Smackdown Recap 01.15.10

Smackdown Recap from Green Bay, WI:

After the opening pyrotechnics, Todd Grisham welcomed fans to "title town USA" for Smackdown. Tonight we find out who becomes #1 Contender for Undertaker's World Heavyweight title, when Rey Mysterio faces Batista in a steel cage match. Also tonight, Matt Striker said the Undertaker delivers a message to the WWE Universe. Chris Jericho's music and pyro went off for the opening contest.

John Morrison vs. Chris Jericho

They showed highlights from Raw when Mike Tyson turned against Jericho and layed him out with a vicious righthanded punch to help D-Generation X defeat Jericho, keeping him off Raw. In the ring on Smackdown, Jericho, with a blown up jaw, gave a speech to the WWE Universe to address his thoughts on it all. Jericho said he's not a broken man and even though DX pulled a fast one, it doesn't mean Jericho will go away. He called Tyson a drunk, mentally-deranged former champion. Jericho said nothing changes the fact that he, Chris Jericho, is the best in the world at what he does. Jericho said he's the baddest man on the planet and the face of Smackdown. Jericho promised to win the Royal Rumble in 2 weeks, then go on to Wrestlemania 26 and win the World Championship for his sixth time. John Morrison's music hit to stop Jericho from speaking anymore, as the former IC champ came to the ring.

During the match, Jericho shoved Morrison then got slapped and clotheslined over the top rope. With Jericho out, Morrison went to the corner for a high risk move. Just then, Drew McIntyre's music hit. McIntyre came out from backstage in a suit carrying his IC belt, then took a seat at ringside to watch the action. At one point, Morrison went for a springboard move off the middle rope, but Jericho shoved him right out of the ring to the floor.

Morrison and Jericho traded offense. In the late stages, Morrison managed to hit a Flying Chuck kick, but couldn't capture the pinfall. He went for Moonlight Drive at one point, but Jericho countered it into Walls of Jericho. Morrison escaped it and got Jericho down near the corner where he attempted Starship Pain. Jericho rolled out of the way so Morrison crashed to the mat. From there Jericho tried for Walls of Jericho again, but Morrison managed to turn it into a pinfall for a 2 count. Jericho finally got Walls of Jericho locked in with Morrison facing towards Drew McIntyre. McIntyre came over and held up the IC title, which fueled Morrison to crawl to grab the bottom rope. Morrison slapped Jericho near the ropes causing him to fall back. The ref checked on Jericho as Morrison turned his attention to McIntyre on the outside. When Morrison went back through the ropes from the apron, Jericho caught him with the Codebreaker. After both men were down for a moment, Jericho rolled over and made the pin.

Winner: Chris Jericho wins via pinfall over John Morrison.

The camera showed the steel cage hanging above the ring as Striker and Grisham hyped up the main event match. Also, coming up next, CM Punk will save a member of the WWE Universe for the second straight week.

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CM Punk and Luke Gallows arrived out to the ring. They showed last week's saving of a WWE Universe member which involved them shaving the man's head to shed his past self. Punk welcomed the newest member of the Straightedge Society into the WWE Universe. On tonight's show, Punk did more of the same. Punk asked the fans to be on his side, "one nation under Punk with integrity and sobriety for all". Punk said he remembers how Luke Gallows used to look like most of the comatose WWE fans do, until Punk stepped in and saved him. Gallows took the mic to speak to the WWE Universe about how you don't need drugs or alcohol to live your life, only straight-edge to live your life.

Punk said the Royal Rumble match will be the fans' first step for salvation. Punk said he'll become the 1st ever Straightedge Royal Rumble winner, which will be a big accomplishment for society. Punk said the majority of fans aren't smart enough to be saved, so he has to do it one at a time. Punk looked around the crowd for tonight's lucky individual. Striker noted there were several volunteers in the audience, but Grisham said he didn't think they were volunteering. Punk finally pointed out a guy in the crowd, and Luke Gallows went to help him over the crowd barrier. The man told Punk his name is Trevor. Punk told Trevor he's among friends now, Luke and himself, not the other fans. Punk said the fans represent his friends growing up who wanted him to succumb to peer pressure. Trevor said he was ready to make a pledge.

Punk told Trevor it was time to be reborn. Punk asked him how many drinks he's had this year and Trevor said he's not even sure. Punk said his straightedge society won't tolerate the crowd negatively reinforcing beer and alcohol. Punk asked Trevor if he was ready and Trevor said he accepts Straightedge into his life and is ready. Punk asked Trevor to show his devotion through actions now. The crowd started a "Trevor sucks" chant as Punk used the clippers to shave Trevor's hair off. Striker commented that Trevor was experiencing euphoria now. When Punk was done shaving his head, Trevor seemed "reborn". Punk told him he made a good decision and has shedded a lifetime of addiction and weakness. Punk said that will be no more, as he helped Trevor stand. Punk and Gallows raised Trevor's hands up as the newest member of Straightedge Society.

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Fatal Fourway Tag match to determine #1 Contenders

In this match, CM Punk & Luke Gallows competed against The Hart Dynasty, Cryme Tyme and Matt Hardy/Great Khali. The winning team would receive a title shot against D-Generation X.

In the late stages of the match, Gallows and Punk tried to wear down JTG by beating him around the ring. JTG finally gained some steam as he ducked a Punk clothesline and began to take him down. He riled the crowd up, then ran to the corner where he slammed Punk face first to the mat. JTG had the pin but both Gallows and Tyson Kidd came in at once to break it up. They stared each other down but Great Khali came up behind them, put his hands on their throats and shoved both over the top rope. Next, DH Smith and Shad Gaspar grabbed Khali's legs and pushed him over the ropes. Smith tossed Shad out through the ropes, and then Khali yanked Smith out of the ring. Matt Hardy saw it all and jumped off the corner to land on Shad, Smith and Kidd outside.

Meanwhile, back in the ring CM Punk took it to JTG and hoisted him up on his shoulders for GTS. JTG managed to get out of it and Punk went against the ropes. JTG rushed Punk who held himself against the ropes and kicked JTG in the face. Gallows made a blind slap tag to Punk's back. JTG hit a finisher on Punk thinking he had the win. Gallows came in and connected on a big boot kick to JTG's head, followed by his Twelfth Step finisher for the win. New Straightedge Society member Trevor came out from the crowd to the ring to celebrate with Punk/Gallows.

Winners: CM Punk and Luke Gallows win via pinfall to earn the #1 contender spot against DX for the tag titles.

Josh Matthews knocked on Batista's locker room door several times before Batista came out. Matthews asked Batista for comments on Rey Mysterio for tonight's match. Batista said he's done talking about Mysterio. Matthews asked if he's intimidated about the possibility of facing Undertaker for the title at Royal Rumble. Batista told Matthews he's got nothing to say about Taker or Mysterio and warned him to leave or else.

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Undertaker made his entrance through the flames and smoke as his theme music played. Tony Chimel introduced the World Heavyweight Champion to the WWE fans. Undertaker said the dawning of a new decade has brought new hopes and dreams to the WWE superstars. Taker said his darkness will continue to dominate and collect souls like he has for the past two decades. Taker said last week Mysterio and Batista felt his presence, getting a warning they'll only get once. He said whoever survives the cage will not survive him at the Royal Rumble. Taker then turned his attention to the upcoming Wrestlemania, mentioning how 17 guys have stepped up and seventeen have been sent down. The Undertaker said only one of those past opponents has shined in defeat, Shawn Michaels. Undertaker said Michaels almost broke the streak, but failed. Taker said he'll come to Raw this coming Monday to personally give his answer to Michaels' challenge. Taker said regardless of his decision, Michaels will "rest in peace".

Todd Grisham reminded fans that tonight, Mysterio and Batista will face off in a Steel Cage to determine the #1 Contender for Taker's title.

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Matt Striker noted that WWE.com is chock full of Royal Rumble history, facts and other information for fans to get prepared for the big Pay-Per-View.

Mickie James vs. Beth Phoenix

Grisham and Striker went over highlights of the past few weeks where Beth Phoenix saved Mickie from an attack by Team LayCool. After the save, Beth Phoenix did a GlamSlam on Beth. Last week, Mickie saved Beth Phoenix from Team LayCool's attack, but then kicked Beth down after.

The ref had to keep Beth from attacking before the bell, but once it rang, Beth immediately struck Mickie. Mickie managed to fight back, but Beth caught her kick attempt and knocked her to the mat. Beth started hammering her forearm on Mickie's head, then kicked her in the gut. At one point, Beth did a hip splash on Mickie in the corner.

Mickie went for a comeback, but Beth blocked it and hit a backbreaker on Mickie. Beth continued to dominate as she dropped Mickie throat first on the top rope. She did a running powerslam to the corner, leaving Mickie hung upside down in a Tree of Woe. The ref kept warning Beth to back up, but Beth kept attacking, getting herself disqualified.

Suddenly, Layla and Michelle showed up in the ring behind Beth. Beth turned to face them, then left the ring with Mickie hanging upside down for Team LayCool to beat on. They knocked Mickie out then Layla held her down in the center of the ring to allow Michelle to beat on her. Mickie fought back until Michelle swept her left leg out and kneed her in the face. Michelle finished with the Faithbreaker finisher to slam Mickie face first to the mat.

Winner: Mickie James wins due to disqualification over Beth Phoenix.

Another reminder for tonight's #1 Contender Steel Cage match between Mysterio and Batista.

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WWE Smack of the Night showed Dolph Ziggler and Kane's Beat the Clock match 2 weeks ago where Ziggler had Kane down in a sleeper hold as the clock expired. After the bell, Ziggler hit the Zig Zag on Kane. The following week, they fought again with Ziggler locking a sleeper on Kane. The two fell outside the ring. Ziggler kept the hold on until the ref counted til 8, then returned to the ring to beat Kane via countout.

Kane vs. Dolph Ziggler

Kane arrived to the ring first. Backstage, Josh Matthews interviewed Dolph Ziggler about his third encounter with Kane tonight. Ziggler said he brought Kane to his knees, and was close to making him tap out last week. Ziggler said after he beats Kane again tonight, he's rolling right through the Royal Rumble to win and head to Wrestlemania.

Kane came out aggressive early as he hit Ziggler down with an uppercut, then beat on him in the corner. Ziggler crawled to the other corner, where Kane beat on him some more. Kane whipped Ziggler to the ropes then tossed him up in the air to let him fall hard to the mat. As Ziggler stood up he tried to punch Kane, but Kane knocked him back down, then did a dropkick on a seated Ziggler for a near fall. Kane contined to dominate. Ziggler managed to get a foot up as Kane ran at him. From there, he jumped on Kane's back again for the sleeper hold. This time, Kane dumped him out over the ropes to the outside as Smackdown went to break.

Ziggler took control from the outside when he shoved Kane into the ringpost and steel steps outside the ring. Ziggler used a rear chinlock to wear down Kane in the ring. Ziggler had a near fall from there. He began beating on Kane in the corner, until the ref backed him away. Ziggler went back over to do more damage and then dropkicked Kane to the mat for another near fall.

Kane grabbed Ziggler for a chokeslam, but Ziggler grapped the ropes. Ziggler knocked Kane back, but then received a big boot kick and a series of punches to the head. Kane whipped Ziggler to the corner and clotheslined him twice, then did a powerslam. Ziggler barely kicked out of the pin. Kane went to the top rope for a clothesline, but Ziggler got up to hit him. Ziggler went for the Superplex, but Kane knocked him down to the mat. Ziggler rolled away so Kane couldn't hit a move on him. Kane went all the way around the ring to retrieve Ziggler, but as he went back in the ring, Ziggler kicked and dropkicked Kane off the apron.

Ziggler got the sleeperhold locked in outside the ring as he climbed on Kane's back. Kane backed Ziggler into the ringpost twice to break it, then got back in the ring to beat the ref's count. Kane rolled in and Ziggler went for an elbow drop but missed. From there, Kane missed on his clothesline from the top rope allowing Ziggler to hit a take down. Kane finally managed to counter the Zig Zag, then flipped Ziggler to his feet for a Chokeslam.

Winner: Kane wins via pinfall over Dolph Ziggler.

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Todd Grisham and Matt Striker returned to talk about John Cena's recent appearance at the Fiesta Bowl. The Fiesta Bowl venue in Phoenix, AZ will also be where Wrestlemania 26 takes place. They spoke about Cena being the most requested Make a Wish celebrity or athlete. Reps from Arizona talked about how great it was to bring Cena out for the Fiesta Bowl.

Backstage, Rey Mysterio put his mask on in the locker room then turned to start walking out to the ring. Maria walked by wishing Rey good luck. Jimmy Wang Yang and Slam Master J both gave Rey low fives. Josh Matthews walked up to interview Rey asking him if going into the cage with The Animal is a nightmare. Rey said he's all about dreams. Tonight won't be a nightmare, it will be a "dream come true" when he wins the cage match.

Back out in the arena, Matthews and Striker hyped the match as the cage began to lower down around the ring for the main event.

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Rey Mysterio vs. Batista
Steel Cage match to determine #1 Contender for World Heavyweight title

Rey Mysterio made his entrance to the ring by climbing up the side of the cage, then posing from near the top corners, before descending to the ring. The Animal arrived out next to a chorus of boos from the fans.

Rey used quickness early as he was able to escape Batista and jump onto the cage wall. Mysterio got 3/4 up the wall but Batista yanked him down to the mat. From there, The Animal picked up Rey and rammed him to the corner several times. Rey managed to kick Batista against the ropes early, but Rey realized he couldn't do 619 due to the cage wall. Instead, he ran against the ropes for it and then jumped up off Batista's back to get higher up the wall. Batista was quick to get up and grab Rey in the position for a Powerbomb. Rey escaped from it, but Batista tossed him right into the cage wall then stepped on his head near the ropes.

Batista continued to press his foot against Rey's head against the cage wall. Batista tossed Mysterio into the cage wall again, then continued to taunt Rey before pressing him overhead. Batista launched Mysterio towards the cage wall, but Rey jumped and got up the wall again. Batista climbed up to grab his leg, but Rey kicked him down. Rey turned and did a West Coast Pop on Batista. The Animal responded with a huge boot to level Mysterio. Batista went for a spear, but Rey avoided it causing Batista to hit the cage wall.

Batista eventually smashed Rey face first into the mat, before waiting for him to get up for a Spear takedown. Next up was a Spinebuster followed by Batista doing pushups in the ring, then flexing. Batista began to stomp then gave the thumbs down signal for the finisher. Batista asked the outside ref to open the door, then he hung Rey halfway out through the door to taunt him, before yanking Rey back in. Batista went for Batista Bomb, but Rey held onto the cage to prevent it. Rey kicked Batista away, then got over the side wall. Batista asked for the door to open so he could get out, but Rey kicked the door into Batista's face then dropped to the floor to win.
Winner: Rey Mysterio wins the steel cage match against Batista by escaping the cage.

Grisham and Striker revisited the finish of the match to show that Mysterio smartly kicked the cage door into Batista's head so he could get to the floor first. Batista was enraged in the ring as Smackdown went off the air.

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