Usos hit a double splash off the top but Woods kicked out at the last second. Jey was in disbelief. Jimmy tagged back in. The Usos posed and stalked Woods. Kingston pulled Jey out and tossed him into the steps. Woods took out Jimmy in the ring. The New Day hit the Midnight Hour on Jey on the outside. Woods got back in the ring and hit a DDT on Jimmy. They then used the Midnight Hour on Jimmy. Kingston made the cover but Jey made the save. All four men were down in the ring. All four then fought to their feet and stared each other down. The crowd cheered. The four then brawled. Jey and Woods went to the outside. Jey hit a superkick then tossed Woods into the timekeeper’s are. Kingston hit a kick on Jimmy but Jimmy fought back. Jey tagged in and attempted a double superplex but Kingston shoved them off. Kingston leapt off the top and the Usos caught him and countered with a One and Done for the win.
WINNER: The Usos (Jey & Jimmy) in 26:00 to retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships
-Cole announced that the Usos would break the record on Monday as they don’t have any more title matches scheduled. Barrett said the Tribal Chief must be proud. Cole said this has been a great rivalry.
-Reigns was watching in the back with Heyman and Sikoa. Reigns pointed and said “that’s how it’s done”.
(McDonald’s Analysis: They made this match feel really important in the moment. That’s hard to do considering the amount of times these two teams have wrestled each other at this point. It was even more difficult because the New Day have done nothing of consequence in well over a year. With all of that said, this match was really good. I won’t say it was the best one they’ve ever had, but it’s easily one of the better TV matches this year. Both teams worked hard and there were believable dramatic near falls that really helped. On top of that, the match never felt like it dragged despite the almost half hour run time. They told a good story and the match built well. They got me a couple of times, as I actually thought the New Day might pull off the upset. The finish was a little out of nowhere, but that’s the point of One and Done. In this case, it worked. Good opening segment for the show.)
-They then shoved a graphic for the Smackdown World Cup with the eight participants in the graphic. Cole said the tournament starts after the break. [c]
-Back from break, they showed still shots from Crown Jewel this past Saturday.
-Reigns, Heyman, and Sikoa were in the back. The Usos arrived and celebrated. They asked Reigns what he thought. Reigns paused. He said that it feels great, right? He said this is what it’s like to be the greatest of all time. Reigns then said he has to handle some stuff, but he needs the Usos by his side. Reigns said he’s going to handle the business live in the ring, tonight. The Usos said they’ll be with him. Reigns hugged Jimmy and then Jey. Jey said he loves Reigns.
-Cole and Barrett were shown at ringside. They put over the Smackdown World Cup as they showed the graphic again. Cole said the tournament will take place over the next three weeks. He said the winner will receive the trophy and a shot at Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship. They showed the trophy at ringside. Cole said the tournament starts now.
-Shinsuke Nakamura made his entrance.
-Legado del Fantasma made their entrance.
(2) SHINSUKE NAKAMURA vs. SANTOS ESCOBAR (w/ Zelina Vega, Cruz Del Toro, & Joaquin Wilde) – Smackdown World Cup First Round Match
Nakamura grabbed Escobar and put him in a headlock. Escobar shot Nakamura off the ropes and delivered a big drop kick. Escobar came off the ropes and Nakamura hit a big knee that knocked Escobar to the outside. Nakamura hit a knee and a kick to Escobar. Nakamura set Escobar up on the apron and came off the second rope with a big knee to the back of Escobar’s head. Escobar tried to regroup against the barricade. Nakamura taunted him from inside the ring. [c]
Escobar was in control. Nakamura fought back and delivered a big kick to Escobar. Nakamura then hit a series of strikes then a running dropkick. Nakamura charged Escobar in the corner. Escobar got his feet up but Nakamura countered into his sliding German suplex. Escobar fought back and Nakamura hit rights of his own. Escobar attacked the knee of Nakamura and took him down. Escobar got a rollup for a near fall. Nakamura recovered and hit a knee off the second rope and covered Escobar for a near fall. Vega cheered Escobar on from ringside. Escobar recovered and hit a couple of kicks. He pulled Nakamura to his shoulder but Nakamura fought out then executed a throw to Escobar. Del Toro jumped on the apron and Nakamura kicked him off. Nakamura then went after Wilde on the other apron. Nakamura then hit a kick on Escobar. Vega went to the apron and Wilde pulled Escobar to the outside. Nakamura followed him out. Nakamura took out Del Toro on the outside, then took out Wilde as well. Nakamura went to the top but Escobar recovered and followed him up. Escobar delivered a Phantom Driver off the top for the win.
WINNER: Santos Escobar (w/ Zelina Vega, Cruz Del Toro, & Joaquin Wilde) in 9:00 to advance to the second round of the Smackdown World Cup
(McDonald’s Analysis: Not a lot to this. I don’t know how well these two guys gelled. They went with the right guy for the win, but the excessive interference wasn’t necessary. It didn’t help matters that Nakamura fought them off so easily. What good is Escobar’s backup if they’re a joke? I know we can’t have every faction be completely dominant, but they shouldn’t be complete stooges either. I have high hopes for Escobar, but I feel like he’d almost be better off with just Vega by his side at this point.)
-Cole threw to a video package on Veteran’s Day.
-Liv Morgan made her entrance. They then showed a graphic for the Women’s Six Way match. Cole hyped it for after the break. [c]
[HOUR TWO]
-Megan Morant was in the back. She welcomed L.A. Knight. He said it was a fumble to not have him in the Smackdown World Cup. He said he can’t stop his gravy train. He then stopped and yelled at Megan for looking at the screen showing Bray Wyatt clips. Knight said to turn it off. Bray Wyatt appeared. He introduced himself. He said he can see all the anger and wage brewing in Knight. Wyatt said everyone told him all his rage and anger were going to make a monster out of him. Wyatt then said he doesn’t know if he regretted the terrible things he did. Wyatt said he knows what it takes to gain respect and he asked Knight how far he’s willing to go. Knight told him to go back and play with his puppets. Knight said it’s his game. Wyatt laughed and hit Knight. Wyatt disappeared. Knight got up and asked where Wyatt went.
(McDonald’s Analysis: That was an interesting interaction. I wonder if that’s going to lead to anything. I didn’t see that coming.)
-The other six pack challenge participants were in the ring. Shotzi made her entrance.
-Raquel Rodriguez made her entrance. Cole explained the rules of the match.
(3) LIV MORGAN vs. SHOTZI vs. RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ vs. XIA LI vs. SONYA DEVILLE vs. LACEY EVANS – Six Pack Challenge to determine the Number One Contender for the Smackdown Women’s Championship
Rodriguez battled Li on the outside. Shotzi and Evans paired off in the ring. Evans hit the Woman’s Right on Shotzi and covered her but Deville entered and broke up the pin. She covered Evans and Morgan broke up the fall. Morgan attacked Deville and slammed her into the turnbuckle. Morgan tossed Deville to the outside. Morgan followed Deville out and tossed Deville into the steps. Li tossed Rodriguez into the ringpost. Morgan took the steps apart on the other side. She pushed them towards the announce table. Deville recovered and hit a drop toehold into the steps on Morgan. Li and Shotzi were in the ring. Li kicked at Shotzi then went to the top rope. Rodriguez appeared and punched Li then followed her up. Evans appeared but Shotzi took her out. Rodriguez then delivered the superplex on Li. Deville came out of nowhere and covered Li for a near fall. Deville then dragged Shotzi to the center of the ring and covered her for a near fall. Deville then took down Rodriguez and covered her for another near fall. Deville slammed Rodriguez’s head into the mat repeatedly as they cut to break. [c]
Back from break, Li took down Shotzi. Cole said the winner will challenge Ronda Rousey at Survivor Series. Li covered Shotzi but Evans broke up the pin. Li kicked at Evans. Li delivered a suplex then covered Evans for a near fall. Morgan came out of nowhere and took out Li with a missile dropkick. She kipped up and screamed. Morgan then ran corner to corner on Li and Evans. Morgan then hit double knees on Evans off the ropes. Rodriguez came after Morgan but Morgan countered into a DDT. Deville appeared and tossed Morgan out of the ring. Deville covered Rodriguez but Morgan broke up the pin. Deville took out Morgan and Shotzi appeared to take down Deville. Rodriguez powerbombed Li and covered her but Deville pulled Rodriguez out. Deville went for the cover, then Rodriguez pulled Deville out and threw her to the floor. Rodriguez went under the ring and pulled out a table. She set the table up then went after Deville. Rodriguez stood on the ring steps that Morgan set up earlier. Rodriguez set up a powerbomb but Morgan came off the barricade and took out Rodriguez and Deville. Morgan and Rodriguez landed awkwardly. The crowd chanted for the table. Shotiz and Evans battled in the ring. Shotzi slammed Evans with the Never Wake Up and covered her for the win.
WINNER: Shotzi in 12:00 to earn a Smackdown Women’s Championship Match at Survivor Series
-Shotzi howled like a wolf and celebrated in the ring. Cole said this may be the biggest win of her career. They then showed a graphic for Shotzi and Rousey at Survivor Series.
(McDonald’s Analysis: That came out of nowhere. That’s not a bad thing though. Shotzi was a good a choice as anyone. They need to start elevating women on the Smackdown side or they will be left with next to nothing. Considering the other options, Shotzi was a fine choice. Her match with Rousey won’t be special, but it won’t be a feature attraction on Survivor Series anyway. Maybe Shotzi will impress and show she belongs. If she doesn’t, no harm and no foul. On a side note, I totally forgot Evans still worked here.)
-They then cut to a graphic of the Bloodline. Cole and Barrett hyped their segment for later in the show. [c]
-Shotzi celebrated in the back. Emma appeared and congratulated her. Emma asked Shotzi if she’d seen Madcap Moss around. Shotzi said that Emma is crushing. Emma walked off. Shayna Baszler appeared. She said that Rousey is going to cause Shotzi more pain and anguish then she’s ever felt. Baszler said that Shotzi won a broken arm. Shotzi said that Rousey has never been in the ring with someone like her. Shotzi said that she belongs here and she’s going to prove it to everyone. Baszler said that Shotzi has a lot to say to Rousey. Baszler told Shotzi to turn around and say it to Rousey. Shotzi turned around and Rousey was there. Shotzi stared down Rousey then Baszler grabbed Shotzi in a chokehold. Baszler took her down and choked Shotzi out as Rousey watched and egged Baszler on. Rousey and Baszler left Shotzi laying in front of her tank and walked off.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Excellent segment right after the match. I love the dynamic with Rousey and Baszler. This segment helped continue that relationship and added another small layer to the match at Survivor Series. For the record though, Shotzi said Rousey has never faced someone like her. Hasn’t Rousey beaten Shotzi on Smackdown before? Or am I not remembering that right?)
-Kayla Braxton welcomed Ricochet. She said that Ricochet will wrestle in the Smackdown World Cup next week against Mustafa Ali. Ricochet said he’s going to battle to get back what was his. Imperium appeared. Gunther asked what was Ricochet’s. Gunther asked if Ricochet remembered last time. Gunther told Ricochet to fight with all he has because he would love to beat him again. Imperium walked off.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Why is Ali allowed to be in a Smackdown World Cup tournament?)
-Cole threw to a video package on the match between Omos and Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel this past Saturday. They then showed a graphic for Strowman in the Smackdown World Cup. Cole hyped his appearance for after the break. [c]
-They showed a recap of the cage match between Karrion Kross and Drew McIntyre at Crown Jewel this past Saturday.
-Jinder Mahal was in front of the trophy. He said he’s back and that he will begin his ascent tonight. Mahal said he’s going to win the Smackdown World Cup then win the IC title. Strowman’s music interrupted him and Strowman made his entrace.
(4) JINDER MAHAL vs. BRAUN STROWMAN – Smackdown World Cup Tournament First Round Match
Mahal attacked Strowman from behind and beat him down in the corner. Mahal kicked and punched at Strowman. Strowman tossed Mahal across the ring. Mahal recovered with a kick to the knee of Strowman followed by a clothesline for a one count. Mahal taunted Strowman and charged but Strowman stopped Mahal and tossed him down. Strowman hit a pair of shoulder tackles then removed his shirt as Mahal rolled to the outside. Strowman exited the ring and ran around to take down Mahal on the outside. Strowman tossed Mahal back into the ring. Strowman splashed Mahal in the corner. Strowman then powerbombed Mahal and covered him for the win.
WINNER: Braun Strowman in 2:00 to advance to the second round of the Smackdown World Cup
-Strowman posed next to the trophy.
-They showed the Bloodline graphic again. Cole asked what business Reigns had to address and then hyped their segment for later in the show. [c]
-They showed still shots of Crown Jewel from this past Saturday.
-Zelina Vega was in the ring with Legado del Fantasma. Hit Row then made their entrance.
-Suddenly, the Viking horn sounded. A woman’s voice said that Valhalla is here. A woman appeared on the stage. The Viking Raiders took out Legado del Fantasma at ringside then took out Hit Row in the ring. The Raiders destroyed Fantasma on the outside. Ivar then splashed Adonis in the ring. The Viking Raiders then turned their attention to Top Dolla and beat him down before they hit a double powerbomb. Then the mystery woman was revealed to be Sarah Logan. She hit a big headbutt on B-Fabb. The Viking Raiders and Sarah Logan posed. Barrett said they’re back and better than ever.
(McDonald’s Analysis: We’ve all been waiting for Sarah Logan to make her debut and the Viking Raiders to return. This didn’t disappoint. I assumed something was up when they announced a match between B-Fabb and Zelina Vega. This was good. Another team to add to the roster is always a good thing. I wish they weren’t another heel team, but it is what it is. Maybe they can face the Usos anyway.)
-Cole threw to another video package on Crown Jewel.
-Roman Reigns’ music played and he made his entrance with the Usos, Paul Heyman, and Solo Sikoa in tow. Cole touted Reigns’ reign at 803 days. Cole said it’s the longest reign in over thirty-five years. The Bloodline posed at the top of the ramp as pyro exploded behind them. [c]
-They hyped the Smackdown World Cup for next week with two matches. Ali against Ricochet and Sami Zayn against Butch. Cole also hyped a match between Baszler and Shotzi.
-The Bloodline was in the ring. The crowd chanted “Ucey”. Heyman handed Reigns the mic. He asked the crowd to acknowledge him. He got a loud mixed reaction. The Bloodline posed behind Reigns. Heyman took the mic. Heyman said that he and Reigns were talking on the private jet on the way to this hell hole. The crowd booed. Heyman paused. He told the crowd that wasn’t very Ucey of them. Heyman then said that old sports rivalries are Ucey. He said the Usos and The New Day were a great rivalry. Heyman then said he lied. He said the New Day isn’t anywhere near the Usos. He said New Day has been cast to obscurity just like everyone who has faced Reigns. Heyman handed the mic to Reigns again. Reigns said it’s not easy being his cousins. He said their whole lives, everyone has acknowledged him. Reigns said that he never thought this moment would come. Reigns then turned to Jimmy and Jey.
-The Brawling Brutes music played and they appeared on the stage. Ridge Holland said they’re sick of the Bloodline using the numbers game every week. Holland said its fight night and they brought back up. Sheamus’ music played and Sheamus appeared. He took the mic. Sheamus called Reigns a legend. Sheamus said that tonight is the start of the end of the Bloodline.
-Reigns laughed. He said Sheamus can’t even get the mic to work. He asked what Sheamus is going to do. The Brutes entered the ring and brawled with the Bloodline. The Bloodline took the advantage. Barrett said the numbers game is too much.
-Suddenly, Drew McIntyre’s music played. The Usos charged him and he took them out. McIntyre entered the ring and traded punches with Sikoa. Reigns took McIntyre down. Sheamus attacked Reigns from behind. A brawl ensued with both groups.
(McDonald’s Analysis: Good final segment. It didn’t really settle anything, but this is definitely leading to the War Games match we have all anticipated. After this, I’m wondering if it will be four on four instead of five on five. Maybe Zayn will be left out so the Brutes and McIntyre don’t have to find another partner. If they don’t go that direction, I vote the fifth partner to be Kevin Owens. He has experience in War Games so it does make sense from that standpoint. I’m surprised they didn’t announce the War Games match tonight as there’s only two weeks left until Survivor Series. Maybe we’ll get the announcement on social media in the next couple of days. Besides that, I guess we won’t find out what business Reigns needed to address tonight.)
FINAL THOUGHTS: Another fast and furious episode of Smackdown. They actually did a really good job tonight with fitting in a lot but actually allowing the segments to breathe. We have a new record in the Tag Division, a brand new Women’s title challenger, the beginning of a tournament, and perhaps the set up for War Games. On top of that, we had an interesting interaction between Bray Wyatt and L.A. Knight. Overall, a really strong episode from top to bottom with some decent wrestling and some good story development. I really can’t pick a winner in the Smackdown World Cup tournament and that’s a good thing. You could make a case for Zayn if he’s going to be left out of War Games. You could also make a case for Ricochet after the interaction with Gunther tonight. Strowman is hard to bet against for obvious reasons. And Butch is a sentimental favorite for myself and many others. Even Escobar would make some sense as he begins his push. Overall, a good episode that makes me want to see what happens next week. When that’s how I feel at the end of the show, I call it a success.
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