Smackdown Recap 02.05.10

Smackdown Recap from Memphis, TN:

Smackdown opened with a highlight video of Edge, winner of the 2010 Royal Rumble. Tonight his show "The Cutting Edge" returns with Edge hosting special guest, World Heavyweight Champion, The Undertaker.

After Smackdown's opening video and pyro, Todd Grisham welcomed fans to the show on the road to Wrestlemania in Memphis, TN. Tonight they will have Qulaifying matches for Smackdown's version of the Elimination Chamber match. There will also be exclusive footage of what Batista did to John Cena once Raw went off the air Monday night. Chris Jericho made his way to the ring to give a speech to the fans.

Jericho remarked that tonight should be his night as the 2010 Royal Rumble winner but he's not. He said the main event at WM26 was also taken away from him. Jericho claimed Edge won the Rumble under false pretenses and unannounced. Jericho said he deserved the win more. Jericho also noted that he's been carrying the WWE while Edge has been rehabbing. Jericho began screaming that he is too good to settle for nothing while Edge gets to main event Wrestlemania. Jericho said Teddy Long told him must qualify for the Elimination Chamber tonight. Jericho said he wants Long to come out right now and issue reprecussions against Edge. Jericho waited and when Long didn't come out, he said he's going back to find him. Jericho left the ring and headed backstage in search of Long.

Striker and Grisham began to talk over what was going on, as Jericho walked backstage looking for Teddy Long. He yelled at a number of WWE superstars and staff asking where Long's office was. He barged into Teddy Long's office, where someone was sitting behind the desk holding up a newspaper. Jericho smashed the paper down to reveal Edge sitting there. Edge said hi to Jericho, then told him he created a monster in him. Jericho said Edge will regret he ever came back. Edge screamed back that Jericho will be the one to regret it. Edge said tonight he's going to celebrate by bringing his show "The Cutting Edge" back, by having Undertaker in the ring. Edge noted he just might face Undertaker at Wrestlemania 26 too.

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Smackdown returned with shots from inside the Graceland mansion of Elvis Presley. Striker and Grisham discussed how the Road to Wrestlemania has the Elimination Chamber on it, then rolled a video of the demonic structure known as the Chamber. Highlights were shown from past matches in the chamber with superstars including Edge, Batista, Mysterio, Kane and the Undertaker shown. The Raw Chamber is already set with WWE Champ Sheamus, Kofi Kingston, HHH, Randy Orton, Ted Dibiase and John Cena competing.

John Morrison vs. Kane vs. Drew McIntyre
Triple Threat Elimination Chamber qualifying match #1

Matt Striker noted that Kane has been a part of three Elimination Chamber matches, including the very first at the 2002 Survivor Series.

During the late stages of the match, Kane was in control after hitting a big clothesline off the corner on Morrison. McIntyre had been knocked to the outside, but snuck back in with his championship belt and hit Kane in the gut. Striker reminded fans it's a no DQ match, so the weapons are legal. McIntyre hit his double underhook DDT, but as the ref hit 2, Morrison rushed over to kick McIntyre and break it up. McIntyre rolled over holding his chest, as Morrison got on the corner and hit Starship Pain on Kane for the win.

Winner: John Morrison wins via pinfall over Kane to qualify for the Smackdown Elimination Chamber.

So far the Chamber match from Smackdown features the Champion, the Undertaker, and John Morrison. Four more superstars will be joining them as decided on tonight's show.

Striker reminded fans that the Cutting Edge returns tonight with Edge inviting Undertaker into the ring.

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R-Truth vs. Mike Knox
Elimination Chamber qualifying match

Truth came out performing his What's Up rap song as his slapped hands with the crowd members. Striker asked Grisham if he thinks rapper Memphis Bleek is a R-Truth fan to which Grisham had no idea. Early on, Truth had some fastpaced moves, but was hit by a flying cross body by Knox for the near fall.

Late in the match, Knox was knocked to the outside. Truth leapt over the top rope to crash down onto him, then rolled Knox back in. Truth went to the top and hit a high risk dropkick to take Knox down, then kicked him in the gut. Truth had momentum as he ducked a Knox clothesline and then hit his spinning forearm from running off the ropes.

Grisham said Truth has now earned his first opportunity at the World Heavyweight title as he joins John Morrison and Undertaker in the Chamber match.

Winner: R-Truth wins via pinfall to qualify for the Smackdown Elimination Chamber.

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Smackdown rolled highlights from Bret Hart's return to Raw this past Monday to confront Vince McMahon. Vince called Bret "pathetic" in the ring and said he wasn't going to induct Stu Hart into the WWE Hall of Fame after all. This enraged The Hitman and he began to attack the WWE Chairman, setting him up for the Sharpshooter. Batista hit the ring and gave Bret a beatdown, then restrained him so Vince McMahon could spit in his face. According to Smackdown commentators, more happened when Raw went off the air between Batista and John Cena.

John Cena rushed into the ring to chase off Batista after Raw went off the air on Monday Night. Batista appeared to be heading up the ramp, as Cena helped Hitman up in the ring. Cena raised up Hitman's arm triumphantly for the fans. The Hitman left the ring, but Batista rushed back into the ring and grabbed Cena, tossing him shoulder first into the ringpost. From there he beat up Cena outside the ring, throwing him on the announcers table, then into the steel steps. He brought part of the steps into the ring to Powerbomb Cena onto, leaving Cena laying on his back in the ring.

CM Punk, Luke Gallows and Serena were in the locker room watching footage on a flat screen. Punk told Gallows and Serena that without him there is no Straightedge Society. Punk said tonight he steps into the ring with Batista, and they saw what he did to Cena on Monday. Punk told them that Batista wants to end his crusade. Punk asked if Gallows and Serena would be willing to protect their savior. Serena said she'd do anything for him. Gallows said he knows what's at stake, so he'd stick his head in the fire to preserve the salvation. Punk said tonight he might need both of them to help.

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CM Punk vs. Batista
Elimination Chamber Qualifying match

Batista smirked as he glanced at the Straightedge Society as they got in the ring. The Animal leaned in the corner as the bell rang, and didn't even move forward to face Punk. Punk grew upset of Batista's non-participation. The ref told Batista to start the fight, but he stayed put standing in the corner. Batista stepped outside onto the apron and down the stairs as the crowd kept booing him. Batista headed up the ramp and the ref began to count him out. Batista turned around at the middle of the ramp and just stared at Punk and the ref. The count finally hit 10. Batista smirked then headed backstage. Striker and Grisham questioned why he would forego a championship shot. Punk was ecstatic, as he jumped into Gallows arms, then got down for Serena to jump on him with a huge hug. Punk is now heading to the Elimination Chamber.

Winner: CM Punk wins due to countout of Batista to qualify for the Smackdown Elimination Chamber.

Backstage, Matt Hardy congratulated Maria on her getting onto the Celebrity Apprentice. Maria thanked him and wished him good luck in his match later tonight.

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Matt Hardy vs. Chris Jericho
Elimination Chamber Qualifying match

Jericho was in control with a near fall after a Lionsault off the ropes. Matt Hardy got up to sustain some punches to the head, then ducked a Jericho strike to hit the Side Effect. Hardy had a near fall of his own, then stood up Jericho to smash him into the corner. Jericho dodged Hardy in the corner, then rolled him up with his feet on the ropes for a two count. He put Hardy into Walls of Jericho, but Hardy reversed into a near fall for two. Hardy went for Twist of Fate near the ropes, but Jericho held onto the top rope, then came back with a Codebreaker to win the match.

Winner: Chris Jericho wins via pinfall to qualify for the Smackdown Elimination Chamber match.

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WWE Rewind showed still images of the Womens Championship match from Royal Rumble 2010. Mickie James attacked Layla who came out in a fat suit, then proceeded to pin Michelle in under 30 seconds to win the title. After the win, divas from backstage brought a big cake out to smash on Michelle and Layla.

Tony Chimel introduced new WWE Women's Champion, Mickie James. Mickie is now a five-time Womens Champion in WWE. Mickie talked on the mic about how she's been tormented by Team LayCool ever since she arrived to Smackdown. Mickie said their jokes and pranks hurt, but at the Royal Rumble "we did it". Mickie said by rising above and being real is what a true champion is all about. Mickie said for anyone who tries to break you down, what goes around, comes around. Mickie's speech was interrupted by The Glamazon Beth Phoenix who came down to the ring.

Striker noted how Beth Phoenix was the #6 participant in the Royal Rumble, and used her "allure" to eliminate Great Khali from the match. Phoenix told Mickie she made history when she competed in the Rumble with 29 grown men. Beth told Mickie she's proud of Mickie for what she did too, but told her not to think for a second she won't take the championship any time, any place. Mickie responded if she wanted a match, she just needs to ask. Just then, Smackdown consultant Vickie Guerrero came out onto the ramp with her "Excuse me!" bit. She told Beth and Mickie that they aren't having a match now, because it's up to her. Guerrero said instead, Beth and Mickie will face Michelle and Layla in a tag match, right now.

Beth Phoenix & Mickie James vs. Layla & Michelle McCool

McCool worked on Beth's left leg during the match and had a near fall on her. She put a heel hook on Beth to try to start a submission move. Beth shoved Michelle back, then got up and ran over to punch Layla off the apron. Michelle and Layla faced off, with Beth grabbing her in a bear hug then repeatedly ramming her into the corner. Mickie tagged in next, put Beth delivered a righthand punch to knock down Mickie James. Michelle turned to look at Beth smiling, who delivered a punch to knock down Michelle. Layla got in the ring and asked what Beth was doing. Beth headed up the ramp, as Layla stretched over to tag in. Layla walked towards Mickie but got rolled up into the winning pinfall out of nowhere.

Winners: Mickie James & Beth Phoenix win via pinfall over Layla & Michelle McCool.

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After a WWE Did You Know factoid, it was time for "Cryme Tyme's Word Up" segment. The tag team was shown backstage and introduced today's word "King" meaning supreme and above the rest, without equal. Cryme Tyme said they are home in Memphis Tennessee where all sorts of Kings reside, such as BB King, Elvis Presley and Jerry "the King" Lawler. Lawler appeared backstage for the segment. Shad suggested they should call him Jerry "The King" Baller because he's so large. Cryme Tyme said the King is going to take them out to see some puppies now.

Rey Mysterio vs. Dolph Ziggler
Elimination Chamber Qualifying match

This match would decide the final entrant into the Smackdown elimination chamber. Late in the match, Rey was able to trip Ziggler against the middle rope. Rey rushed over for the 619, but Ziggler escaped out of the ring as Smackdown went to commercial break. Back from break, Ziggler had control as he sat Mysterio on the corner. Rey punched him down, but Ziggler jumped back up to land a Superplex. Ziggler made the cover but only for a two count, so Ziggler started kicking away at him, then locked a headlock on. Grisham questioned how Mysterio is able to compete after his grueling title match against Undertaker.

In the closing moments, Rey used a drop toe hold to trip Ziggler face first into the bottom turnbuckle. He hit a springboard West Coast Pop, then rolled through a Ziggler Sunset Fall pin attempt to deliver a serious sidekick on Ziggler. Ziggler whipped Rey to the ropes only to get kicked, and then DDT from the air by Rey. Another near fall for Mysterio ensued. Ziggler had a drop toe hold to make Mysterio hit the bottom corner face first. Rey gained momentum though as he went for a springboard punch, but Ziggler countered with a Powerslam from the air. Ziggler had a serious of near falls and became enraged. He hit a backbreaker, then picked him up for another move. Rey blocked that one, and used his weight to shift Ziggler down into a package pin for the victory. Ziggler tried to attack after the bell, but got tripped against the ropes for a 619 before leaving the ring.

Winner: Rey Mysterio wins via pinfall over Dolph Ziggler to qualify for the Smackdown Elimination Chamber match.

Smackdown's Elimination Chamber for the World Heavyweight Championship now features the World Champion, The Undertaker, as he defends against Rey Mysterio, R-Truth, John Morrison, CM Punk and Chris Jericho.

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The Cutting Edge with The Undertaker

Smackdown returned with Tony Chimel introducing the 9-time World Champion and 2010 Royal Rumble winner, Edge. Edge arrived to the ring which had just two stools set up and a pair of mics. Grisham noted that Edge has yet to decide who he'll face at Wrestlemania 26, for which title.

Edge noted how good it feels to be back on Smackdown and finally back home. He reminded fans of his achilles injury from July 2009, but said he used all his pain, sweat and energy to get back to the ring for this very moment. Edge said he defied the doctors' odds by getting back months earlier, and he's now on the Road to the main event of Wrestlemania 26. He said at Mania he just might face his guest on tonight's show, the World Heavyweight Champion, The Undertaker. Edge said he could also face the WWE Champion, Sheamus, who tried to get in his face on Raw. Edge had them roll highlights of that and how it ended, with Edge spearing Sheamus down in the ring. Edge chuckled about it and said you've got to admit that was fun. Just then, he was interrupted by Chris Jericho who came down to the ring, still in his wrestling gear.

Jericho got in the ring, grabbed a mic and pushed the stool out of his way to face Edge. Jericho said he's been waiting for the moment to be in the main event of Wrestlemania, but Edge took it away. Jericho called the victory "tainted" saying he deserved to win. Edge said he fairly eliminated Jericho by tossing him over the top rope at the Rumble. Jericho told Edge he is the face of Smackdown, but Edge said he's not, because he tried to make what happened to Edge a punchline. Edge said he wants to make Jericho eat his words and chew on them. He said for six months he watched Jericho on the TV, and he's sick of hearing him saying how he's the best in the world, of his cheap little suits and the stupid look on Jericho's face. Edge said he's sick of Jericho's face all together. Just then, CM Punk's music hit, and out came the Straightedge Society to the ramp.

Punk, with mic in hand, commented how beautiful Edge and Jericho looked in the ring, like two pill popping junkies arguing over who will get the last fix. Punk said it's not about them though, it's about the Elimination Chamber and The Undertaker. Punk said he's had the biggest spotlight against Undertaker than either of them. Punk said while Edge was on vacation, he became first superstar ever to make Undertaker tap out. Punk said it's something Edge or Jericho have never done or will do. Punk said he's also the only superstar who's challenging all fans to live as "One Nation Under Punk with integrity and sobriety for all". Punk said he will win the Elimination Chamber to become 4-time Straight Edge champion of the World. With that, the lights went out and Undertaker's bell sounded.

As the lights returned, Undertaker was in the ring with Gallows, Punk, Jericho and Edge. Punk tried to strike but got punched, as did Gallows. Meanwhile, Edge went at Jericho and ended up Spearing him to the mat. Taker sent Gallows out of the ring, then chokeslammed Punk to the mat. Edge set up in the corner for a Spear, but Taker turned and saw him. Edge smirked as he signaled to Taker that the belt would be back around his waist again. Taker stared intently at Edge as Smackdown ended.

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