WWE Smackdown's Savior

[craig]

Agrees with Raw, great, but uhhh how is Haas the US champion (i.e. what your sig says)

[mrhelm]

Smackdown from JHawk's Beak

Thursday, August 19, 2004

Segment 1

Smackdown opens with "No Chance in Hell" coming over the speaker. Vincent K. McMahon struts down to the ring where he picks up a mic. He shows us a snippet of footage from SummerSlam where Big Show chokeslams Kurt Angle in the middle of the ring. He then brings out the Big Show. He tells Show that he did quite well last night, and as a reward, he was proud to welcome him back to the Smackdown roster. And he told Show not to worry, as Kurt Angle is sitting at home tonight.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

A decent segue between feuds for Kurt Angle, moving from Luther to the Big Show. Obviously the Angle/McMahon hatred will build following this segment as well. Perhaps we'll building to an Angle vs Vince match in the future?

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Segment 2

One fall for the WWE Tag titles: Los Luchadores Loco vs Akio and Sakoda (w/ Hiroko and Kenzo Suzuki)

Both teams are still bruised and in some cases bandaged from the TLC match on Sunday night. Sakoda and Nicho Millonario start things out. Sakoda goes for a lariat, but Nicho dodges the attack and hits a neckbreaker. Nicho scores with a standing leg drop. He immediately follows with a rolling kick. He covers but only gets two. Sakoda steps back from a dropkick. Kick to the gut by Sakoda; snap powerbomb on Nicho! Sakoda tags in Akio. Akio scores with a kick to the back of the head on Nicho and the luchador goes down. Akio goes to the top rope and dives off with a flying cross body, but Nicho rolls through and covers Akio for two. Nicho dives for his corner, but Akio grabs a leg. Enzuigiri by Nicho, and he tags in Juventud Guerrera! Juventud comes on fire, and he takes down Akio with a leg lariat. Sakoda runs in, but Juvi hurls him over the top rope. Akio hits Juventud from behind with a forearm. He tries to whip Juvi in to the far corner, but Juvi blocks it and turns it in to a suplex. Juvi goes for the cover, but Hiroko throws Akio's leg up on to the rope. The ref pulls him off, and Juvi argues that he got a three. Akio gets up behind Juventud, and scores with a Northern Lights suplex. Kenzo holds down Juvi's legs as the ref counts to three. *** 3/4 rating.

After the match, Nicho attacks Kenzo, but Sakoda intercepts him and they start brawling. Paul London and BIlly Kidman charge in to the ring, and immediately go after Akio and Sakoda. They lay out Sakoda with a double back drop outside the ring, then Kidman lays out Akio with a vertical suplex. He positions Akio as London climbs the turnbuckle. London Calling!

We go backstage to see Nunzio getting ready to come out. He tells Palumbo to stay backstage as what he has to say he can do alone.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

A superb match featuring two solid teams in WWE working it out. All three teams involved in this match are ready for the push their receiving, and I've got to give a shout out to the booking team for the well thought out angle running through the programming right now.

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Segment 3

The Cruiserweight champion, Nunzio, comes down to the ring where he retrieves the microphone. He compliments himself as the greatest Cruiserweight champion of all time, having beaten Rey Mysterio not once, but twice, and having destroyed Spike Dudley at SummerSlam. This brings Rey Mysterio charging from the back. Rey tells Nunzio that it isn't over, and he still wants his rematch. Nunzio laughs and says that Rey doesn't DESERVE a rematch. Rey just nods, than he charges in to Nunzio. Rey grabs the Cruiserweight title and waffles Nunzio with it. He holds the title over his head proudly, before Chuck Palumbo comes running down to the ring to help his partner.

Up Next: Big Show returns to the ring against Rico!

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

The Rey/Nunzio feud continues onward, although I can't see this one making it to No Mercy. Not that WWE hasn't stretched feuds too far before, but I'm guessing a blow off match will happen in a couple of weeks. I'm curious to see who gets the next shot at the title after this feud comes to an end.

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Segment 4

One fall: Big Show vs Rico

Rico runs around the ring. He hits a couple of quick kicks before bouncing back away, but Big Show pretty much no sells them. Rico lands a super kick, and Big Show teeters, dazed from the attack. Rico backs up for another hit, but Big Show steps aside and hurls Rico in to the corner. Show whips Rico across the ring, than flips him up and over him. Rico FLIES up and over, crashing to the mat. Show sizes up Rico as he stumbles to his feet... Chokeslam! Big Show covers for the three count. * 1/2 rating, and that's generous.

Big Show gets up off of the prone Rico and raises his arm in victory, only to be attacked by a man streaking out of the crowd in a hoodie. The hoodie falls away as the man Angle Slams Show to the mat. Kurt Angle hooks on the anklelock as road agents and security guards run down to try and pull Angle off of Big Show.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

Any doubt of an Angle/Big Show feud is now gone. Looks like the two will be going at it for the next few weeks, no questions asked. It will be interesting to see how Angle's somewhat slower style will match with Big Show's power.

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Segment 5

William Regal is already in the ring as Smackdown returns. The red carpet is out as we prepare to honor Eddie Guerrero for his victory at SummerSlam. But Regal says he has an announcement to make first: next week, Paul London and Billy Kidman will get their rematch for the tag team titles, taking on the current champions Akio and Sakoda. But enough business, on with the festivities.

This brings out Eddie Guerrero, of course. Guerrero's ribs are bandaged, an injury he received at SummerSlam. Regal congratulates Guerrero on his title victory, and asks him for a few words about Sunday's match. But before Guerrero can even start talking, Booker T's music hits and he walks down to the ring. Booker says that if anyone should have a ceremony to celebrate their greatness it should be him. After all, Regal himself saw firsthand how dominant a force he was Sunday night at Summerslam, when he beat John Cena 1-2-3 in the middle of the ring. Guerrero says that he's the champion and he didn't need a dirty ref to pick up his win. This causes Booker to lash out at Guerrero, and the two start brawling in the middle of the ring. Regal walks behind Guerrero, causing the champion to stumble forward, allowing Booker to land a Scissors Kick. Booker holds the WWE title over his head before he leaves the ring.

Up Next: A rematch from Sunday Night HEAT: Charlie Haas vs Kenzo Suzuki for the United States championship!

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

I do believe we have our next title feud. Although they had a previous match on Booker's Smackdown debut several months ago, this feud could prove to be a real stunner, especially coming off the rather lackluster performance of Eddie/JBL.

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Segment 6

One fall for the United States title: Charlie Haas (w/ Miss Jackie) vs Kenzo Suzuki © (w/ Hiroko)

They lock up as the match gets underway. Kenzo seems to be getting the better of Charlie strength wise, but Haas sweeps a leg to take Suzuki to the mat. Haas hooks on a leg lock, but Suzuki kicks his way free. Kenzo Suzuki blocks a right hand from Charlie Haas, than connects with a pair of stiff forearms. Vertical suplex by Kenzo. Kenzo rolls over for the cover, but only picks up two. Kenzo goes for a bodslam but Charlie slips out of the back and lands a dropkick from behind. Haas lays several stiff kicks in to the leg of Suzuki, but Suzuki powers to the ropes to avoid the Haas of Pain. Charlie tries to whip Suzuki, but Suzuki blocks the move and delivers a snap suplex instead. Haas floats over for the cover, but Haas rolls Suzuki through and in to a small package. Referee Nick Patrick just gets to three before Suzuki kicks out. ** 3/4 rating.

Kenzo Suzuki can't believe his loss. He attacks Haas once again, but Haas avoids a clothesline and trips up Kenzo. He locks on the Haas of Pain and Kenzo taps despite the fact that the match is long over. Haas releases the hold and Kenzo rolls out of the ring. Nick Patrick hands Haas the title and he begins to celebrate in the ring. But an unfamiliar song pipes in to the arena, and the team of Christian and Tyson Tomko emerge from the back. The pair brutally attack Charlie Haas, and Tomko sets up Haas for an Unprettier from Christian. Christian then holds the US title around his waist, declaring himself the future champion.

Up Next: Another explosive Smackdown debut: the arrival of Kid Kash is next!

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

While the arrival of Christian and Tomko was not unexpected following the events at Summerslam and RAW, Charlie Haas does pick up the United States title seemingly out of nowhere. However, he should make a good champion and a feud with Christian can do nothing but cement a place for him as a solid up and comer in the Smackdown ranks.

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Segment 8

Shannon Moore vs Kid Kash

Tazz points out that Kid Kash was the second to last person to hold the World Television title in ECW, losing the title to Rhyno. He promises us an impressive debut for Kash tonight. Kash scores with a couple of stiff chops on Moore to start the match out, but Moore ducks a third blow and connects with a body block. Moore hooks up Kash for a suplex, but Kash blocks the move and lands a suplex of his own. Kash bounces off the ropes and scores with a leg drop. Kash pulls Shannon Moore to his feet; Shannon lands a couple of punches to break Kash's hold. Moore brings up his foot for a nasty kick right to the teeth of Kid Kash. Shannon Moore goes to the top, and lands a brutal looking missile dropkick just as Kash comes to his feet. Moore covers, but Kash kicks out after two. Shannon Moore goes for a clothesline, but Kash ducks under, than scores with a dropkick. Kash springs to the top rope, than dives off the top rope with a flying cross body. He grabs Shannon Moore's tights as he rolls him up to pick up the three count and the win. *** rating.

After the match, he raises his arms to soak up the fans' cheers but receives nothing but boos. This prompts him to start kicking Shannon Moore in the ribs. Tazz says that just isn't right, and he gets up to confront Kash, but Kash leaves the ring before he can enter.

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Huh what? Is that Tazz actually onvolving himself in a non-announce role? With his back problems, I'm curious how they'll play this story out.

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Segment 9

Michael Cole and Tazz give us a replay of what just happened, then inform us that though clutching his ribs, Shannon Moore walked out of the arena on his own two feet.

John Bradshaw Layfield comes down to the ring. He begins to cut a promo about how he was robbed of the WWE title four days ago, but he plans on seeing justice done. Just as he prepares to tell us his plan, he's interrupted by the entrance of John Cena. Cena comes down to the ramp and cuts a rhyme saying that JBL couldn't wrestle his way out of a paper bag and saying he isn't the Million Dollar Man, just the Million Dollar Bitch. JBL attacks Cena and the two exchange blows in the middle of the ring. But the fight quickly brings down the rest of the Axis Powers: Kenzo Suzuki, Nunzio, Chuck Palumbo, Akio and Sakoda. With JBL calling the shots, the five men brutally beat down Cena, leaving him a bloody mess in the ring. JBL tells Palumbo and Suzuki to lift John Cena up. Layfield lands a brutal clothesline on Cena. Smackdown goes off the air with the final shot of Cena on the center of the mat, brutally beat down and gasping for air through a bloodied face.

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END OF SHOW

His title reign may be over, but the JBL show apparently continues. The Axis Powers beat down one of Smackdown's top stars in a brutal fashion. JBL actually has a decent level of in ring charisma, and more angles like this could actually serve to permanently cement him a place in the main event. With production of Cena's first feature film beginning sometime soon, I'm curious to see where this angle will lead.

Over all, one of the best post-PPV shows in months. It put a footnote on the matches that needed them, and it set up several feuds for the next several weeks leading in to No Mercy on October 3. Although matches were few and far between, they made up for it in quality. Both Kid Kash vs Shannon Moore and Akio & Sakoda vs Los Luchadores Loco were ***+ matches, and Haas vs Suzuki was easily Kenzo's best work. Even the Big Show's return match was decent as Rico sold the big man's moves beautifully. All in all an excellent show, once again making me question if Smackdown is once again becoming the better brand.

[mrhelm]

Friday, August 20, 2004

Kenzo Suzuki injured himself on HEAT this last Sunday night in his title defense. He has fluid on the right knee and will need it drained. He'll be out for only 3-6 weeks, but the decision was made to move the title off of him nontheless. I expect a Charlie Haas/Christian feud will prove more of a draw anyhow.

John Cena will begin production on The Marine next week, hence the attack by members of the Axis Powers. Cena will most likely be out for at least two months, but he should return in time to build a program for Survivor Series, most likely with Bradshaw.

All in all I thought Smackdown did a good job of transitioning in to the new storylines, and if the overnights are any indication, so did the fans. Smackdown's had some of its best numbers of late, getting at least a 4.1.

[mrhelm]

The Recap: Velocity

August 20, 2004

The Basham Brothers vs The Dudley Boyz

The Bashams played the faces in this matchup. They do everything in their power to keep ahead of the Dudley Boyz, but Bubba Ray and D-Von offer a relentless assault. Danny Basham almost seemed to have the match won when the referee was distracted by Paul Heyman, allowing Spike Dudley to run in and land the Dudley Dogg. Bubba Ray than covered Danny for the three count.

Rating: *** 1/2

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Nunzio is backstage with Dawn Marie. They're laughing about Rey Mysterio's chances at winning the cruiserweight title. Dawn Marie excuses herself, telling Nunzio that she wants to slip in to something a little more... comfortable.

Luther Reigns vs Funaki

This match was an exercise in in-ring domination as Luther just destroyed Funaki in the center of the ring. Luther picks up the win after a Reign Fall and the three count.

Rating: **

COMMERCIAL BREAK

A video showing the events between Eddie Guerrero and Booker T on Smackdown is shown.

Backstage, Torrie Wilson is walking down the hall when she literally runs in to Dawn Marie, now in a robe. Dawn Marie tells Torrie to get out of her way, but Torrie takes exception to Dawn's comments. It quickly devolves in to them yelling "Bitch" and "Whore" at each other. Dawn Marie tackles Torrie and the two divas kick and pull at each other's hair and clothes. (Dawn Marie's clothes are pulled off to... shockingly... reveal lingerie.) Orlando Jordan runs in to break things up, as he pulls Dawn off of Torrie, than walks Torrie away from the fight.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Rob Van Dam vs Chuck Palumbo

RVD hits Palumbo hard early on in the matchup with some stiff kicks including a roundhouse lariat. But Palumbo ducks under a clothesline and scores with a body block, taking control of the match. Palumbo pounds on the neck and back of RVD, weorking to cause damage to the other man's neck and spine. But RVD reverses one such assault in to a jawbreaker. He lands a Rolling Thunder, which sets him up for the Five Star Frog Splash! RVD makes the cover for the three count.

Rating: * 3/4

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Theodore Long is backstage with the Bombshells, Mark Jindrak and Rene Dupree. Long rips in to the team of Paul London and Billy Kidman, the former champions. He promises that his charges will school London and Kidman in what exactly it means to be winners. Because these two playas are real winners.

London and Kidman vs The Bombshells

The main event didn't go exactly the way Theodore Long had planned it. Although Jindrak and Dupree did keep control of Paul London for a vast amount of the match, working the young stars legs to keep him immobilized, they still couldn't stop the fire of the smaller men. London hits an enzuigiri on Jindrak to break free. Kidman stormed the ring absolutely ON FIRE, and he took down both Jindrak and Dupree with relative ease. Kidman hits the Shooting Star Press on Rene Dupree to pick up the three count and the win.

Rating: **** 1/4

Final Thoughts: A rather lackluster Velocity actually, though the absolutely amazing main event makes up for much of it. Jindrak and Dupree worked a solid mat style, really taking it to London's leg, while the team of London and Kidman can play the face in peril role with amazing skill. The rest of the card was rather weak, although I must say that keeping most of the diva angles on Velocity is all good in my book.

[@thelucasshow]

I swear Chuck Palumbo is on Raw?

[mrhelm]

Monday, August 24, 2004

Good weekend for Smackdown. Velocity's rating continue to rise as we've reached a 0.8 from the looks of it.

Billy Gunn made his final appearance with the Smackdown brand with last week's programming. He'll be moving over to RAW where a place is set for him to become involved in the ongoing Benoit/Orton/Triple H storyline. "Officially", he's being traded for Chuck Palumbo and William Regal.

[mrhelm]

Tuesday, August 24, 2004

Smackdown preview for August 26

Booker T has made it known: he wants the WWE title! Now, the question becomes: will he succeed? With the attack on WWE champion Eddie Guerrero last week he's cemented himself as a credible contender, but can he prove himself worthy of a title shot when he teams with Christian to take on the team of Guerrero and US Champion Charlie Haas?

Last week, John Bradshaw Layfield brutally attacked John Cena at the end of the show. This week we'll receive an update from Smackdown General Manager William Regal about Cena's condition, and we'll here from JBL himself about why he would lead such a brutal assault.

Billy Kidman and Paul London lost their tag titles in the TLC match at Summerslam, but this week they will get their chance at a rematch when they take on new champs Akio and Sakoda. Plus, newcomer Kid Kash is in action, and he promises to make a major impact on Smackdown!

All this and more of your favorite Smackdown stars, Thursday night on UPN!

[matbar]

I really like this diary...keep up the good work Mr. Helm.

Edited August 25, 2004 by matbar

[mrhelm]

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

I've received reports that production has began on The Marine with very few problems. Hopefully, that thread can continue, as we hope to have John Cena return shortly after No Mercy in order to get a new program started.

I'm becoming bigger and bigger fans of Los Luchadores Loco. Juventud and Nicho have been putting on some stunning matches. The match between Juventud and Kid Kash on Smackdown alone is one of the best I've seen in weeks. And that includes the amazing Kidman & London vs Akio & Sakoda match that comes before it!

[mrhelm]

Smackdown from JHawk's Beak August 26, 2004

Segment 1

The show opens straight from William Regal's office. He says that for safety purposes, he has indefinitely suspended John Cena from Smackdown. He promises that Cena will not be returning anytime soon any actions taken by Cena to any WWE superstars will cause him to be immediately terminated.

One fall: Rey Mysterio vs Chuck Palumbo

Mysterio dodges a clothesline by Palumbo than scores with a dropkick. Mysterio gets caught by Palumbo and smashed down to the mat hard. Palumbo goes for a bodyslam but Mysterio reverses it in to a facecrusher. Mysterio comes off the top rope with a diving cross body but Palumbo catches Mysterio! Fallaway slam! Palumbo covers: one... two... No! Palumbo goes for the Jungle Kick, but Mysterio rolls out of the way. Dropkick and Palumbo's in position... 619! Mysterio springs off the top and scores with the West Coast Pop for the three count and the win! ** max.

Rey celebrates in the ring, but Nunzio charges in. He goes for a shot with the Cruiserweight title, but Rey ducks under. Rey backs off, right in to a Jungle Kick by Palumbo. Palumbo hoists Mysterio up, and Nunzio blasts him with the cruiserweight belt.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

John Cena is officially gone, allowing him time to start filming on his new film. In the meantime, we continue ever onward with the Rey/Nunzio feud. Is this thing ever going to end? It's great that we've given Nunzio screen time, but it would be kind of nice to see him start a feud with someone, anyone, else.

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Segment 2

John Bradshaw Layfield comes down to the ring. He shows footage of the attack by the Axis Powers on John Cena last week, bragging about it all the while. JBL says that despite his "fluke" loss to Eddie Guerrero at SummerSlam he was still the most dominant force on Smackdown, and no one could stand in his way. He challenged anyone on the Smackdown roster to prove him wrong. "One of a Kind" blasts in to the arena as Rob Van Dam makes his way down the ramp. RVD tells Bradshaw that he should just chill out; this Axis Powers stuff is way uncool. JBL takes a swing at Van Dam, but Rob blocks the punch and lands one of his own. Leg lariat by RVD sends Bradshaw to the mat. Rob Van Dam leaps to the top... Five Star Frog Splash! RVD smirks at JBL as he walks up the entrance ramp.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

And it looks like we have ourselves another feud in the works. Rob Van Dam finally returns to a more prominent role on the brand, only to be placed in a feud with JBL. Poor guy.

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Segment 3

We return and Kurt Angle is backstage with Josh Matthews. Josh asks Kurt his opinion of the recent actions of both Vince McMahon and the Big Show. Kurt said he doesn't fear the Big Show as he's beaten the 500 ft lummox before. In fact, he even took the WWE championship from the pile of lard. He promised that the Big Show would find himself with a broken ankle if he tried to take on Kurt Angle again.

One fall for the WWE Tag Team titles: Kidman and London vs Akio and Sakoda

Akio and Paul London start the match out. Akio and London lock up. London starts to get the advantage, until Akio scores with a kick to the midsection. Spinning back kick from Akio leaves London out. Flying neckbreaker from Akio! Tag to Sakoda. Akio whips London across the ring, right in to the clothesline from Sakoda. Sakoda with a high angle back suplex that just crushes London. Cover, but London somehow gets the shoulder up. Paul London gets whipped in to the corner. Sakoda charges in, but London ducks out of the way, allowing Sakoda to charge straight in to the turnbuckle. Tag to Billy Kidman. Clothesline by Kidman, Akio runs in and gets a dropkick for his trouble. Sakoda moves in from behind and scores with a rear suplex. Sakoda drives a kick in to the midsection of Kidman. He whips Kidman to his corner, than tags in Akio. Akio and Sakoda lay the boots to Billy Kidman. Akio goes to whip Kidman to another corner, but Kidman reverses it and sends Akio to the face's corner. Tag to Paul London! London whips Akio and Kidman goes for the clothesline. But Akio ducks and Kidman charges headlong in to London. Akio drags London in to position... Hang Time! 1... 2... 3... and the champions retain! *** 3/4.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

An absolutely stunning match. Not quite as good as last week's bout between the champs and Los Luchadores Loco but still worth the price of admission. It looks like Kidman and London's run as a tag team might be coming to an end rather quickly as the botched double team move will certainly serve as a setup for one of the team to turn heel.

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Segment 4

William Regal storms in to the Axis Powers's locker room, where Nunzio, Dawn Marie and Chuck Palumbo are sitting and watching the recap of the opening bout. Regal yells at Nunzio for attacking Rey after he expressly told him to stay out of the ring. Regal says he wasn't going to do it before, but Nunzio offered him no choice. Rey Mysterio and Nunzio would meet next week with the Cruiserweight title on the line... in a ladder match!

We switch to a camera backstage where Kurt Angle is talking to Scotty 2 Hotty and Shannon Moore. Moore Hott starts backing away, and the camera pans around to an enraged Big Show. Big Show lashes out at Angle, sending him to the ground. Big Show continues to stomp Angle in to the concrete for several more minutes before Vince McMahon rushes in to stop him. Vince tells Show to stop, after all we needed to save some for next week, when Kurt would meet the Bombshells in a handicap match!

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

Two big matches set up for next week! The feud between Rey Mysterio and Nunzio looks like it will come to an end once and for all, while the McMahon vs Angle storyline drags ever onward.

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Segment 5

We get a recap of the debut of Christian and Tyson Tomko from last week's show on the Sting of the Night.

Mike Sanders is backstage with Booker T and Christian. Sanders asks the duo their opinions on facing the team of Eddie Guerrero and Charlie Haas later tonight. Booker takes the mic and looks over Sanders before commenting that he looked familiar from somewhere. Booker than held up his hand as he explained that he was a five time champion. But quite frankly, he was tired of being a five time champion. It was time to become the six time champion of the world and he planned on doing that when he destroyed Eddie Guerrero and takes his title. Christian asks him if he's finished and Booker just glares evilly as Christian gives him a dopey grin. Christian says that Booker could have Guerrero. He just wants to make an impact on Smackdown, and what better way to do that then to take the United States title away from Charlie Haas. And if he had to team with Booker in a tag match to get that chance, then he guessed that's just what he would do.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

Short segment. Sets up the main event and the reasons behind it quite nicely though.

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Segment 6

We take a Rewind to last week, when Kid Kash gets the dirty win over Shannon Moore.

One fall: Kid Kash vs Juventud Guerrera

Juventud and Kash trade punches. Guerrera goes for a suplex, but Kash blocks the move and scores with a suplex of his own. Kash trips Juventud, than locks a a leg lock on. Juvi uses his free leg to kick free of the move. Juventud Guerrera ducks a wld right hand, than scores with a dropkick. Juvi goes to the top rope, and scores with a diving cross body. He hooks the leg, but Kash kicks out just before three. Kash blocks a whip from Juvi, than whips Guerrera to the corner. Kash holds the arm and runs up the turnbuckle than falls back down, arm dragging Juvi in to the middle of the ring. Kash goes for a figure four, but Juventud Guerrera powers his way to the ropes. Juvi reverses a backdrop attempt in to a neckbreaker. He rolls up Kash... one.. two... three, Kash rolls out just as the ref signals for the bell! *** 3/4 rating.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

Don't know quite the purpose of jobbing out Kash after only a week. Is he getting the Ultimo Dragon push?

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Segment 7

We return to show us Kash is still in the ring. He's arguing with referee Brian Hebner about the match. Hebner tells him the decision stands and he gets a punch for the trouble. Kash hits the Money Maker on the ref! This brings Tazz to his feet, and he tells Cole that someone has to do something about this punk. Tazz goes in to the ring and stares down Kash. Kash moves to back down. Suddenly he turns and charges at Tazz with a clothesline. He then whips Tazz over the top rope. But Kash climbs out after him, and he begins to rip the protective mats off the floor, exposing the bare cement. Kash lifts Tazz up and piledrives him straight in to the concrete. He spits on the announcer before walking up the entrance ramp. Cole's screaming bloody murder the entire time.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

I smell surgery. Rumors had been floating about Tazz getting neck surgery with Dr. Jho (the doctor who worked on Kurt Angle) and it looks like those stories are true. And it would seem he has a feud ready to go when he makes his comeback.

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Segment 8

RAW Rewind

We get a recap from moments before as Kid Kash brutally assaults Tazz.

Michael Cole is joined at the announcer's desk by Mike Sanders. They show us footage of the break, where EMTs are helping the seriously injured Tazz from the arena. Cole once again curses Kid Kash, and Sanders agrees that the attack was uncalled for and heinous. But he reminds Cole that they have a job to do. We then move in to a recap of Booker T's attack on Eddie Guerrero last week.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK

Another frighteningly short segment, but it sets up Tazz's injury.

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One fall: Eddie Guerrero and Charlie Haas vs Booker T and Christian (w/ Tyson Tomko)

Christian and Charlie Haas start the match out. Christian lands a pair of stiff chops across the chest of Haas. Christian whips Haas in to the ropes, than scores with a back drop. Christian tags out to Booker T and the pair score with a double suplex. Booker covers, but Haas kicks out just before three. Booker goes for a suplex but Haas rolls threw the move, than lands a spin kick to Booker as he turns. Tag to Eddie Guerrero. Guerrero goes to the top rope... missile dropkick on Booker T! Cover, but Booker's out after two. Eddie lands a drop toe hold. He goes for the Lasso from El Paso, but Booker powers his way to the ropes. Guerrero pulls Booker to his feet, but Booker starts punching Eddie to break free. Neckbreaker on Eddie. Booker tags in Christian. Christian lands a few more stiff chops on Eddie Guerrero, but when he goes to whip Eddie in to the ropes, Eddie reverses it. Dropkick on Christian from Eddie Guerrero. Eddie tags out to Charlie Haas. Haas charges in and hits lefts and rights on Christian. Christian tries to whip Haas away, but Haas reverses it and sends Christian stumbling in to the ref. Haas lands the Exploder Suplex. Cover but there's no referee. Tomko comes in to the ring with a vicious clothesline on Haas. Guerrero comes in to stop him, but Booker T comes off the top with a dropkick. Tyson and Booker haul Guerrero out of the ring as Christian covers Haas. The ref awakens in time to count the three count. *** 1/2.

After the match, Booker rolls Guerrero back in to the ring where he plants him on the mat with a Bookend. Booker than holds the WWE title around his waist, declaring himself the next champion.

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END OF SHOW

A pretty good showing once again from the Smackdown side; it almost makes me regret returning to RAW in a few days. The matches were few and far between, but what they gave us were all solid. Only Mysterio/Palumbo felt like filler, and even it served to build up the continued battle between Rey and Nunzio. The main event was sound and it served to establish both Booker and Christian as credible threats for the WWE and US titles.

[mrhelm]

Friday, August 26, 2004

If overnights are any indication, Smackdown may have gotten its best rating in years. Looks like the ratings may be as high as a 4.7 for the final show before the fall season begins.

This is great news for me, as Vince called me to inform me that I would be receiving a hefty bonus for this month. Needless to say, I didn't turn him down.

From reading some of the responses, I suspect I may be the only one other than Vince interested in an RVD/JBL confrontation. But personally, I think the match could be a real winner, as both men work ultra-stiff. It would be a brutal confrontation, but hopefully an entertaining one.

[mrhelm]

The Recap: Velocity August 28

Moore Hott vs the Bombshells

Poor Shannon Moore and Scotty 2 Hotty served as little more than jobbers in this matchup with the young team of Jindrak and Dupree. The Bombshells ripped in to Moore and Scotty, utterly crushing them. The Bombshells pick up the win on Scotty 2 Hotty when they land the Drop the Bomb (a Doomsday Device with a leg lariat instead of a clothesline).

Rating: *** 1/2

Orlando Jordan is standing around a monitor backstage watching the match. Chuck Palumbo comes up from behind and attacks Jordan. Palumbo continues to pummel him until Torrie Wilson runs in to block the attack. Chuck hesitates but doesn't hit Torrie. He backs off with a cold fury in his eyes.

Chavo comes down to the ring, where he cuts a quick promo about how long it's been since he's seen Nicho Millonario. But that wouldn't stop him from kicking Nicho's ass in the ring tonight!

Chavo Guerrero vs Nicho Millonario (w/ Juventud Guerrera)

Chavo and Nicho tear the house down in this match, putting on a rather technical match with Chavo working Nicho's leg and Nicho working Chavo's arm. But neither man drops any of their regular high flying in the process, with Nicho landing a wicked top rope arm drag mid-match. The match came to a finish when Jamie Noble returned to active duty by attacking Nicho when the ref's back was turned, and that allowed Chavo to lock on the Low Rider for the submission victory. Juventud charges in to the ring and runs both men off to protect his partner.

Rating: ****.

Orlando Jordan (w/ Torrie) vs Nunzio (w/ Dawn Marie)

Orlando looks a little worse for wear after his attack by Chuck Palumbo earlier in the evening. It doesn't stop him from taking it to Nunzio with blow after blow. But Nunzio works on Orlando's arm slowly weakening his opponent. But Nunzio has little to worry about though, because after a ref bump, Chuck Palumbo runs back down and in to the ring, landing the Jungle Kick on Jordan to give Nunzio the win.

Rating: ***

As we return from break, we see the history of the Christian and Charlie Haas feud.

From this we switch to Christian backstage, and he cuts a short promo about how he would be the next United States champion.

The Basham Brothers vs The Dudley Boyz (w/ Paul Heyman)

The Bashams quickly became the faces of this match, but it almos didn't help them against the dominant force that is the Dudley Boyz. Doug especially came off as a solid grappler in the match before the Dudleys double team him to take control. But Danny runs in for the save, smashing in to D-Von and sending both of them tumbling out of the ring. Doug climbs back to his feet... just in time to land a leg lariat on Bubba. He follows it up with the Brainbuster in to a cover for the surprise three count.

Rating: *** 1/4

Spike joins his brothers in the ring as they attack the Bashams. They pound the Bashams in to the mat as Velocity comes to an end.

Final Thoughts: A solid show, although much less important to the specific storylines on the main show. Oddly enough, the developing relationship between Orlando Jordan and Torrie Wilson is becoming a prime storyline on Velocity as is their battle with Dawn Marie and her charges. The Bombshells continue to develop as an effective tag team, and I could actually see them as tag champions someday. It may be awhile though, as Smackdown really seems to be making an effort to develop an effective tag team division for their programming.

[mrhelm]

Monday, August 30, 2004

Injury Updates:

Kenzo Suzuki is recovering faster than expected and should be ready for action by the end of the month. Undertaker should be recovered by the end of September as well, although we may wait a couple more weeks before we bring him back to an on-screen role. He really wishes to be turned face upon his comeback, but I have left that decision up in the air. It all depends on whether or not the current storylines on WWE television play out as I've planned.

[mrhelm]

Tuesday, August 21, 2004

Smackdown Preview for September 2

Smackdown kicks off September with a bang with three huge matches already announced! First, the former tag team champions Billy Kidman and Paul London will face the team of Juventud Guerrera and Nicho Millonario, Los Luchadores Loco, for a shot at the tag team titles at No Mercy! Who will walk away with a chance for the gold?

In a match made by Mr. McMahon, Kurt Angle will take on the team of Mark Jindrak and Rene Dupree, the Bombshells. And even if he can withstand their combined attack, will the Big Show be far behind?

Plus the huge main event: Nunzio puts his cruiserweight title on the line against Rey Mysterio once again, and this time it's in a ladder match! And with the members of the Axis Powers barred from ringside, will Nunzio be able to pull off yet another victory over the three time champ, Mysterio?

All this and more, including words from Eddie Guerrero about Booker T's attacks from the last few weeks.

Edited August 31, 2004 by mrhelm

[mrhelm]

Wednesday, September 1, 2004

Rey Mysterio has been suffering from back problems, and both he and I see the ladder match as a spectacular match before he takes time off for a few weeks. According to his doctors he should be ready for action again by early October, and he will probably return directly after Summerslam.

[mrhelm]

The Royal Treatment: Smackdown (9.2.04)

Kidman and London vs Los Luchadores Loco for #1 contendership to the tag team titles

Kidman and Juventud Guerrera start the match out and after a short lock up, Juvi takes control with a spinning kick. Dropkick by Juvi! He covers, but barely gets two. Tag to Nicho. Juvi lifts Kidman up and Nicho springs off the middle rope to land a clothesline. Nicho covers but Paul London breaks up the count. Nicho scores with a spinning kick that sends Kidman across the ring, but Kidman drops under the follow up diving cross body. Dropkick by Kidman. He dives to his corner tagging in Paul London. London comes in on fire, landing a flying elbow on Nicho. Juvi charges in, but London just uses Juvi's own momentum to send him flying across the ring. London comes off the second rope with a spinning kick. He covers Nicho, but somehow the luchador is out just before three. Nicho blocks a wild punch by London, than scores with a trip. Nicho dives to his corner where he tags in Juventud Guerrera. Juvi scores with a leg lariat, but London stumbles to his corner, where he tags Kidman back in. Kidman scores with a chop, allowing London to grab Juvi from behind. Kidman goes for a running punch, but Juvi ducks and Kidman smacks down London! Kidman can't believe it and in his confusion, forgets about Juventud until the luchador whips Kidman around and delivers the Juvi Driver. Juventud Guerrera makes the cover to make Los Luchadores Loco the new #1 contenders! Los Luchadores Loco celebrate their victory!

Rating: 9/10

Thoughts: Now this is why you hire cruiserweights! One of the best matches on WWE television all year long and its just the first match on the show! Superb work by the two teams involved. Too bad we won't see anymore matches between them.

-Commercial-

When we return from break, Billy Kidman and Paul London are still in the ring. The two men are arguing about their loss, when suddenly, London slaps Kidman. The two quickly begin trading punches. Kidman scores a dropkick that sends London to the outside, and instantly feels remorseful. London, on the other hand, grabs a steel chair and charges in to the ring. He smashes the chair across the head of Kidman. London gives the downed Kidman the finger before leaving the ring.

We go backstage where Rey Mysterio is standing by with Funaki. Funaki asks Rey his chances against Nunzio later tonight. Rey tells Funaki that the Cruiserweight belt was made for him, and he planned to return the title to its proper home tonight by defeating Nunzio in the ladder match.

-Commercial-

We see Rey Mysterio heading down the hall, when Chuck Palumbo comes out of nowhere to attack him. Chavo Guerrero quickly arrives and he surprisingly makes the save, fighting off Chuck before he can do much damage to Rey. He then helps Rey to his feet. The two stare each other down for a moment before Rey nods his thanks.

Charlie Haas and Rob Van Dam vs Christian and Tyson Tomko

Charlie Haas and Tyson Tomko start the match out. Charlie takes it to Tomko with a trio of chops. Flying clothesline and Tomko goes down. Tag to RVD. RVD whips Charlie Haas in to Tomko for a hard clothesline. RVD makes the cover, but Tomko kicks out at two. RVD trips Tomko's leg out from under him, than goes for the figure 4, but Tomko powers his way to the ropes. Tomko struggles to his feet and RVD charges in, but Tomko ducks under RVD and lifts him up in to a Samoan drop. Tomko staggers to his corner where he tags in Christian. Christian hits a hard back suplex on RVD and immediately hooks on a choke from behind. RVD seems to be losing consciousness, but he powers back up with the third arm drop. RVD elbows his way out of the hold, than runs and hits the ropes. Flying kick by RVD takes Christian down. Tag from RVD to Charlie Haas. Haas comes in with some stiff chops on Christian. Belly to belly suplex by Haas. Haas grabs Christian by the arm, than scores with a couple of tough clotheslines. Back body drop by Haas! Haas covers, but no! Christian just gets the shoulder up! Charlie Haas connects with a hard right hand sending Christian back to the mat. He goes for a cover, but Christian's just playing possum, and rolls him over. Christian grabs the tights to get the three count on the United States champion! Christian and Tomko hightail it as RVD charges in to save his partner!

Rating: 4/10.

Thoughts: Tomko's greeness was the star of this match as he brought down every segment he was in with botched moves and bumps. He's going to have to seriously step it up or he may find himself joining his former tag team partner Mordecai back in OVW.

-Commercial-

When we return, Michael Cole and Mike Sanders show us an incident during the break. RVD pats Haas on the back following their match, and Haas heads up the ramp. RVD starts up the ramp a few steps behind, but just as he's about ready to come through the curtain, he gets hit by a Clothesline from Hell! John Bradshaw Layfield stomps him a few more times, than lifts him back to his feet. JBL lands another Clothesline from Hell to leave RVD out on the ramp.

We return to backstage, where Josh Matthews is standing by with JBL. Layfield tells Matthews that Rob Van Dam got what he deserved. No one gets in to JBL's face without paying the consequences.

-Commercial-

A video hyping the return of Ultimo Dragon on next week's Smackdown plays as we return.

Kid Kash is backstage with Funaki. Kash says that the cruiserweight division should watch out as he was a loose cannon and he planned to take out his fury on the entire roster.

Kurt Angle vs the Bombshells

Kurt Angle takes it to Jindrak as the match starts out. Angle lands a fireman's carry and goes for the anklelock, but Jindrak scrambles to the ropes. He pulls himself to his corner wher he tags in Rene Dupree. Dupree gets rocked by a chop across the chest that rattle MY teeth. Belly to belly suplex leads to a two count. Kurt goes for the Angle Slam but gets taken down out of nowhere by Jindrak. The ref escorts Jindrak out of the ring, but Rene Dupree has time to land a low blow as the ref's back is turned. Dupree tags in Mark Jindrak. Jindrak whips Dupree in to Kurt Angle with a clothesline. Jindrak scores with a fallaway slam. The Reflection of Perfection scores with a couple of punches than tags in Rene Dupree. The Bombshells hit a double suplex on Kurt Angle. Dupree covers, but Angle kicks out at two. Dupree goes for a spinebuster, but Angle flips himself up and over Dupree. Angle trips Dupree than locks on the anklelock. But Jindrak charges in to the ring to break up the submission. Jindrak whips Angle across the ring and the Bombshells hit a double clothesline. Dupree makes the cover, but Angle kicks out. The French Phenom swings at Angle, but his punch is blocked. Angle starts pummeling Dupree. Jindrak charges in, but just gets whipped over the top rope. Kurt Angle lands the Angle Slam on Rene Dupree! Big Show charges in to the ring. Show goes to clothesline Angle, but Angle ducks and Big Show clobbers Mark Jindrak. Angle lifts Dupree up in to yet another Angle Slam, than makes the cover for three and the win!

Rating: 6/10

Thoughts: The Bombshells continue to come together as a pretty decent tag team. They put in a strong showing against a former multi-time champion which will do nothing but help their chances of continuing to progress in the company. Good match.

Big Show comes back to his feet and punches Kurt Angle from behind. Big Show picks up Kurt by the neck as Vince McMahon walks down to the ring. Chokeslam by Big Show! Vince tells Show to lift up Kurt... than lands a clothesline on Kurt! Big Show and the CEO of the WWE have left Angle down and out in the ring.

-Commercial-

We see the RAW Rewind before we go to another break....

-Commercial-

We return to Eddie Guerrero making his way to the ring holding the WWE championship. Eddie cuts a speech about how much this title means to him and his homies. He's fought threw a lot of a hardship in his life to become a two time WWE champion, and he plans on keeping it a very long time, no matter what certain people may think. This brings Booker T out to the ring, who takes exception at his comments. Booker says he'll be the next WWE champion and Guerrero couldn't stop him. But that shouldn't be a reason for them to hate one another. Booker offers Guerrero his hand, but as Guerrero moves to shake it, Booker lands an elbow to the head of Eddie. Booker grabs the WWE belt, than smashes it across the forehead of Eddie Guerrero. He then holds the title up, declaring himself, once again, the next WWE champion.

-Commercial-

Rey Mysterio vs Nunzio in a ladder match for the Curiserweight championship

Mysterio and Nunzio trade punches in the middle of the ring, but the bigger Nunzio quickly gets the advantage. Side belly to belly on Rey. Nunzio kicks Rey in the back of the head, than heads outside to grab the ladder. Nunzio slides the ladder in to the ring, than climbs in and kicks Rey in the gut. Nunzio hip tosses Rey Mysterio right on to the ladder. Nunzio gloats for a few seconds before running back and hitting the ropes. He goes for an elbow drop on Rey, but Rey rolls off the ladder and Nunzio drives his own elbow in to the exposed ladder. As Nunzio comes to his feet, Rey scores with a flying neckbreaker from the top rope! Both men are down in the ring as we go to the final break.

-Commercial-

As we return, Nunzio scores with a missile dropkick on Rey Mysterio. Nunzio drives elbow after elbow in to Mysterio. But Rey reverses a back body drop attempt in to a neckbreaker. Rey sets up the ladder and starts to climb it. Nunzio quickly recovers and tries to knock the ladder down. He succeeds but Rey dives off the ladder as it goes down. Rey goes for a diving punch, but Nunzio drops to the mat and Rey crashes neck first in to the ropes than tumbles over. He lands on the ground, not moving. Nunzio sets up the ladder and climbs to the top to get the belt. He drops to the mat with his title, only to find himself face to face with Chavo Guerrero. Chavo and Nunzio stare one another down as Smackdown goes off the air.

Rating: 5.5/10

Thoughts: A surprisingly weak performance by two talents one would think would be stupendous in a ladder match. Nonetheless, a solid main event for this show and a good build to the next cruiserweight feud to END a Smackdown. Odd when you consider only a few months ago, Chavo Sr and Jacqueline held the belt.

Final Thoughts: Some of the best wrestling on free television occured tonight. Easily one of the best Smackdowns in recent weeks and that's saying something, as Smackdown easily takes the award for most improved wrestling program. More shows like this and RAW, even with all its big names, will have to really step it up a notch to match this level of quality.

[mrhelm]

Friday, September 2, 2004

I was a little disappointed by how the ladder match came off on TV. I hate commercial breaks in matches and this one in particular seemed to really hurt the flow of the contest. Nonetheless, I think we pulled off one of the best Smackdowns this year and hopefully, it will build to more quality shows and a superb No Mercy.

[mrhelm]

The Recap: Velocity for September 3

Moore Hott vs Akio and Sakoda

Moore Hott showed themselves to be a solid tag team as they took it to the team of Akio and Sakoda in a non-title match. But the match turned in the favor of the champions when Sakoda interfered with an attempted Mooregasm by Shannon Moore, allowing Akio to take control of the match. Moore would soon tag in Scotty 2 Hotty who would fall to the Hang Time from Akio.

Rating: ***

Chavo Guerrero was backstage with Funaki where he cut a short promo about how little he feared the Dudley Boyz, and especially Spike.

Chavo Guerrero vs Spike Dudley

Chavo proves he knows what he's talking about in his promo, as he took it to Spike despite interference by manager Paul Heyman and D-Von Dudley. Despite the attempted attacks, Chavo managed to lock the Low Rider on Spike Dudley to pick up the submission win.

Rating: ***

Jim Cornette came to the ring, making his return to broadcast television. He said he was looking at all the great tag teams on WWE television today, but only the greatest would be rewarded with him as their manager.

Chuck Palumbo vs Orlando Jordan

This match didn't come down to who was the better man, but rather who had the woman better at interfering. Dawn Marie's years of expertise proved enough to help Palumbo pick up the win when she tripped up Orlando and he stumbled right in to the Jungle Kick. Chuck than made the cover for the three count and the win.

Rating: ** 1/4

After the match, Torrie Wilson rushed in and attacked Dawn Marie. The two women have a cat fight in the middle of the ring, with Torrie getting the upperhand. The fight comes to an end when Orlando Jordan pulls Torrie out of the ring and escorts his still livid manager to the back.

Paul Heyman is seen backstage where he psyches up Bubba Ray and D-Von, the Dudley Boyz, for their Velocity main event match against the Basham Brothers!

The Basham Brothers vs the Dudley Boyz

Heyman's motivational speech wasn't the only thing to help the Dudleys, as their brother Spike came to the ring mid-match and quickly began making his presence known. He interfered every time the ref turned his back and when the ref gets knocked down "accidentally" by Bubba, he charges in to blast Danny Basham with a chair. Bubba then hit the Bubba Bomb on Doug to pick up the win for his team.

Rating: *** 1/2

Overall: A pretty solid showing for Velocity, but not really the best show they've put on in the last few weeks. Only the opening and final matches really showed the talent of the workers involved, while the apparent feud that is developing between Palumbo and Jordan could prove either really good or supremely dismal. Still far better than HEAT though.

[mrhelm]

Monday, September 6, 2004

It's Labor Day and I don't work for RAW, so I'm at the house barbecuing. Good stuff, too. Otherwise, not much to report, although I did have a nice chat with new Smackdown color commentator Mike Sanders over a couple of hamburgers. Good guy and I'll think he'll bring a new vibe to the product. Stephanie paid a visit, as she's still off the road do to her... er... problems. She seems to be kicking the stuff though, which is dang fine news.

[mrhelm]

Tuesday, September 7, 2004

Official Smackdown Preview for September 9

Some big matches and big names make Smackdown the must watch show this week.

Big matches? We've got a ten man battle royale to determine the #1 contendership to the Cruiserweight title and it will be a high-flying masterpiece with such stars as Akio, Juventud Guerrera, Kid Kash, Chavo Guerrero, and the returning Ultimo Dragon already entered! Not only that, but Charlie Haas will go one on one with Tyson Tomko. Tomko is an unproven talent at best but can his mentor Christian be far behind?

Big names? How about Kurt Angle as he looks for vengeance against Vince McMahon and the Big Show following their assault last week? Or WWE champion Eddie Guerrero, who will team up with Rob Van Dam to take on Booker T and JBL.

It doesn't get any bigger than Smackdown, Thursday night, only on UPN!