Smackdown Report for July 3 – Punk Turn Continues
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Smackdown emanates this week from Fresno, CA
The Ring Announcer Justin Roberts welcomes
everyone to the show and introduces the World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, who
has a chorus of boos waiting for him. Punk says he came out to discuss the
so-called controversy that everyone’s been talking about since The Bash, and
quite frankly, he’s sick and tired of it. He says that people have been saying
that he kicked the referee on purpose and purposely got himself disqualified.
Punk then leads us through a step-by-step explanation of what really happened.
He says the first allegation was that Jeff Hardy allegedly won the title, but
was somehow robbed. They then show the footage of Hardy pinning Punk, with
Punk’s foot under the rope and the match was then restarted. Punk says the
footage clearly proves that his foot was under the rope and he can see how the
referee made the mistake, because he’s only human and it happens. Punk says
unlike some other people, the rules still mean something to him. Punk says if
anything, he was almost robbed (genius!). Punk says he then suffered a severe
eye injury and they play the footage, showing when Hardy elbowed him in the
face, allegedly causing the injury. Punk says it’s clear as day that the eye
was hurt and he couldn’t see, and therefore he thought he swung at Hardy, but
hit the ref by accident. Punk says he’s a competitor and never takes the cheap
way out or takes any shortcuts. He says Hardy had every right to be frustrated,
but there is no excuse for what Hardy did to Punk next. They then show after
the match, when Hardy accused Punk of feigning the injury and then assaulting
him. Punk then shakes his head in disappointment and says Jeff Hardy has no
idea who Punk is as a person. Punk says he’s a man of integrity and doesn’t
take any shortcuts through life. He says what he did was clearly an accident,
but what Hardy did was obviously deliberate (classic heel move to spin it
around the other way and make Hardy the bad guy. I love it!). Punk continues
that there are a lot of rumours going around that Hardy is telling anyone who
will listen that he wants a rematch and Punk says that’s fine with him, but
there’s something he wants from Hardy first. Punk says he wants Hardy to come
out here and publicly apologize for his actions. Smackdown GM Teddy Long comes
out instead and JR just throws it out there that Long is still on probation.
Long says he doesn’t know if Punk took the cheap way out or not, but until
then, Punk and Hardy were having a classic match and Punk will face Hardy again
at Night of Champions. Punk says that’s fine with him, but he wants Hardy to
apologize. Long says Mr. McMahon was very pleased with the way he shook things
up at The Bash on Sunday and he’s going to keep it going, because tonight, the
new unified Tag Team Champions will face the team of Jeff Hardy and CM Punk.
This brings out the man in question, Jeff Hardy, who looks a bit like The Ultimate
Warrior this week. Hardy gets in Punk’s face and says he doesn’t want to hear
any more excuses. He says Punk knew exactly what he was doing at The Bash and
he’s a liar. Hardy says he can see right through Punk. Punk says unless the
next words out of Jeff’s mouth are “I’m sorry,” he wants him to shut up,
because Punk couldn’t care less what Jeff has to say. Hardy says the only thing
he’s going to apologize for is for beating the hell out CM Punk at Night of
Champions. Then a shoving match begins, which has to be broken up by Long. Punk
then cools his jets and lets Hardy know that they need to concentrate on
tonight and work together, because otherwise, Jericho and Edge will tear them apart. Punk
then adds that their team is already at a disadvantage because of his eye
injury (hilarious!). Punk says he can already see Hardy’s temper starting to
boil over and leaves him with the advice to “just say no.” Punk then leaves the
ring with a smirk on his face (he really does look a bit like Christian Bale).
Match #1: Ricky Ortiz vs. Finlay
Shelton Benjamin gets traded to ECW but
Ortiz remains on the A show? Ortiz should be traded off the face of the planet.
They can replace him with a chair or something. At least the chair serves a
purpose. Anyway, Maven Jr. grabs the microphone and asks Finlay why he’s so
sad. He then suggests it’s because he lost his little buddy (I believe that
happened quite a while ago). He then tells Finlay to lighten up because he’s on
Smackdown now and he should just drop the sheleighle, lose the frown and rally
up (please fire this guy!). Finlay responds with a slap to begin things and
takes the early advantage, but lowers his head and gets kicked by Ortiz, who is
unable to capitalize and ends up being clotheslined over the top rope to the
floor. Finlay then comes out to deliver some kicks off the ring apron, but
Ortiz is able to sweep him as Finlay attempts to get back in the ring. Ortiz
then delivers a powerslam on the outside and sends Finlay back in for a
belly-to-back suplex for two. He then delivers a big splash, but misses Finlay
in the corner and goes shoulder-first into the post. Finlay tries a schoolboy,
but only gets two. Finlay then connects with stiff clotheslines and loads Ortiz
with a fireman’s carry for a steamroller, followed by a big splash for two.
Finlay tries another fireman’s carry, but is unable to lift Ortiz. Ortiz then
tries a powerbomb, but can’t get Finlay up either and finally Finlay is able to
hoist Ortiz up and deliver the Celtic cross for the win. Way too long.
Winner: Finlay by pinfall
Backstage, Dolph Ziggler is doing these
girly push-ups, when he’s approached by Maria, who introduces herself and may
be charged with gimmick infringement for that. Ziggler introduces himself as
well and it just got awkward. He says he’s just staying focused on his match,
because he usually always wins (I’m starting to come around on this guy). Maria
said she had fun last night and Ziggler says you’re welcome, to which Maria
awkwardly responds “thank you.” Ziggler says they should definitely do it again
some time (is Maria like the village bicycle or something? Does this mean that
they went out last night without knowing each other’s names?). Anyway, Maria
wishes Ziggler luck and Ziggler says he just may get lucky again tonight.
Match #2: Dolph Ziggler vs. R Truth
Ziggler gets the early advantage in the
match, but as he whips Truth to the corner, Truth leaps over him, followed with
a backflip and the splits and then springs up with a jumping calf kick to
complete the sequence. He then takes Ziggler down with a hiptoss for two.
Ziggler starts cowering in the corner and with Truth being held back by the
ref, Ziggler lands a cheap shot and follows with an inverted t-bone suplex and
then applies a rear chinlock, followed by elbowdrops and then into a full
nelson. Truth fights out and delivers a clothesline, but lowers his head and
catches a boot from Ziggler, who shouts “that’s what’s up!” (pretty funny).
Ziggler is then victimized by a powerslam for two. Truth then delivers a bicycle
kick, but Ziggler rolls to the apron and hangs Truth’s neck off the top rope
and then jumps up with a reverse neckbreaker for the win.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler by pinfall
It’s now time for Word Up (I can’t wait).
Cryme Tyme made some comparison between themselves and the Flintstones, because
they can make the bed rock (this would have been funny, but I believe I heard
it already on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). Eve (the one reason I look forward to
these segments) then comes to reveal the word of the day, which was “Wangsta.”
She says a wangsta is basically a fake gangster or poser, if you will. Cryme
Tyme then gets out the binoculars and some bushes (where the hell did they find
bushes?) for a street safari to point out what a wangsta is. They then do their
best Elmer Fudd impression, saying “be vewy vewy quiet, we’re going wangsta
hunting.” So the three of them sit there behind the bushes with the binoculars,
which I’m pretty sure is illegal and first person they see is Layla, which
makes them forget what they’re doing and just focusing on her. Eve then grabs
the binoculars and spot Jimmy Wang Yang (only way he can get on TV these days)
and says he’s posing as an Asian redneck. Cryme Tyme couldn’t care less and
then they spot Jesse, dressed like 50 Cent and he comes in and starts talking
the talk. He says he’s otherwise known as Jeezy, J-easy or Slam Master J (my
personal favourite). Cryme Tyme then cuts him off and says that’s what a
wangsta is and then tell him not to follow them as they will return for another
edition of Word Up next week (I’m holding my breath).
Match #3: Kane vs. Rey Mysterio
Grisham starts with a stupid comment that
Rey is always the smaller guy in the match, but has probably never felt as
small as right now (that has to be the dumbest thing he’s ever said and that’s
saying a lot). JR then adds that these two have had an amazing rivalry that
should not go undocumented (yes it should). Rey starts on the offence, but is
unable to maintain it as Kane fires back with a clothesline and then another
one for two. Kane then applies a reverse chinlock, but Rey is able to fight
out. Rey is able to leap over Kane in the corner and deliver a low dropkick,
landing Kane on the ropes. Rey tries the 6-1-9, but Kane avoids it and tries the chokeslam, which
Rey escapes, but runs into a big boot for two. Kane then slams Mysterio into
the post on the outside and throws him back in for another slam, but catches a
mule kick in the corner. Rey then runs into a back elbow, giving Kane two. Kane
delivers a belly-to-back suplex for two, followed by a backbreaker and holds
Mysterio in an arched position across Kane’s knee. Rey fights out with knees
and then hits a low dropkick, followed by a springboard seated senton and a
tilt-a-whirl reverse DDT for two. Rey then eats an uppercut, coming off the top
turnbuckle for two. Kane tries the chokeslam, but Rey ducks it and hits an
enzugiri, shades of the late, great Owen Hart. Rey then delivers a dropkick,
positioning Kane on the middle rope and then finally the 6-1-9. Rey goes for the west coast pop
(stupid move), but Kane says access denied and delivers a thunderous chokeslam
for the win.
Winner: Kane by pinfall
After the match, Kane grabs Rey by the
throat again, but The Great Khali’s music trumpets throughout the arena and
Khali comes out with a steel chair. Kane then retreats through the crowd.
Josh Matthews interviews Chris Jericho
backstage, because Jericho
apparently requested this time. Jericho
says it has brought a smile to his face to finally see the hypocrite Rey
Mysterio get what he deserves. He says next week, Rey’s in store for the same
thing, when Jericho
will invoke his rematch clause and become the Intercontinental champion for the
unprecedented 10th time. Edge cuts in and says tonight isn’t about Rey
Mysterio. He says it’s about proving that he and Jericho are the most dominant force in the
WWE Universe. Edge says unlike their opponents tonight, he and Jericho can work as a cohesive unit and are
unified, which they will prove later on. Jericho
says they are the very best at what they do (can’t argue that). He says Punk is
as much of a hypocrite as all the pathetic drones in the arena and Hardy as
well with his pathetic, painted face. He says he and Edge are the most dominant
force in the company. Edge says those are his thoughts exactly.
Match #4: The Hart Dynasty vs. Cryme Tyme
It looks like the Canadians are taking over
Smackdown. In fact, JR and even Grisham do a good job of putting the Dynasty
over here. Grisham then makes mention of the Word Up segment earlier and asks
JR if he’s a wangsta (JR’s a hwangsta). Tyson Kidd starts things off with JTG.
Kidd negotiates a go-behind, but JTG escapes and takes Kidd down with a drop
toe hold, floating over into front facelock. JTG reverses an Irish whip to the
far corner and delivers a jumping faceplant. Kidd then rolls outside and
outsmarts JTG, making him chase him around the ring. Kidd then gets a blind tag
to DH Smith, who attacks JTG from behind. Smith delivers an overhead
belly-to-belly suplex, shades of Kurt Angle for two. Smith then applies a
reverse chinlock. Kidd tags in and delivers a snapmare, followed by a soccer
kick to the spine (we don’t play soccer here in Canada) for two. Kid then applies a
modified bow and arrow/surfboard. JTG fights out and Kidd misses a splash in
the corner. JTG tries a schoolboy for two and Kidd takes him down with a
snapmare and goes back to the bow and arrow. JTG delivers an uppercut and then
a tilt-a-whirl neckbreaker. Tags are made on both sides and the two big men
step in, with Shad gaining early advantage with clotheslines and then an
avalanche in the corner, followed by a belly-to-back faceplant and then an
elbowdrop, but Kidd breaks the pin. With the ref distracted, JTG delivers a
reverse hotshot to Smith, who is then victimized by thugnificent (an STO) and
Shad picks up the win. You’ve got to be kidding me!
Winners: Cryme Tyme by pinfall
Match #5: Michelle McCool and Layla vs.
Melina and Maria
Michelle’s lucky she’s dating The
Undertaker is all I have to say. Apparently she has a new lackey now in Layla,
since Alicia Fox is on Raw. Michelle starts taunting Melina from the apron by
holding the belt up. Layla capitalizes on the distraction, but Melina avoids
eating some turnbuckle with a high kick and JR says this match resembles a
tennis match from Wimbledon with all the
screaming. Maria tags in and delivers a knee and then a snapmare and a low
clothesline for two. She tries a kick, but Layla catches her foot and forces
her into splitsville. Quick tags are made between Michelle and Layla as they’ve
pinpointed Maria’s knee as a weak spot. Michelle applies a toe hold and JR
mentions that Layla has an NBA Championship ring from her days with the Miama
Heat (someone should alert Dwayne Wade that his ring has been located. I didn’t
know they gave championship rings to cheerleaders). Maria fights back and tags
in Melina, as Michelle tags Layla. Layla tries for an attack, but Melina
utilizes an arching matrix move, shades of Trish Stratus and then delivers a
Pele kick and a standing split legdrop for the win.
Winners: Melina and Maria by pinfall
John Morrison is standing in Teddy Long’s
office, saying that he should get to face the winner of the Punk vs. Hardy
match at Night of Champions, since he beat Punk last week. In the meantime,
Long is doing this weird dance in the background, which was kind of funny and
he says Morrison will have to excuse him, because he was just thinking of the
BET awards. Morrison asks about the tribute for Michael Jackson and says he’s a
huge MJ fan. Long and Morrison then start singing duets of Michael Jackson’s
songs. Long sings Thriller and Morrison says it was a thrill to beat Punk last
week, only to have Punk give him the GTS like a “Smooth Criminal” (haha
excellent!). Long says Morrison don’t “gotta be starting something” with him.
Long then says he’ll think about it, but for now, Morrison needs to “Beat It.”
Humourous segment!
Match #6: CM Punk and Jeff Hardy vs. Chris
Jericho and Edge
Edge and Punk start things off with Edge
taking early advantage with a top wristlock, into an armbar. Punk fights out
and delivers a dropkick and locks in his own top wristlock and tags Hardy, who
comes in with an axehandle off the top. Hardy then whips Edge sternum first
into the far corner, but Edge reaches the rope and the referee Scott Armstrong
paid close attention to it this time. Punk tags in and comes off the top with a
double axehandle and goes into an armbar. Jericho
tags in and gets an armdrag from Punk into another armbar. Punk slams Jericho and tags Hardy,
who comes off the ropes with a guillotine legdrop, shades of Psychosis for two.
Hardy then delivers an inverted atomic drop, followed by a double leg takedown
and a double legdrop to the sternum. Punk tags in and locks in an armbar. Jericho fights out and
tags Edge, who delivers a headbutt, but Punk reverses an Irish whip and
delivers a jumping calf kick. Hardy tags in and he and Punk do some
double-teaming with a poetry in motion. Punk then clotheslines Edge over the
ropes to the floor and has an awkward staredown with Hardy as we head to
commercial. Back from break, Hardy leaps over Edge in the corner and delivers
an armdrag into an armbar and then a top wristlock. He goes to tag Punk who is
holding his eye and won’t tag in. Hardy delivers a vertical suplex to Edge and
then tries a jackknife cover for two. He misses a splash in the corner and Jericho tags in,
delivering some elbowdrops and then tosses Jeff outside and with the ref
distracted, Edge takes a cheap shot. Hardy fights back but Punk refuses a tag
again, because of his eye. Jericho
locks in a chicken wing, shades of Bob Backlund. Hardy fights out and attempts
a headscissor out of the corner, but Jericho
tosses him to the floor. Hardy tries tagging for a third time, but once again,
Punk is holding his eye and can’t tag. Hardy hits the whisper in the wind on Jericho and Jericho tags Edge, who
tries the edgecution, but Hardy counters with the twist of fate and finally
tags Punk in. Punk hits a running high knee in the corner and a bulldog on Edge
for two. He tries the GTS, but Edge counters into the Edge-o-matic for two. Jericho tags in and
delivers a punt to Punk’s ribs and immediately goes after the eye. Jericho starts screaming
“you’re a punk!” (brilliant!). A double clothesline takes both men down and
Punk goes to tag Hardy, but this time Hardy screams in pain and drops off the
apron, holding his eye. Jericho
tries a schoolboy on Punk for two and then tries the Walls of Jericho, but Punk
kicks him to the corner and tries the GTS, but doesn’t see that Edge has made a
blind tag. Jericho
goes to sleep, but Edge nails Punk with the spear for the win.
Winners: Edge and Chris Jericho by pinfall
After the match, Hardy delivers the twist
of fate to Edge and goes upstairs, but both Edge and Jericho retreat. Hardy then tries to console
Punk and both guys are holding their allegedly injured eyes, which looked
pretty awkward but funny. Hardy then goes up the ramp and reveals that he was
faking it, just to prove a point. Punk does not look amused as Smackdown goes
off the air.
Final thoughts:
This was definitely not as good a show as previous weeks. Most of the matches
were pretty boring actually. Dolph Ziggler was actually pretty funny tonight
and I liked the segment between John Morrison and Teddy Long. The main event
was good as well and I think the standout tonight was CM Punk. They are really
doing a good job with the heel turn tease. 6 out of 10 this week.
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