Power behind the throne

By: Michael Burdick

September 12, 2008

MILWAUKEE – After ambushing Undertaker at Unforgiven, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero and Big Show emerged with some very strong words for The Phenom, as they revealed their business alliance and set themselves up as Friday night’s “true power couple.”

After Guerrero set the stage, recalling how she spit in the face of The Deadman this past Sunday – preventing him from sending her to hell – The World’s Largest Athlete laid out the mutual benefits of their business relationship. He explained that the union was fueled by their need to show Undertaker that no one is above the rules, informing the WWE Universe that he would help Guerrero get SmackDown where it needed to be and, in return, she would help him get what he wants – the WWE Championship.

Above all, the unlikely corroborators made it clear that their first order of business would be to obtain Guerrero’s apology from Undertaker, by any means necessary.

The victory before the slaughter
WWE Champion Triple H returned to SmackDown with the gold resting firmly on his shoulder, after defying the odds in the WWE Championship Scramble Match at Unforgiven. But while The Game spent most of his night getting inside the heads of his prospective challengers, Jeff Hardy captured a hard fought victory over United States Champion Shelton Benjamin, MVP and The Brian Kendrick in a whirlwind Fatal Four Way Match that earned him the opportunity to face The King of Kings at No Mercy.

However, after The Legend Thriller had successfully delivered a stunning double Swanton Bomb onto both The Brian Kendrick and Shelton Benjamin, the uninvited Vladimir Kozlov decided to make a surprise visit down to the ring. The Moscow Mauler followed up his Handicap Match slaughter of Scotty Goldman and Funaki earlier in the evening by decimating the new No. 1 contender.

For weeks, Kozlov has demanded better competition, and his attack on Hardy may bring him the fight he has been looking for.
Six-Diva delight

Divas Champion Michelle McCool, Maria & newcomer Brie Bella prevailed against Maryse, Natalya, & Victoria in a Six-Diva Tag Team Match. After Bella once again attempted to find solace beneath the ring, the energy-charged Diva resurfaced to pin Victoria for the third week in a row.

Guerrero and Neely face the Truth
The dynamic R-Truth secured an important victory over Chavo Guerrero by disqualification. Just when it looked as if Truth was gaining the momentum on the fierce Mexican Warrior, Bam Neely took it upon himself to openly interfere, thereby costing his enraged employer the match. Then, when Guerrero reacted harshly to his bodyguard’s assistance, their dispute quickly got out of hand, only to be disrupted by R-Truth, who definitively showed them both “what’s up!”

Dykstra to go?
Confusion surrounded the WWE Universe from the second Jesse and Festus made their way to the ring dressed in moving attire – complete with a hand truck, a large cardboard box and moving supplies. But, when Dykstra took a cheap shot at both Superstars, things went from unclear to downright strange. After repelling Dykstra’s attack, the pair proceeded to package the young Superstar to the hilt and roll him away. Has SmackDown seen the last of Kenny Dykstra?

Brothers united - that’s cool
Brothers Carlito & Primo made their SmackDown debut together, scoring an exciting non-title pinfall over WWE Tag Team Champions Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder after Carlito hit Curt Hawkins with The Backstabber.

WWE Universe: Don't forget to tune into SmackDown on its new home – My Network TV – on Oct. 3 at 8/7 CT.

Matches

Divas Champion Michelle McCool & Maria & Brie Bella def. Maryse & Natalya & Victoria – Six-Diva Tag Team Match

R-Truth def. Chavo Guerrero - DQ

Festus vs. Kenny Dykstra – No Contest

Vladimir Kozlov def. Scotty Goldman & Funaki – Handicap Match

Carlito & Primo def. WWE Tag Team Champions Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder – Non-Title

Jeff Hardy def. United States Champion Shelton Benjamin & MVP & The Brian Kendrick – Fatal Four Way Match – earning an opportunity to face Triple H for the WWE Championship at No Mercy