Smackdown Recap 01.08.10

Smackdown recap from Louisville, KY:

Smackdown opened with highlights of last week's "Beat the Clock challenge" which featured CM Punk setting the first time to beat. Other competitors tried including Kane and Dolph Ziggler who ended with no winner as time expired. Rey Mysterio got a rollup pin against Chris Jericho with 1 second remaining, to set the best time. The final match featured Batista vs R-Truth. Rey Mysterio was ringside, and The Animal continued looking over at him as he toyed with defeating R-Truth. Batista took the pin with time close to Rey's winning time. Mysterio rushed over to yank the ref out of the ring, and time expired. Despite Mysterio thinking he got the best of Batista, Vickie Guerrero arrived onto the ramp to inform Mysterio he'd have to defeat Batista in a one-on-one match next week for the #1 Contender spot against Undertaker at Royal Rumble.

The Animal Batista made his way out to the top of the ramp to start off Smackdown. Batista told them to cut the music and then asked for a spotlight on him up on the ramp, as well as his music. He continued walking towards the ramp as the spotlight was on him and his theme music blared. In the ring, Batista was dressed in street clothes and dark shades. He spoke about it being a brand new year 2010, but nothing's changed since fans are still booing him and Teddy Long's still sticking it to him. Batista said Teddy Long screwed him out of the title at TLC, and then has nothing to say about last week's interference by Rey Mysterio. Batista said unfortunately Vickie Guerrero is not Smackdown GM. Batista demanded an explanation from GM Teddy Long as to why his #1 star is being treated so unfairly. He said he won't fight Mysterio if he doesn't get an explanation.

Instead of Teddy Long, Rey Mysterio came out to the ramp to the roar of the crowd. With a mic in hand Mysterio told Batista he's blinded by selfishness and greed which is why he's not the World Champion. Mysterio said everyone can see Batista's true colors now. Rey called him an arrogant crybaby, and told Batista his interference last week was payback for Batista interfering in his championship match against Undertaker a few weeks ago. Mysterio told Batista he's ready to go tonight, and then asked Batista if he's scared to wrestle tonight. Mysterio asked the fans if they think Batista's scared and the fans screamed loudly in favor of Rey. Batista became enraged and promised to beat Mysterio tonight while making sure he doesn't walk out of the arena. Mysterio told Batista is that he'll be the one walking out as #1 Contender tonight.

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Smackdown returned with Matt Striker talking up the main event match betweeen Mysterio and Batista later tonight. Winner becomes #1 Contender to face Undertaker at the Royal Rumble.

Kane vs. Dolph Ziggler

They showed a replay of the finish last week between Ziggler and Kane. Ziggler had Kane down in a headlock as time expired, leaving no winner in their Beat the Clock match. After the decision, Ziggler attacked Kane from behind hitting the Zig Zag.

In tonight's match, Kane looked for revenge against Ziggler early by beating him around the ring from corner to corner. Kane was in control late in the match with a clothesline from off the corner. He looked to the crowd then signaled for the chokeslam to finish Ziggler. Ziggler kicked Kane several times, then elbowed him to escape the choke hold. Ziggler avoided Kane in the corner, then hit the Zig Zag on Kane. Ziggler had the near fall with Kane kicking out. Ziggler put a sleeper hold on the Big Red Monster, causing Kane to go down to his knees. Kane got to his feet then fell out of the ring with Ziggler still keeping the sleeper hold on. The ref started a countout as Kane got to his feet. Ziggler screamed as he kept the hold on. Ziggler released the hold at 8 and rushed back into the ring. Kane was too out of it to get himself back in before 10.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler wins due to countout of Kane.


Todd Grisham noted that CM Punk will save a member of the WWE Universe tonight, by inducting him into the Straightedge society.

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Matt Striker gave thanks for the song "Hero" by Skillet, just one of the 2010 Royal Rumble theme songs. Skillet's "Hero" is available now for MP3 download.

Michelle McCool apologized to Beth Phoenix backstage for kicking her last week. Layla was there to back up Michelle by saying it was a kick meant for Mickie James. Michelle and Layla told Beth that had a new gift for Mickie James. Mickie brought out a pink pig trough that said "Piggy James" on it. Beth told Layla she better get serious since they have a match coming up on Smackdown. Beth left, and Layla asked if Michelle would be coming to the ring with her.

Chris Jericho was in the locker room with The Hart Dynasty. Jericho talked of how all these fans have been pointing fingers and laughing that he was kicked off Raw. He told the Harts he's still the best in WWE and the face of Smackdown. Jericho said two weeks ago Hart Dynasty went after the biggest star in the company when they attacked him a few weeks ago. Natalya said they're more than ready to make an impact. Natalya said now is Hart Dynasty's time to shine. DH Smith & Tyson Kidd said what happened to Bret Hart on Monday will never happen to them, since they're better than the best, period.

Cryme Time & R-Truth vs. Chris Jericho & The Hart Dynasty

R-Truth arrived out first with his "What's Up?" rap song. Next to the ring was Cryme Tyme for the six man tag match. They were followed by Hart Dynasty with Natalya and finally Chris Jericho.

Cryme Tyme was in control during the match with Jericho in the ring. Shad went to go against the ropes, but David Smith pulled the top down causing Shad to fall outside. Natalya ran over and kicked Shad for good measure. The heels continued to punish the big man, tagging in and out, as well as non-legal partners hitting cheap moves while the ref was distracted. Jericho began to slap Shad around as he crawled on the mat, still wanting to make the tag. Kidd tagged in and kicked away on Shad as he leaned against the ropes. Shad tried to fight back, but was cut off by Kidd, who also ran over and hit R-Truth off the apron.

Shad made his comeback as he tossed Kidd over him and then hit a clothesline. JTG tagged in and had momentum against Jericho. He hit his finisher but Kidd ran in to break the pinfall up. R-Truth came in to clothesline Kidd over the top rope. Shad saw Kidd still on the apron so he ran over and kneed Kidd off. It came down to just Jericho and JTG in the ring. JTG tried to get the win by jumping off the corner, but Jericho blocked his move then put him in Walls of Jericho. JTG tapped out to give Jericho & The Harts the win.

Winners: Chris Jericho & Hart Dynasty win via pinfall over R-Truth & Cryme Tyme.

CM Punk and Luke Gallows were shown walking backstage. They're up next as they try to convert a WWE Universe member to "Straightedge" living.

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Tony Chimel introduced "the only straightedged superstar in WWE, CM Punk". CM Punk came out to the ring with Luke Gallows to save one member of the WWE Universe. They picked someone out "randomly" from the crowd to save. Punk asked him if he's ready to be saved. The fan said "I think so". Punk said that he needs to cut his hair to become part of the "straightedge lifestyle". The "fan" is at first hesitant but finally agreed to it. Gallows pulled out an electronic razor and shaved his head.

Matt Hardy vs. Luke Gallows

Matt Hardy was in control and climbed onto the corner for his elbow drop move. CM Punk got up on the apron to distract Matt Hardy. Hardy jumped from the corner to knock Punk off the apron. Luke Gallows capitalized by hitting a huge boot on Hardy and then the "12th Step" to finish him off.

Winner: Luke Gallows wins via pinfall over Matt Hardy.

Teddy Long told Maria backstage it's great to see her on the new Celebrity Apprentice. Vickie Guerrero came out and hugged Maria. Vickie said she would have done Celebrity Apprentice, but she's too busy running Smackdown. Vickie said she remembers being just like Maria when she was younger. Vickie said she was beautiful and talented then too. Teddy asked when it all went downhill. Vickie told Maria she wanted her to practice by showing off the new WWE Mattel action figures. Maria did her sales speech for some of the toys. Teddy chimed in that he bets Vickie has the biggest action figure of them all. Just then, Great Khali walked in with his translator, Singh. Khali spoke and Singh translated it that Khali can't wait to get all the new action figures, especially Vickie Guerrero's since it reminds him of the cows back home.

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Beth Phoenix vs. Layla El

They showed a replay of last week when Beth Phoenix took out Michelle McCool and then Mickie James in the ring after her match. Layla arrived to the ring with Michelle. Beth Phoenix beat on Layla early, then picked her up on her shoulder for a torture rack airplane spin move. She tossed Layla out of the ring. Michelle McCool helped Layla up and tossed her back in the ring for Beth. Layla staged a very brief comeback as she landed kicks on Beth and jumped on her back to pound away. Beth flipped her down to the mat, dragged her up by the hair and then hit the Glam Slam to finish her off.

After the bell, Michelle looked upset that Layla was beaten. Michelle got in the ring saying she was there to help Layla. Layla grabbed Beth's legs, allowing Beth to attack her. Mickie James ran to the ring for the save, helping to fight off the heel divas. Mickie James and Beth exchanged a stare at each other. Mickie was in the corner but spun to do a roundhouse kick, knocking Beth to the mat.

Winner: Beth Phoenix wins via pinfall over Layla El.

Still to come tonight is the #1 Contender's Match between Batista & Rey Mysterio. Winner gets Undertaker at RR 2010.

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Grisham and Striker spoke about Iron Mike Tyson hosting WWE Raw this coming Monday night. They brought up Bret "the Hitman" Hart guest hosting the past week's Raw, and launched into the Raw Rebound complete with footage of all the highlights of Bret's return to WWE Raw. Bret and Shawn Michaels buried the hatchet over the 1997 Montreal Screwjob early in the show with a handshake and a hug. Bret called out Vince McMahon who didn't show up. At the end of Raw, Vince arrived to the ring saying he didn't think he needed to confront Bret. Hart came to the ring anyways and said he felt they both want this behind them. Vince finally agreed to it. They shook hands and began posing with their arms raised around the ring. Hart started to do his trademark poses, and Vince McMahon gave him a kick to the groin. Vince walked up the ramp leaving Hart down on the mat to end the show.

Josh Matthews had the Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre backstage for an interview. Matthews brought up that Drew has beaten Morrison twice now, but not without controversy. Last Friday, McIntyre shoved Morrison on top of the ref causing Morrison to get disqualified. McIntyre said he didn't just defeat Morrison, he dominated him, proving he's the better man. McIntyre said he's undefeated and will be first Intercontinental champion to win the Royal Rumble 2010. Morrison came up to interrupt the interview asking if McIntyre had anything to say to his face now. McIntyre stayed silent, so Morrison said McIntyre's anxious to leave so he can go back and party with his sheep friends. McIntyre said what Morrison's doing isn't going to work. McIntyre said he's moving on to bigger and better things. Morrison said this is starting to get boring, so one of them needs to lose their temper now. Morrison punched McIntyre down then repeatedly kicked on him. Officials came out to break it up.

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Matt Striker discussed how WWE.com is running a "Predictions for 2010 series" on the website.

Rey Mysterio vs. Batista

Rey Mysterio was out first with heavy fan support as his pyro and theme music went off. Matt Striker said he felt Mysterio cheated Batista out of becoming #1 Contender last week, but tonight they'll find out who gets to face Undertaker at Royal Rumble 2010. Batista made his entrance next as the fans booed disapprovingly.


Mysterio eluded Batista early on and went in and out of the ring to attack him. The Animal was soon back in the ring and picked up Mysterio slam him back first into the corner. He whipped Rey hard to the opposite corner and kept saying "C'mon Rey" as he hit move after move on his former friend. He hit a backbreaker, then got down to slap Mysterio around a bit. Mysterio went onto the apron where Batista started to hammer away on him. Back in the ring, The Animal whipped Mysterio to the corner and ran for a clothesline. Mysterio got a foot up in his face. He managed to jump off the top rope and get a Hurricanrana headscissors style toss to throw Batista against the ropes. Mysterio went for 619 but Batista got out of the ring. Smackdown went to break after Batista knocked Mysterio down on the outside.

The match returned as Mysterio fought Batista off the corner. He jumped off the corner for a huge Splash on Batista. Batista lifted his shoulder up, causing both men to be down on the mat battered from the splash. Mysterio got to his feet and went for a springboard move, but Batista caught him from the ropes for a Spinebuster. Batista got ready for Rey to get back up and hit a huge spear to tackle him down, then did since flex poses before stomping his feet and signaling the Batista Bomb. Batista set up for the move, but Undertaker's bell gonged and it was lights out.

When the lights returned, Batista was down on the mat holding his head as if he was hit. Mysterio looked around seeing his opponent was down. He went over and started beating away on Batista. Batista shoved him to the ropes, but Mysterio came back and did a springboard bulldog. Batista went for slam, but Mysterio countered into a DDT. He waited for The Animal to stand then dropkicked him against the ropes for the 619. Rey was getting up on the apron as the lights went out yet again with Taker's bell sounding several times. As the lights came back, both men were down yet again.

The lights went out a third time, and this time Undertaker's theme video and music started. Rey and Batista were still down in the ring, as flames and smoke went off up around the ramp. Smackdown closed with no #1 Contender, since there was no winner in this match.

Winner: Rey Mysterio and Batista fight to no decision. There was no clear #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight title at the Royal Rumble as of Smackdown's close.

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