World Wrestling Entertainment presents Smackdown
Date: 1/30/2003
From: Green Bay, WI
A video package highlighting the confrontation from last week between Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon is shown. Looks like Hogan vs. McMahon is going to be a major feud for Smackdown, which is an interesting choice. Feels like a feud better suited for RAW, but Smackdown needs this kind of stuff, too.
Opening Contest: Rey Mysterio vs. A-Train: Mysterio leaps off the apron attempting a hurricanrana, but Train catches Mysterio. Mysterio punches Train to break free and delivers a dropkick off the apron to stagger Train on the floor. Train grabs Mysterio for a chokeslam in the ring, but Mysterio breaks free. Train tries for a press slam to the floor, but Mysterio breaks free. Mysterio tries for a springboard crossbody, but is caught and slammed to the mat. Train pummels Mysterio with right hands on the mat. Mysterio rolls to the floor, but gets back into the ring and leg drops Train over the back from the middle rope. Mysterio dropkicks a kneeling Train. Train stops Mysterio with the Derailer (Baldo Bomb) for a two count. Train catapults Mysterio throat first over the middle rope. Train rolls Mysterio back into the ring and puts a full nelson on Mysterio. Mysterio manages to counter with a stunner. Mysterio kicks Train out of the corner and leaps off the middle rope, but Train catches Mysterio in an electric chair. Mysterio plants Train with a tornado DDT for a two count. Mysterio dropkicks Train over the middle rope and tries for the 619, but Train nails Mysterio with a bicycle kick. Train nails Mysterio with the Train Wrench (over the shoulder backbreaker) and wins the match cleanly! (**. I fully expected Mysterio to win here and get some revenge on Train for last months injury angle. Train seems to get momentum and then it gets, well, derailed. Hopefully he stays on track this time as this is a good clean win for him to be seen as a viable heel on Smackdown.)
Backstage, Paul Heyman is interviewed by Josh Matthews. Heyman says Big Show will not wrestle Undertaker tonight. Heyman says that Show told the truth that when they meet one of them will not return to the locker room. Heyman says he’ll have no part of the Undertaker getting revenge on Big Show. Heyman has given Show the night off and Taker will be disappointed when he arrives to the arena.
John Cena makes his way out cutting a rap with Redd Dogg by his side, officially replacing B2.
Second Contest: Smackdown Tag Team Champion Eddie Guerrero vs. John Cena: Guerrero starts off with right hands before ramming Cena into the corner and delivers body shots. Guerrero forearms Cena several times followed by elbow strikes to the back of the head. Guerrero sends Cena through the ropes to the floor. Chavo sends Cena into the barricade before sending Cena back into the ring where Eddie gets a near fall. Guerrero continues with strikes to control Cena. Guerrero plants Cena with a back suplex and stomps Cena on the mat. Guerrero backs Cena into the corner to deliver an uppercut. Guerrero misses a splash in the corner. Guerrero punches Cena against the ropes, but Cena lifts Guerrero up and down to the mat gut first. Cena sends Guerrero to the floor where Dogg sends Guerrero into the ring steps. Cena covers for a two count. Cena works over Guerrero in the corner with strikes. Cena takes Guerrero over with a snap suplex for a near fall. Cena hits a delayed vertical suplex for another two count. Cena elbows Guerrero coming off the ropes and hits a snap suplex. Cena crawls over for a two count. Cena plants Guerrero with a side slam for a near fall. Cena keeps Guerrero on the mat with a sleeper. Guerrero leg sweeps Cena and punches Cena several times. Guerrero uppercuts Cena against the ropes. Guerrero dropkicks Cena coming off the ropes. Guerrero kicks Cena in the ribs a few times. Dogg distracts Guerrero allowing Cena to hit a back suplex. Cena heads to the top rope, but Chavo shoves Cena off the ropes. Guerrero leaps off the top to hit the frog splash for the win. (*1/2. There wasn’t much to this and it felt like Eddie leading a rookie wrestler to a basic match. Redd Dogg came across useless. I would think that Dogg would be a useful muscle, but he essentially did nothing.)
Backstage, The Undertaker has arrived to the arena.
Backstage, Paul Heyman is on the phone telling someone that Undertaker has arrived. Heyman tells Big Show that he has a plan and walks over to Brian Kendrick talking to a couple of guys. Heyman notes that Kendrick was trained by Shawn Michaels. Heyman reminds Kendrick that he’s managed the last three heavyweight champions. Kendrick would do anything to make it in the business. Heyman walks away with Kendrick saying he’s got a job for him.
Backstage, Stephanie McMaho is on the phone, but Vince McMahon enters the room and hangs up the phone. Stephanie says she’s been calling him all week. Vince asks what Stephanie was thinking to bring back Hogan. Stephanie didn’t know what Hogan was going to do. Stephanie deflects to Bischoff trying to bring back Steve Austin. Stephanie thought Vince would be proud of her. She’s trying to compete with Bischoff, which is something Vince did. Stephanie was completely surprised when Hogan hit Vince. Vince has a big surprise this week. Vince is going to go to the ring and reveal his big surprise tonight.
Third Contest: WWE Cruiserweight Champion Billy Kidman vs. Shannon Moore in a non-title match: Moore attacks from behind as Matt Hardy distracted Kidman. Kidman ducks a clothesline and head scissors Moore. Moore holds onto the ropes and bails to the floor. Moore rams Kidman into the barricade back first and into the apron. Moore rolls Kidman into the ring for a two count. Moore sends Kidman into the corner a few times leading to a near fall. Moore puts a sleeper on Kidman to control the match. Kidman elbows free from the hold, but Moore yanks Kidman down to the mat by his hair for a two count. Moore forearms Kidman on the lower back several times. Moore hits a back suplex for another two count. Moore knee strikes Kidman on the back while keeping a straight jacket choke on Kidman. Kidman kicks Moore followed by right hands. Kidman runs into a boot by Moore. Kidman dropkicks Moore coming out of the corner. Moore misses a clothesline and Kidman hits a an elbow and clothesline. Kidman drops Moore over his knee for a near fall. Moore is sent chest first into the corner, but Moore hits a middle rope heel kick for a two count. Kidman plants Moore with a spinebuster for a near fall. Kidman tries for a bulldog, but Moore avoids it and hits a flipping neckbreaker for a near fall. Kidman nails Moore with a kick to the head. Kidman heads to the top rope, but Moore crotches Kidman. Moore tries for a suplex, but Kidman knocks Moore off. Kidman hits Hardy off the apron. Kidman hits the Shooting Star Press to pin Moore for the win. After the match, Hardy attacks Kidman from behind. Hardy plants Kidman with the Twist of Fate. Hardy yells at Moore, but goes back to Kidman. Hardy connects with a second Twist of Fate. Hardy taunts the fans as Kidman is laid out. (**. The aftermath was fine. It’s interesting that Hardy is going after the Cruiserweight Championship. If there was a secondary title on Smackdown he’d likely be going after that as this point. A decent match, too.)
Backstage, Vince McMahon is walking to the ring and stops to shake hands with Nunzio.
Vince McMahon makes his way down to the ring to cut a promo. McMahon gets annoyed quickly when the fans start to chant for Hogan. McMahon talks about the big surprise last week by Stephanie when she announced the return of Hulk Hogan. McMahon talks about standing in the ring with Hogan, but could tell that Hogan was intimidated by his presence. McMahon told Hogan that Hulkamania is dead just like Al Wilson. McMahon admits that he was wrong that it’s not dead. McMahon does think that Hulkamania is on life support. McMahon believes the only reason Hulkamania is alive is because of the fans blowing hot air to keep it running. McMahon says the fans don’t know Hogan like he knows Hogan. McMahon says that Hogan is a man eating predator when it comes to business. As a human being, Hogan is a blood sucking bottom feeder. McMahon doesn’t understand the whole Hogan crap. The red and yellow, the eating the vitamins and training. McMahon promises to kill Hulkamania. McMahon believes the fans are gullible. McMahon takes credit for creating Hulkamania and says the fans and Hogan owe him. McMahon can’t believe that Hogan would challenge him to a match last week on Smackdown. McMahon is livid that Hogan sucker punched him. McMahon puts down the fans for supporting Hogan for striking him. McMahon says that Hogan and the people want an answer from him regarding the challenge. McMahon says there’s no way out for the Hulkster. McMahon announces that at No Way Out there will be Hulk Hogan in one corner and in the other corner it will be…. THE ROCK! McMahon asks what Hogan is going to do when The Rock runs wild on Hogan! McMahon walks up the aisle and introduces The Rock via satellite. Rock appears on the screen and does his usual catchphrase. Rock is relieved to not be in Green Bay. Rock doesn’t answer to McMahon and never will. Rock answers to the people. Rock knows the people want to see the greatest match of all time. Rock agrees to wrestle Hogan at No Way Out for the second time. Rock says he’s excited about facing Hogan and has much respect for Hogan. Rock knows that Hogan is going to summon powers and shake, but he couldn’t care less. Rock guarantees that Hogan will relive the same result as WrestleMania X8.
Fourth Contest: Bill DeMott vs. Rikishi: DeMott is protecting his injured left arm as it’s still wrapped up. Rikishi shoulder blocks DeMott and keeps control with a headlock. Rikishi comes off the ropes with another shoulder block followed by forearm strikes. DeMott elbows away from Rikishi and comes off the ropes to deliver a clothesline. DeMott sends Rikishi shoulder first into the corner and delivers a flurry of strikes over the back. DeMott splashes Rikishi in the corner and continues with strikes. DeMott puts an abdominal stretch on Rikishi and uses the ropes for leverage. Rikishi tries for a belly to belly suplex, but DeMott strikes free. DeMott plants Rikishi with a scoop slam. DeMott heads to the top rope, but Rikishi stops DeMott hitting an electric chair slam. Rikishi drops DeMott with a few right hands and a clothesline. Rikishi plants DeMott with a Samoan Drop followed by a superkick. Rikishi splashes DeMott in the corner and DeMott drops down in the corner, but Rikishi tries for a DDT instead, but DeMot holds onto the ropes and pins Rikishi while holding the ropes to win the match. (1/2*. I like bully DeMott more than this version of DeMott cheating. DeMott doesn’t connect nearly as well when he’s competing with people his size or larger.) After the match, Undertaker’s music hits and DeMott exits stage left.
The Undertaker enters the ring to cut a promo. Taker didn’t have luck last week, but he’s here to try it again. He’s got issues with Big Show and wants to get their issues settled tonight. Taker calls Big Show to come out and get this done. After a commercial break, Taker is sitting on the ring steps as Big Show has not arrived. Taker has a now philosophy since he’s been back and that’s just shut up and fight. Taker wants Show to be a man for once in his life and come down and fight him.
Big Show’s music hits, but Paul Heyman comes out instead of Big Show. Heyman tells Taker that Big Show isn’t at the arena tonight. Heyman says that Big Show has sent Taker a personal message. Brian Kendrick comes out riding a bicycle acting as the messenger boy. Kendrick gets in the ring and Taker enters the ring, as well. Kendrick has a singing telegram from the Big Show. Kendrick sings that Show is really sorry and he’ll never do it again. Taker asks Heyman if he thinks this is cute or funny. Heyman insists it’s an apology from Big Show and says Show is truly sorry. Taker wants Heyman to give Show a message from him. Taker says when Show comes face to face with him that Show will then be truly sorry. Heyman leaves pissed off. Kendrick is looking for a tip from Taker. Taker says Kendrick has a lot of guts, but not a lot of brains. Taker likes someone that has guts. Taker goes into his wallet and gives Kendrick $100. Taker asks Kendrick to do it one more time. Kendrick performs a second time, but Taker kicks Kendrick and hits the Last Ride. Taker takes back his $100 as well to end the segment.
Backstage, Smackdown World Champion Kurt Angle is giving Team Angle a pep talk for the main event tag match. Kurt says they will have an opportunity to win gold if they win tonight. Kurt says Benoit and Edge are just about as good as it gets. It’s not easy to beat them, but Kurt knows they can do it. It’s why he picked them for Team Angle. Kurt brings up Vince Lombardi who coached the Packers when they were good. Kurt says that winning is the only thing. Kurt says they need to win for themselves tonight. Charlie chimes in and says they are going to win tonight for Kurt. Shelton says it’s true, it’s damn true. Kurt gives them a hug and they had to the ring.
A video package promoting Brock Lesnar is shown.
Backstage, Edge & Chris Benoit are preparing to end to the ring.
A vignette promoting Sean O’Haire is shown. O’Haire suggests people enjoy themselves with their vices. O’Haire encourages people to drink or smoke.
Main Event: Chris Benoit & Edge vs. Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin in a number one contenders match: Benoit and Haas kickoff the main event with Benoit working over Haas in the corner. Benoit knee lifts Haas coming off the ropes and sends Haas chest first into the corner. Benoit continues with chops and strikes in the corner. Benjamin distracts Benoit from the apron to allow Haas to get control. Benjamin tags into the match and delivers a gut buster for a near fall. Benjamin elbows Benoit coming off the ropes for a two count. Benjamin continues with strikes in the corner. Benoit drops Benjamin over the top turnbuckle face first. Edge gets the tag and cleans house with clotheslines and a backdrop to Haas. Edge hits a flapjack on Benjamin and drops Haas to the mat from behind. Kurt Angle gets on the apron, but Edge spears Angle to the floor! Edge dumps Haas to the floor, but Benjamin knocks Edge to the floor, as well. Benoit tosses Benjamin with a German suplex and takes Haas out with a suicide dive! Edge recovers to climb to the top rope hitting a missile dropkick to Benjamin leading to a near fall. The show goes to commercial.
Benoit works over Benjamin in the corner with stomps. Benoit yanks Benjamin down to the mat by the arm and tags in Edge to maintain the advantage. Edge puts an arm bar on Benjamin, but doesn’t get a submission. Benjamin stomps free from the arm bar and tags in Haas. Haas tries for a suplex, but Edge counters with a suplex of his own for a near fall. Edge puts a wrist lock on Haas and tags in Benoit. Benoit hits a bridging suplex for a two count. Benoit sends Haas shoulder first into the corner. Benoit works over Haas as Edge tags back into the match. Haas kicks Edge out of the corner and rams Edge into the corner. Edge drop toe holds Haas and keeps an arm bar on Haas. Benoit tags back into the match and works over Haas arm. Benoit rams Haas into the corner and sends Haas across the ring. Benoit tries for the Crossface, but Haas reaches the ropes to avoid the hold. Edge tags back into the match and works over Haas in the corner. Haas runs into a boot in the corner, but hits an overhead suplex. Benjamin cheap shots Edge as the referee is distracted. Haas knocks Edge to the mat and tags in Benjamin. Benjamin elbow drops Edge on the left knee several times. Benjamin wrenches on the knee trying to get a submission, but Edge refuses to give in.
Haas comes back into the match and leg drops Edge on the left knee. Haas locks in a leg lock submission, but Edge doesn’t submit. Edge chops Haas to break free from the hold. Edge kicks Haas away, but Haas drop toe holds Edge and tags in Benjamin. Benjamin stomps Edge on the knee and puts a leg lock on Edge. Haas comes back into the match and continues to work over the left knee of Edge. Benjamin slingshot splashes onto Edge’s knee from the apron. Angle slams Edge’s knee onto the apron as the referee is out of position. Benjamin keeps the advantage on the mat with a figure four leg lock. Edge tries to rollover, but Benoit dropkicks Benjamin on the mat. Haas enters the match without a tag and puts a figure four on Edge again. Edge manages to rollover the hold and reaches the ropes. Edge nails Haas with a kick to the side of the head. Benjamin tags into the match and ducks a kick by Edge. Edge somersaults Benjamin chest first into the corner. Benoit tags in and elbows Benjamin to the mat. Benoit cleans house with clotheslines. Benoit takes Benjamin over with a snap suplex. Benoit hits a snap suplex on Haas onto Benjamin. Angle grabs Benoit’s leg to allow Benjamin to leap over Haas and splash onto Benoit’s back while over the ropes for a near fall. Benjamin misses a superkick and hit Haas on accident. Benoit tosses Benjamin with a series of German suplexs. Benoit signals for the diving headbutt. Benoit climbs to the top and hits a diving headbutt onto Benjamin for a near fall! Benoit sends Haas to the floor and locks in the Crossface on Benjamin, but Haas makes the save. Edge spears Haas! Angle decks Benoit from behind with the World Championship. Benjamin covers Benoit to pickup the win and will challenge for the tag titles next week on Smackdown! (***1/2. A good match and the finish doesn’t bother me. It was kind of expected that Angle would get involved. There was a lot going on at the end that Angle’s involvement felt that it came out of nowhere. I’d imagine that Haas & Benjamin will win the tag titles next week to make Team Angle the top faction on Smackdown.)
Team Angle celebrate the win on the floor. Smackdown Tag Team Champions Los Guerreros were backstage watching the match. Angle promises they are going to own the gold next week to end the program.
Final Thoughts:
The announcement of the Rock’s return didn’t seem to generate a huge positive reaction from the live crowd. I’m wondering if fans at this point were a little bitter that Rock had ditched wrestling to focus on acting. Rock/Hogan II at No Way Out is a huge match that’s for sure. This weeks Smackdown is an average show with a strong main event and some good angle development throughout.
Thanks for reading.