Smackdown!

Cincinnati, Ohio
July 22, 2004

A NIGHT OF SURPRISES

The July 29 episode of SmackDown! was easily the busiest in recent memory. Not only was a new General Manager named by WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon, but three titles were on the line, as well. As if that was not enough, Eddie Guerrero characteristically stole items from Kurt Angle's old office and put them up for bid on Auction.WWE.com. The following items were stolen, and can now be bid on. All proceeds will go to Tomorrows Children's Fund, which helps children with cancer:


This week's SmackDown! may have been the greatest night in the long career of Theodore Long. The former manager and referee was named General Manager of SmackDown! His first order of business was to straighten out the United States Championship picture. In a SmackDown! first, Long pitted eight WWE Superstars in an Elimination Match. The last man standing would be the U.S. Champion. When the smoke cleared, it was Booker T pinning John Cena, then Rob Van Dam, to pick up the win and capture the championship.

Not only was a new U.S. Champion crowned on SmackDown!, but so was a new Cruiserweight Champion, as Spike Dudley pinned Rey Mysterio's shoulders to the mat to secure the title. The win, however, came after Bubba Ray and D-Von interfered on behalf of Spike. The new Cruiserweight Champion was distraught about learning how he won, as the interference came without his knowledge. Next week on SmackDown!, Spike will team up with Mysterio to try and gain some revenge against the Dudleys.

In other championship action, Paul London and Billy Kidman were able to retain their WWE Tag Team Championship by defeating the Dudleys. The win, however, came after some Rey Mysterio interference. It appears as though Mysterio believes that turnabout is fair play.

It was also announced that Funaki, Tony Chimel and the SmackDown! Divas were given their jobs back by Mr. McMahon. This happened after SmackDown! went off the air last week.

Match Results:

Spike Dudley defeated Rey Mysterio for the Cruiserweight Championship

WWE Tag Team Champions London & Kidman def. the Dudleys

Booker T won an Elimination Match for the U.S. Title. Order of elimination:
Charlie Haas by Billy Gunn
Rene Dupree by Luther Reigns
Kenzo Suzuki by DQ
Billy Gunn by John Cena
Luther Reigns by John Cena
John Cena by Booker T
Rob Van Dam by. Booker T