Friday Night Smackdown!
Bakersfield, California
August 20, 2010
results thanks to pwtorch.com
- Smackdown Open.
- Lots o’ fireworks began the arena portion of Smackdown from Bakersfield,
California. Todd Grisham introduced himself and Matt Striker as the camera
panned the crowd.
- They showed a still of Kane standing over Rey Mysterio after defeating him at
Summerslam, then a still photo of Undertaker sitting up out of the casket. They
also showed the two brothers locking each other in a simultaneous choke. Kane’s
explanation for what he has done will be forthcoming tonight.
- Rey Mysterio got a full entrance and came to the ring for a promo. Mysterio
began by thanking the WWE Universe and peppered in some Spanish, as usual.
Mysterio said things didn’t turn out as he had hoped at Summerslam, but at least
he didn’t end up in a casket. He said Kane accused a lot of people of attacking
Undertaker, but in reality, he was just masking his own guilt. Did Mysterio ever
explain how he knew it was Kane who attacked Taker? Mysterio went on with his
promo, but was interrupted by the debuting Alberto Del Rio, who walked to the
ring talking to the fans, ignoring Mysterio.
He got to ringside and finally acknowledged Rey. Del Rio said it was an honor to
be in the ring with the Mexican idol. He said he and Rey were two “national
icons.” Del Rio said his bloodline comes from Kings, but Rey knows that. He said
Rey’s blood is from the “horrible” streets of Tijuana. He said Rey was just like
the little worm in the bottom of his bottle of Tequila. He tapped Rey on the
head and called him little. He called Rey “a joke of a man.” However, he said he
was handsome, rich and powerful. He was getting good heel heat here. Mysterio
admitted that Del Rio’s suit was quite nice, and that his friend bought cuff
links like that at a swap meet. Mysterio said Del Rio was nobody in WWE. Fans
seem more interested in the Spanish parts of the promos rather than English.
Mysterio said the fans did not have to respect Del Rio, as respect is earned in
WWE. He said Del Rio hasn’t gained any of their respect. Del Rio said he doesn’t
have to earn anything from them and called Rey a peasant. He said if Rey doesn’t
respect him, he’ll make him. Rey said he wasn’t Del Rio’s little friend and he
told Alberto that the fans’ respect was there for his taking. He challenged Del
Rio for a one-on-one match tonight. Del Rio accepted and said he can’t wait to
destroy Mysterio like the cockroach he is. He leaned down toward Rey and winked
at him. Rey nailed him in the face and hit the 619. Del Rio came up holding his
leg for some reason. Mysterio then headed to the back as his music played and
Del rio stewed in the ring. Good job for Del Rio’s first long-form promo.
- A split-screen showed Dolph Ziggler (and Vickie Guerrero) getting ready to
defend his Intercontinental title in a Summerslam rematch against Kofi Kingston
(on the other side of the split screen). It’s next.
[Commercial Break]
- This week’s grooming tips from Cody Rhodes: How to prevent dry and wrinkly
skin. Apparently, we need to use manly moisturizing cream.
1 – KOFI KINGSTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Forearm by Kofi after a tie-up sent Ziggler immediately to ringside. Back in the
ring, Ziggler took over, slamming Kofi’s head off the mat and getting a
one-count from it. Neck-breaker by Dolph for two. Grisham wondered aloud how
much damage Nexus did to Kingston last Sunday. Guerrero grabbed Kofi’s leg when
he was near the ropes, and Ziggler ambushed him with a running forearm, sending
Kofi through the ropes and to the outside. They went to break a little under
3:00 into the match.
[Commercial Break]
Back with Ziggler controlling Kingston with, what else, a chin-lock. Kingston
came back with a jaw-breaker. However, he couldn’t capitalize and Ziggler
splashed his foe in the corner. “Vickie Guerrero puts Megan Fox to shame,” said
Striker. I’m convinced he tries every week to come up with the biggest lie or
most ridiculous statement and sell it with a straight face. Kingston was slammed
in the corner for another two-count. Ziggler then went to work on the arm. A
second splash in the corner did not find the mark. Unique roll-up for two by
Kofi. Double chop to the chest and a high dropkick. Thesz Press and he fired
away with rights. He was going for the Boom Drop but Ziggler rolled out of the
way. Kofi went to the top after his flip kick in the corner, but Vickie got on
the apron and shoved him off in full sight of referee “Goose” Mahoney. That drew
the disqualification.
WINNER: Kingston, via DQ, at 8:45. Not a particularly inspired effort here.
Ziggler tried to continue the assault, but Kingston knew it was coming and they
went to the outside. Ziggler ran away while Vickie blocked Kingston’s route,
screaming the entire time. They she got confident, saying Kingston couldn’t hit
her anyway. From behind, Ziggler attacked Kofi and stomped away at him. In the
ring, Zig Zag from Ziggler. As soon as Kingston sat up, Ziggler locked in the
sleeper hold. Ziggler looked as if he was done, but then went back for some
more. He lifted his boot over Kofi’s head and held it there a while before
bringing it down hard on Kingston’s jaw. They replayed the finish of the match
and parts of Ziggler’s post-match attack.
- The announcers plugged Alberto Del Rio’s in-ring debut against Rey Mysterio,
later tonight.
[Commercial Break]
- They showed all the media WWE did leading up to Summerslam, the same video
they showed at Summerslam and Raw.
- LayCool were backstage and Layla said Teddy Long wasn’t happy with their
attack on Melina at Summerslam. She was afraid Long would punish them, but
McCool said Long should reward them. Apparently, they have something big planned
that is indeed flawless. After they walked out, the camera focused on a plant
backstage. In the plant was Hornswoggle. He laughed and walked away, still
dressed as a plant.
- The announcers reacted with slight bemusement about the previous segment. They
then showed the Undertaker-Kane stills from Summerslam again. Kane’s explanation
is still to come tonight.
- Luke Gallows was shown backstage. He walked up to Serena and Joey Mercury
(whose upper body was wrapped). Gallows said he didn’t like CM Punk walking out
on them at Summerslam, but Serena said he was just teaching them a lesson. She
said they’d show they deserve Punk’s admiration tonight. Punk then walked in and
said they don’t deserve anything, least of all his admiration. He said they were
going to do something completely different, and what Nexus did piqued his
interest. He said that, in regards to Gallows & Serena’s match against Big Show
and Kelly Kelly tonight….if they don’t win, they’re out of the Straight Edge
Society. That match is next.
[Commercial Break]
2 – SERENA & LUKE GALLOWS vs. KELLY KELLY & THE BIG SHOW
The announcers noted that this was Serena’s first match in WWE. Gallows found
Show immoveable to start, so he immediately went to Serena and tagged her in.
Kelly Kelly whipped Serena in to the buckle and tried her cartwheel elbow, but
Serena knocked her with an elbow in the back of Kelly’s head. Knees to the back
by Serena. Kelly got out of a hold with a jaw-breaker. Serena missed a splash
and a Thesz Press by Kelly ensued. Headscissors take-down. X Factor by Kelly,
but Gallows pulled her off on a pin attempt. Show plowed him over and sent it to
ringside where the two big men battled. Kelly went for the K2, but Serena turned
it into a gut-buster for the win.
WINNERS: Serena and Gallows, at 3:07. A good idea to keep Serena and Kelly in
that for most of it, actually. Action was okay.
- Alberto Del Rio debuts against Rey Mysterio later tonight.
- Next though is Kane’s explanation for his attack on his brother.
[Commercial Break]
- Striker plugged WWE.com, where you can go to follow WWE on Twitter.
- Kane was already in the ring. He laughed into the mic, and a loud bellowing
laugh echoed throughout the arena. Nice effect, but it takes you out of the
moment. Just like the mood music, clips spliced into the promos, etc. He talked
about the seven deadly sins and that his favorite is the sin of pride. He said
it was Undertaker’s pride that weakened him. Kane claimed Taker’s pride would
force him to come back before he was ready, and that pride allowed him to drop
Taker on his head at Summerslam. Kane was sitting in the ring with the World
Title around his waist. He talked about Taker’s downward spiral, asking him if
he remembered how it started. Kane said for years, he was nothing more than a
vague memory in the back of Taker’s mind. They showed clips of Kane’s debut
several years ago. Kane said the look on Taker’s face was that of someone whose
pride would want to keep Kane in the shadows forever. He said everything he did
in the early years, Taker was able to overcome. Instead of destroying the
legend, he made it greater. Kane talked about being set on fire, and we saw
clips of that as well. Kane called that Taker’s most magnificent moment, yet he
knew what he had to do.
He said his master plan was set in motion then. With every victory, Taker’s
collection of souls grew, as did his weakness. Kane said that he watched and
waited. He claimed that the day Taker forced him to remove his mask was the day
the monster was released, a monster that would end Taker’s reign of darkness.
Uh, I don’t recall it happening like that. Kane talked about meeting Taker at
Wrestlemania XX and how the time wasn’t right then, but his plan was evolving.
He said he placed himself at Taker’s right hand to gain his confidence. He said
their reunion was just a vehicle for his vengeance. He said Taker’s pride always
forced him to get back up. Kane said that while Taker was disgraced by those
beneath him, he had been biding his time. That moment came when Taker showed
Shawn Michaels an instant of mercy. He said his brother could destroy Michaels
or he could become one with his weakness. Kane said Taker’s decision sealed his
fate and that the plan he hatched a decade ago finally came to fruition. He said
the years of watching in the shadows were finally ended and he had his
vengeance. Kane said the shadows that he once labored are now cast upon Taker.
He said Taker’s Holy Grail is now his World Heavyweight Championship. Kane said
he dreamed of the day when he would take out Taker and make this moment a
reality. He said now, he has replaced Taker as the Devil’s favorite. A lot to
digest there with the history lesson and all. The explanation is plausible, at
least, for a pro wrestling angle. As usual, Kane was good in his role.
- Alberto Del Rio makes his long-awaited WWE debut against Rey Mysterio, later
tonight.
[Commercial Break]
3 – CHRISTIAN vs. DREW MCINTYRE
Before the match, Cody Rhodes walked out in a suit. He took a look at himself in
his mirror on the Titan-Tron. The bell rang to start the match before Rhodes had
walked to ringside. He eventually joined the commentators at ringside.
Hurricanrana from Christian, then McIntyre ran to ringside and slammed his hands
on the announce desk in anger. McIntyre pulled Christian off the apron when
Christian came after him, then threw over the barricade and into where the
announcers sit. Christian stood on the top of the barricade to jump onto
McIntyre, but McIntyre pulled him down and his arm went over the exposed metal
of the barricade. McIntyre went into the ring to break the count and Drew
threatened to snap Christian’s arm. Mac whipped Christian’s arm into the ring
post. Back in the ring, McIntyre got a two-count. Key-lock by McIntyre on
Christian, but he tried to elbow out of it. McIntyre lifted him up and slammed
him onto the mat. Christian was half out of the ring in terrible pain, holding
his arm, as they went to break.
[Commercial Break]
McIntyre was still working on the arm out of break. Christian tried to get to
the ropes to get away from McIntyre’s onslaught. It didn’t work too well.
McIntyre put his foot in Christian’s back and pulled back on the arm. Christian
jumped off the middle rope and DDT’d McIntyre, who was standing in the ring.
That looked absolutely vicious. Christian continued his comeback and backed
McIntyre into the corner, then fired away with right hands. Running dropkick to
the face of a seated McIntyre. That was a beauty, too. Striker said that Orlando
Bloom was mistaken for McIntyre on a flight recently. Dropkick off the top for
two by Christian. Rhodes was being very understated on commentary. To the middle
rope, his jumping European uppercut missed. Codebreaker on the arm by McIntyre,
and he got a two-count off of it. Christian got up and tried a Killswitch, but
it hurt his shoulder. McIntyre had Christian up for a powerslam, but Christian
turned it into a crucifix pin and pulled out the win.
WINNER: Christian, at 12:26. Really solid match, especially after the break.
After the match, Rhodes and McIntyre cornered Christian and went on the attack.
Matt Hardy ran out to even the odds. He had a boot on his foot and while he got
the advantage at first, McIntyre stepped on his foot to stop his momentum.
McIntyre gave the Future Shock to Hardy. Cross-Rhodes then on Christian.
- Another reminder for the debut of Alberto Del Rio tonight, against former
champion Rey Mysterio. It’s the main event.
[Commercial Break]
- Jack Swagger, fresh off a Superstars win against Chris Masters, was ranting to
someone backstage. The camera pulled back and showed Rosa Mendes working out.
She pulled out her ear phones, apparently not hearing him at all. He lamented
that he got no respect. He turned around into MVP, who said he just needs to
accept his loss. And hey, MVP should know about losing. MVP said the only thing
Swagger has been good at lately has been whining. He said he was better than MVP
in every way, and said he wants to have a shoot-out with MVP, a Jack Swagger Sr.
Invitational Shoot-Out. And if he wins, he’s hosting MVP’s VIP Lounge. If MVP
wins, he’s throwing a huge end-of-the-summer block party and Swagger will have
to pick up the tab. Those terms aren’t exactly equal there.
- Striker and Grisham talked about Team WWE winning at Summerslam, then threw it
to a Raw Rebound.
- Teddy Long was backstage with Kane. He was talking in hushed tones and told
Kane that he has it on good authority that Undertaker will be returning to
Smackdown next week. Kane just laughed and said next week will be Hell on Earth
then. There’s a hook for ya!
- Next, Del Rio vs. Mysterio.
[Commercial Break]
- Tony Chimel introduced Alberto Del Rio’s personal ring announcer, one Ricardo
Rodriguez. Del Rio rode into the arena in a Rolls Royce. He’s the Latin JBL.
4 – ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. REY MYSTERIO
Del Rio started things off with a hard kick to Mysterio. Del Rio missed a corner
charge and was taken down with a headscissors. Then he missed a dive and went
over the top and to the outside. He regrouped out there as they went to break.
[Commercial Break]
Mysterio was pounding on Del Rio in the corner upon return. Del Rio took things
to the outside and stood on Rey’s arm as it was draped across the steel steps.
Del Rio worked the arm in the ring, but Mysterio came back with kicks. Enziguiri
by Del Rio put Rey back down, and a replay revealed it connected with the
shoulder of Mysterio. To the top, he missed a back splash. Rey fought with Del
Rio, who had gotten to his knees. Kick to the back of the head for a two count.
Mysterio set up for a 619, but Del Rio caught him. He tried to flip Rey into the
corner, but Rey landed on the turnbuckle and put Del Rio down. He went to the
top, but Del Rio tripped him up. Both men were down. Nice cross arm-breaker
applied by Del Rio, and he picked up the submission victory. Crowd did not like
this result.
WINNER: Del Rio, at 10:04. WWE did Del Rio a favor by putting him in the ring
with Mysterio, who can make a lot of people look good.
Del Rio applied the move again after the match, and his personal ring announcer
announced him as the winner. He celebrated on the top of the ramp as Grisham
asked what the future holds for Smackdown’s newest superstar.
- A final video aired advertising Undertaker’s appearance on next Friday’s
Smackdown.