Smackdown Recap 07.25.08

Smackdown Recap from Philadelphia, PA:

Smackdown opened with highlights from Vickie and Edge's wedding celebration last week. The happy occasion turned volatile when HHH came out to show video of Edge cheating on Vickie with the wedding planner, Alicia Fox. Vickie screamed at Edge as he fled from the ring and Smackdown went off the air.

Mick Foley and Jim Ross discussed the meltdown of the wedding last week, then Edge losing to Triple H in a WWE title match at the Great American Bash. Mick Foley said he's heard that Vickie Guerrero will be arriving to Smackdown later tonight, despite taking a spear from Edge at the Bash.

MVP's VIP Lounge

MVP was in the ring to start off Smackdown with the VIP Lounge. After chastising the crowd for being haters, MVP introduced his guest for the evening, Jeff Hardy. MVP said Hardy is arguably the most controversial guest ever on VIP Lounge. MVP discussed that Hardy will be part of the Biggest Blockbuster of the Summer, Battle Royal later tonight against Big Show, Mr. Kennedy, Umaga and Great Khali. MVP said unfortunately for Jeff he has to also face MVP in the match, who is the heavy favorite. Jeff reminded MVP that he hasn't won a match since losing the US Title to Matt Hardy.

MVP discussed how Jeff's a risk taker in the WWE, making huge jumps like a daredevil. MVP asked Jeff to speak about the other risk he took which hurt his career and cost him a trip to Wrestlemania. MVP reminded Jeff he lost the IC title before he was suspended and also that his house burned down. MVP brought up the fact that Jeff's dog Jack died in the house fire, and maybe Jeff is feeling guilty over it. MVP told Jeff Hardy he's reckless and a detriment to anyone around him. MVP said Jeff will never be WWE champ ever and if he throws his career away it's only his fault. Jeff eventually took exception to MVP's trash talking and gave him a shove across the ring. MVP scrambled to get out under the ropes escaping the ring and then up the ramp.

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Jimmy Wang Yang vs. Shelton Benjamin

Before the match, slideshow highlights were shown of how Shelton defeated Matt Hardy for the US title at Great American Bash. In tonight's non-title match, Shelton displayed just how tough a champion he may be to beat. Yang tried to make a comeback as Shelton came at him in the corner. Yang kicked Shelton in the gut, then climbed the corner ropes. Shelton yanked Yang off the ropes into the ring. Both men went at each other with spinning kicks, but they were able to duck. Shelton finally caught Yang with his finisher surprisingly to slam him hard to the mat.

Winner: Shelton Benjamin wins via pinfall over Jimmy Wang Yang.

Edge was shown pacing in a backstage office when Ryder and Hawkins came in. Edge congratulated them on winning the tag team titles. The duo said they were sorry over Edge not winning the WWE title. Edge then said he wanted to apologize for last week. Ryder and Hawkins said he doesn't need to explain to them, just Vickie, as they left for a match.

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WWE Slam of the Week showed highlights from the Great American Bash Fatal Fourway for the Tag Team titles. Festus tossed Morrison into Miz and the two went flying over the ropes. Festus tagged in Jesse and he prepared for the missile dropkick off the corner ropes. Meanwhile, Hawkins yanked Festus' leg and pulled him out of the ring. Ryder was able to get up quickly and grab Jesse on the ropes then slam him down for the pin.

Curt Hawkins vs. Festus

The new WWE tag team champs made their way to the ring carrying the belts. Jesse accompanied Festus down to the ring for the matchup.

Hawkins had little success in mounting offense against the bigger Festus. Festus went into a rage as the bell rang and continued to attack through the match. Hawkins rolled to the outside after a hard shoulder block. Ryder went to try to get to the ring bell, but Jesse headed him off on the outside, clotheslining him down. Back in the ring, Festus finisher off Hawkins with his Flaphack move to slam Hawkins face first.

After the bell, Festus returned to his pre-match stupor. Ryder tossed Jesse out of the ring and went to work on Festus with a double DDT and then a barrage of punches. The tag champs left the ring feeling happy with their beatdown on Festus.

Winner: Festus wins via pinfall over Hawkins.

A promotional video was shown of Jenny McCarthy and her efforts to fight Autism. McCarthy will be a part of next weekend's Saturday Night Main Event on NBC. Featured in the video were various celebs including Jim Carey and Maria.

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Smackdown returned with Edge talking to Alicia Fox in a corner backstage. Edge said he hadn't seen her since last weekend, and suggested Alicia try to blend in more. Alicia said she was blending in. Edge suggested she head back to the hotel and wait for him. Over Edge's shoulder, Bam Neely was shown lurking down the hall eavesdropping on the conversation.

Stevie Richards vs. Vladimir Kozlov

Stevie Richards put up a great fight in front of his hometown crowd in Philadelphia. Richards was able to knock Kozlov down several times using a reverse bulldog, dropkicks and kicks to Kozlov's legs. Kozlov displayed strength and resolve though and was able to deliver a huge boot to Richards, leveling him. Richards continued to fight back, and as he held himself up by the ropes, Kozlov charged at him. Richards moved away and Kozlov dove through the ropes.

Kozlov was quick to get back in and continued the fight. Richards went for a DDT on Kozlov off the corner ropes, but Kozlov shoved him off. Richards landed on his feet, but was unable to get a move off the ropes. Kozlov threw a solid shoulder block and took Richards down for a pin. After his win, Kozlov left the ring and went over to yell something at Jim Ross in Russian.

Winner: Vladimir Kozlov wins via pinfall over Stevie Richards.

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Highlights were shown again of Vickie and Edge's meltdown last week. Triple H came out to spoil their in ring celebration with video footage of Edge cheating on Vickie with their wedding planner, Alicia Fox.

Biggest Blockbuster of the Summer Battle Royal

Mr. Kennedy, Umaga, MVP, Jeff Hardy, Big Show and Great Khali locked up in a battle royal to determine the #1 contender for the WWE title at Summerslam.

All six men fought for some time, but first man eliminated was MVP thanks to Jeff Hardy;s clothesline. Umaga and Big Show went at each other with several charges, but Show was able to clothesline Umaga over the ropes to the outside. Hardy and Kennedy tried to doubleteam Show, but Show overcame both men's attack. Kennedy started punching away at Show then tried to go off the ropes, Show grabbed Kennedy around the throat then tossed him over the ropes. Khali went after Show next. The two fought it out with Show delivering a Chokeslam on Khali. Umaga slid back into the ring and delivered a Samoan Spike to Show leaving the two giants down. Jeff Hardy seized the opportunity to climb the corner ropes and tried to jump off at Big Show.

Big Show caught Hardy on his shoulders and went to toss him out over the ropes. Hardy countered quickly to do a headscissors and grab the top ropes, flipping Big Show outside. It came down to just Jeff vs. Great Khali who was already laying on the mat. Jeff did a Swanton Bomb, but it wasn't enough to defeat Khali. After Jeff tried to dismantle Khali, Khali did a huge chop on Jeff and tossed him over the ropes like a ragdoll to win it.

After Khali's win, Khali remained in the ring with manger Singh. Triple H came out from backstage and got in the ring to go chest to chest with Khali. Eventually Singh convinced Khali to back away and retreat up the ramp, leaving HHH to pose in the ring with the WWE title.

Winner: The Great Khali wins the Battle Royal to become #1 Contender for the WWE title at Summerslam.

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A promo video was shown for a new Smackdown Superstar known as R-Truth. The video showed footage from Truth's neighborhood and discussed how he's making positive choices to make a difference. No date was given for his debut on Smackdown.

Maryse vs. Michelle McCool

The new WWE Divas Champ, Michelle McCool fought in a non-title bout versus Maryse. In the match, Maryse was able to get some offense going as she tossed Michelle to the outside. Maryse rammed Michelle into the side apron then threw her back inside the ring to beat up even more. Maryse continued to attack Michelle in the corner, then clotheslined her down. Michelle tried to flip off the corner at Maryse, but Maryse avoided it. Back on her feet, Michelle was able to knock Maryse down. Michelle went to put Maryse in a submission but Maryse kicked her away to the ropes. Michelle came off the ropes, grabbed Maryse's leg and flipped into her submission move, causing Maryse to tap out.

Winner: Michelle McCool wins via submission over Maryse.

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Highlights were shown from this past week's Raw where Batista challenged CM Punk in a rematch on Raw for the World Heavyweight title. JBL ended up interfering in the match to cause a DQ. John Cena charged down to attack JBL, and ended up punching Batista by accident.

Jim Ross and Mick Foley speculated that a Batista Cena match would definitely be a great one to see. JR and Foley said one match already set for Summerslam is Triple H defending the WWE title versus Great Khali.

Vickie Guerrero was shown arriving to the Wachovia Center arena, with Chavo Guerrero pushing her wheelchair. As they were moving towards the arena, Bam Neely came rushing up saying he heard Edge say something. Vickie asked what he heard but Chavo told Bam to keep quiet and told Vickie it's nothing.

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Video footage was shown of WWE Diva Maria, saying she will arrive on Smackdown next week.

Edge was shown backstage and Bam Neely came up to him. Bam told Edge that Vickie has arrived to the arena finally. Edge told Bam he needs to apologize to her in public, and Bam left to go tell Vickie.

Shannon Moore vs. Brian Kendrick

Prior to the match, Kendrick boasted about being the fastest, most well-trained and intelligent wrestler in WWE. Kendrick told the audience they were privileged to get to see him wrestle. Kendrick said if any fans are delusional and try to touch him, they can take it up with his bodyguard Ezekiel.

Shannon Moore gained control of the match and went out to the side apron to get to the corner ropes. Kendrick's bodyguard came along side the ring distracting Moore. Kendrick got up and charged at Moore, ramming him in the gut. Kendrick slammed Moore into the turnbuckle before bringing him back inside the ring. Kendrick did a DDT style move with Moore off the corner to take the pinfall.

Winner: Brian Kendrick wins via pinfall over Shannon Moore.

Chavo Guerrero was shwon backstage talking to Vickie. Bam Neely came in and said he just saw Edge. Vickie asked where Edge is. Bam said that either Edge wants to apologize or wants Vickie to apologize but can't remember which. Bam said either way Edge wants to do it in public. Vickie had a scowl on her face as Smackdown went to commercial.

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The Rated R Superstar Edge made his way down to the ring amongst a chorus of fan boos and jeers. Edge said he wanted to make a public apology to Vickie and begged for Vickie to come down to the ring. Chavo Guerrero wheeled Vickie to the ring with Bam Neely joining them. Vickie told Chavo and Bam they could leave her in the ring with Edge so the 2 superstars went backstage.

Edge attempted to make up with Vickie in the ring, telling her he can't live without her love, and refuses to go on without her. Edge pleaded his case and Vickie said she understood, and then two hugged, as if they had made up. Edge went for a kiss, but Vickie turned her cheek to Edge. Vickie then confessed that she had done something when she was extremely mad at Edge. Edge told her it was ok, but asked what it was exactly. Vickie then announced she had reinstated the Undertaker to the WWE.

Edge was a bit shocked but then shrugged it off saying that it was a good business move. Edge suggested they go on their honeymoon and let HHH and Undertaker destroy each other. Edge said when they return, he can defeat the WWE title holder. Vickie said that's all good but she already scheduled an opponent for Undertaker at Summerslam, Edge! Edge looked shocked as he stared at Vickie as Smackdown went off the air.