411’s WWE Smackdown Report 04.17.09

Welcome to 411’s Weekly Smackdown! Report. I am JP Truss your play-by-play man back behind the desk for Smackdown! Let’s get right to the action!

Jim Ross and Todd Grisham are coming to you from Knoxville, Tennessee!

Jeff Hardy vs. Big Show

The Day-Glo Warrior enters sans-Day Glo to start this edition of Smackdown and we get some clips of the brutal Stretcher Match from last week right before the newly drafted Big Show makes his appearance…and he doesn’t look happy at all. The bell rings and Show tries to corner Jeff. Jeff gets out of the way and goes for a punch that has no effect on the big man. Show corners Jeff again and Jeff tries to run past but Show hurls him into the corner. Show’s just playing with him now.

Jeff Hardy is back on his feet and goes for a single leg takedown and Show knocks him down with a clubbing blow. Show pulls him up and drops him with a head butt. This could get bowling shoe ugly before it’s all said and done. Show sets Jeff up in the corner, rips off the front half of his shirt and hits a big overhand chop. Show takes his time pulling up Jeff but Jeff still has some fight in him! Jeff bounces off the ropes but Show counters with a big shoulder tackle. Show takes a big step on Jeff Hardy’s chest before pulling him up for another overhand chop. That one looked like it hurt.

Jeff tries to crawl to a corner but Show stops him and head butts him to the outside. He tries to catch his breath but Show pulls him up to the apron. Jeff fires back and slings shoots Show’s neck off the top rope. Jeff gets back in the ring and begins firing stiff rights at the Big Show…well that’s not going to last too long. Show puts a stop to it with another head butt. Show follows up with a leg drop and goes for the pin; but Jeff kicks out at two.

Show pulls Jeff up to his feet again and Jeff fights out of the Big Show’s grip. Jeff bounces off the ropes again but is caught with a standing mule kick from the Big Show. Show hauls up Jeff by the throat and delivers another head butt that sends him crashing to the mat. We get a replay of the mule kick from Show as Show grinds Jeff’s head into the mat under his boot. The referee gets Big Show to back up and Jeff tries to get to his feet, only to get a head butt from the Big Show. Finally we get a smile from Show as he goes for a running Big Boot but Jeff dodges! Show gets hung up on the ropes! Jeff goes onto the attack and seems successful but Show gets his legs clear of the ropes in the process. Jeff charges and Show slings him through the ropes and to the outside! Commercial Break!

We’re back and we get a replay of Show tossing around Jeff before going back to the ring where Show is choking him with a standing chin lock. Show drops an elbow onto the upper shoulder of Jeff Hardy before going for a pin. Jeff kicks out at two! Show puts Jeff into a nerve holder as Jeff struggles in the center of the ring. Show puts on the pressure as Jeff slowly gets to his feet but Jeff breaks out of it with a jawbreaker! Jeff goes for a Twist of Fate and is again tossed aside by Big Show. Show takes a moment before going to the second rope! VADER BOMB-NO! Jeff rolls out of the way! Why does Show still attempt that move?! Show gets to a knee and Jeff hits a huge DDT! The crowd is alive just as Matt Hardy appears! Matt tries to run interference but Jeff keeps him at bay. Show tries to get up and Jeff springboards off Show’s back to hit the senton on his brother! Both men are down!

Show gets back on his feet just as Jeff slides back into the ring. Jeff goes for an Irish Whip but Show counter-whips him into the corner. Jeff counters and goes for Whisper in the Wind but Show blocks it! ROARING FIST nearly knocks Jeff’s jaw off! SLAP THE PORPOISE! This one is over!

(Yeah, that whole Porpoise thing doesn’t work for me. Let’s just forget it happened.)

Winner: The Big Show (Pinfall via Roaring Fist) **. Decent enough match-up that had enough action to keep it interesting. The rating would have been a bit less but the post-match bumped it up; and let’s get to that now!

Matt is in the ring and begins taunting and slapping his unconscious brother. The crowd gives it to him as Matt hits a running leg drop on Jeff! And again! And again! And again! And again! And again! And again! And one more time for good measure! And again! And you get the idea. Finally Matt stops and covers Jeff with one foot to the completely disdain of the Smackdown faithful. Excellent way to keep heat on Matt and the feud between them alive going into the brothers being on separate shows.

Later tonight, Triple H and Randy Orton will Face Off! If it’s anything like the movie…it’s going to get strange.

The Great Khali’s Kiss Cam Returns to Smackdown!

We’re back and Khali is in the ring with his new ring attire along with Runjin, who needs a haircut. Before coming back we got clips of the match between Santino and The Great Khali on Raw as well as the stipulations involved. Okay, I get that Santino is good comic relief but I think we’re getting to a ‘Sick and Wrong’ level on this “Santina” thing.

So anyway we’re back in the ring and Runjin says that Khali says he can’t wait for next week when “Santina” will be on the Cam. Runjin asks for a picture of “Santina” and we get the old Billy and Chuck Theme to go with it. Right around ‘she’s all woman’, Khali actually seems somewhat interested. Either that or he thinks this is a really funny joke that has nothing to do with him…I’m going with the latter.

Okay, it’s time for the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Khali’s Kiss Cam!

The first lady kisses the nearest guy and Runjin calls her out on it: classic. The second lady, who reminds me of my Elementary librarian immediately, sits down: smart move. Finally a pretty decent looking girl is chosen and is brought to the ring. She seems nervous but wants to know what “Santina” will experience next week and it sounds like a setup to me. In any case Runjin calls for the music and Khali soothes her with…I have no idea what the hell he’s saying but she seems relaxed. They kiss…twice! She likes it! Khali wins again!

Winner: The Great Khali

Runjin asks her how she feels and it apparently it was, ‘the most romantic, passionate kiss in her life.’ Runjin asks Khali something in Punjab and Runjin tells her that as incredible as she was, Khali wants “Santina” and next week he’s going to make her feel like a real woman should…make your own joke here.

We cut to the back and Maryse is heading to the ring for her last Smackdown Match and it’s with Gail Kim!

Did You Know? Wrestlemania 25 had more people in attendance than the 2008 MLB All-Star Game, the 2009 NCAA Final Four, the 2009 Super Bowl, and the last Madonna concert? Okay…I get the sports related once; but Madonna? Really?

Divas Champion Maryse vs. Gail Kim

It is stupid how hot these two women are. Really, it’s just mind numbingly stupid.

The bell rings and Gail tries to lock up with Maryse but she scurries into the corner. Gail tries again and Maryse escapes to the apron. Maryse gives the fans a slow hair toss and the fans like it. Gail tries to get her back in the ring but the referee gets her to back off. Maryse finally gets into the ring and Gail charges, but Maryse steps aside and sends Gail to the outside. That had to hurt!

Maryse goes to the outside and begins the attack on Gail, ramming her into the ring apron. Looks like Maryse’s evil plan worked to fruition. Gail rolls into the ring and Maryse follows behind her, attacking with several mounted punches until the referee breaks them up. Maryse argues with the referee and Gail tries to make a comeback, but Maryse blocks her. Big hair whip/face plant by Maryse and Maryse goes for the pin and gets a two count. (Not the face! Please not the face!)

Gail Kim tries to use the ropes to pull herself up but Maryse is again there to meet her and chokes Gail on the middle rope. The referee begins the count and Maryse breaks the hold. Maryse pulls up Gail Kim and hits a sleek Northern Lights back breaker of Gail Kim. Maryse floats over into a pin and gets a two count.

Maryse kicks Gail Kim around for a moment before locking Gail Kim into a Camel Clutch. Gail struggles until Maryse rubs her face into the mat. Gail Kim is offended! Gail gets up just enough to roll out of the clutch and takes Maryse down with a leg sweep. Good for a one count! Both women are on their feet and Gail fires back at Maryse with a couple of clotheslines, sending Maryse to the corner. A big running forearm stupefies the Divas Champion long enough for Gail to get to the second rope. Blockbuster! Huge Blockbuster by Gail Kim! Gail goes for the pin and gets a two count!

Maryse and Gail are back on their feet and Maryse tries to fight her off but Gail gets the upper hand. Gail goes for a cross body: botched! Now that had to hurt somebody. Maryse goes for her patented DDT but Gail Kim counters with Sole Food! Gail Kim gets the three count!

Winner: Gail Kim (Pinfall via Sole Food) **. A very good Divas match with a far more deliberate pacing than what we’ve seen in the past. With the exception of the failed cross body, both women stepped it up tonight and that’s what the entire Womens’ division in the WWE needs right now.

Gail Kim celebrates before we go back to Todd Grisham and J.R. and we get a tease of the match between Triple H and Randy Orton on Raw as well as the ‘Face Off’ tonight.

R-Truth vs. John Morrison

What’s up? I have no idea R. Please tell us! We have to know what’s up! Off to a commercial break we go!
After the brief commercial John Morrison makes his solo entrance. Really, I can get used to it. I loved Miz and Morrison as a tag team but in the end it was more to help develop the Miz than Morrison. If both men can stand on their own as singles competitors then one of the most successful tag teams in recent years will have been worthwhile.

The bell rings and we start this one off with a collar-elbow tie up. Truth gets in a side headlock and Morrison tries to get out of it but Truth hangs on and takes him down. Truth gets a quick one count before both men are back on their feet. Morrison finally breaks out of the hold and makes Truth pay with a hard European Uppercut. Both men slug it out until Morrison Irish whips him into the opposite corner. Morrison charges and Truth leap frogs/back flips out of the way. Truth splits to avoid the clothesline and tags Morrison with a spinning calf kick. Truth goes for the pin and gets a two count!

Truth pulls Morrison to his feet and plants him face first into the turnbuckle. Morrison tangles himself into the ropes trying to catch a break and the referee is forced to make Truth step back. Morrison takes advantage and springboards off the second rope with the Roundhouse kick! Morrison goes for the pin and gets a near fall.
Both men get to their feet and Truth tries to fight Morrison off, but Morrison knocks him down. Morrison puts Truth into the side headlock but Truth struggles until Morrison drops him onto the second rope. Morrison uses the second rope to strangle Truth as the referee starts the count. Morrison finally breaks the hold at 4 and pulls Truth to the center of the ring, going for a vertical suplex but Truth blocks it. Truth answers back with a vertical suplex/stunner combination! Excellent maneuver! Truth goes for the pin and gets a two count. Morrison gets to his feet and eats a clothesline. Truth backs up and nails him with another clothesline! Big back body drops by Truth, who follows up with a huge Scissors Kick! That could be it! No! Only a near fall!

Truth sets up Morrison for the Ax Kick, but Morrison gets out of the way. Truth counters with a right that sends Morrison into the corner. Truth goes for 10 Punches but Morrison gets out of it and snaps him back to the mat. Truth is down and hurting. The Moonlight Drive ends it in favor for John Morrison.

Winner: John Morrison (Pinfall via Moonlight Drive) **1/2. A well done match by both men. It’s nowhere near the level of Morrison-Bourne on ECW, but Truth continues to show growing comfort in the WWE and Morrison continues to get the job down.

Triple H is on his way to the ring. It’s time for a Face/off! Next!

Triple H and Randy Orton Face/Off

Triple H makes his patented entrance for possible the last time on Smackdown. He sets both stools and microphones out of the way, clearly ready to fight and waits for Randy Orton. Finally, the music hits but no Orton. Triple H starts laughing; getting what’s about to happen and sure enough Orton appears on the Titantron. Orton asks if Triple H was honestly expecting him to show up when Backlash is next week. So he doesn’t plan on making any mistakes.

Orton says Triple H prides himself on being the ‘Cerebral Assassin’. He was always one step ahead of everyone else, but not this time. This time HHH’s emotions are clouding his logic. Sure HHH won the Handicap match on Monday, but by doing so he turned Shane McMahon and Batista into his enemies. One mistake from them and Orton becomes WWE Champion…and as for this Monday Triple H is sure, at least from Orton’s POV, to get himself DQed.

Triple H starts laughing to himself and Orton asks him what he found so funny? Was it funny when he RKO’d Stephanie McMahon? Was it funny when he DDT’d Stephanie? And then there was that kiss…that kiss that kept Orton up at night? HHH seems prepared to blow but finally laughs it off. Orton then asks if HHH’s kids got the Easter basket that Orton sent and that nearly does it but HHH again laughs it off. Finally Orton gets pissed off and asks HHH what is so funny. HHH says that it’s because he knows something Orton doesn’t know: Monday’s match is no DQ and no Count Out. HHH says that somewhere in Orton’s mind he thinks HHH started it but this Monday he will definitely end it.

A good promo between Triple H and Randy Orton. Of course, we both know they can deliver on the mic. The question is will they finally deliver in the ring? We will find out this Monday and despite their Wrestlemania match, I’m not ready to bet against either of these two.

The Undertaker is in action: NEXT!

Sibling Rivalry turns Ugly

We return to Smackdown and get a replay of the attack on Jeff Hardy from Matt earlier tonight right before cutting to Theodore R. Long’s office. Matt has joined Smackdown’s GM and seems happy about something. Long tells him that the Board of Directors have approved a match between Jeff and Matt at Backlash- an I Quit match! Matt tells Long that this will be his chance to make Jeff said the two words that will make ‘his people’ give up on him and erase him from Matt’s world: I Quit. Long comments that he hopes Matt does make Jeff quit, otherwise it’ll be worse for him. Matt, however, does not seem too concerned.

Now I know some people are going to be a little pissed off that this isn’t a Ladder Match, but in the grand scheme of things it makes perfect sense. Throughout both Hardys career what defined them was their refusal to quit, so this match will add Pride as a factor to the other issues already webbed throughout their feud. Also, since there are only a handful of WWE I Quit matches worth really talking, I’m looking forward to see what Matt and Jeff do to defy that statistic.

The Undertaker vs. Shelton Benjamin

Benjamin is already in the ring as the gong sounds. Fresh off his successful match at Wrestlemania (and Superstars but…err…let’s just ignore that for the time being).

The bell rings and Benjamin avoids locking up with the Undertaker too soon. Undertaker hooks Benjamin as he tries to escape again and Benjamin tries to break out of it, but Undertaker stops him with a hard knee to the gut. Undertaker hits Benjamin with a big slam and follows up with a running elbow drop. Quick count before Benjamin kicks out. Undertaker locks in a standing arm lock, twisting the joint before hitting Old School. Benjamin is knocked off his game for a moment and Undertaker goes for a vertical suplex but Benjamin counters with a neck breaker! Who will win this one? We’ll find out after the commercial break!

-If Ozzy Osborne plays World of Warcraft…I will eat my couch raw.

We’re back and Benjamin is on the attack with vicious elbow drops. Benjamin goes for a pin and gets a quick count. Benjamin floats over and puts the Undertaker into a rear chin lock. Undertaker tries to fight out over it but Benjamin switches over to an elbow spike to the neck, followed by a knee straight to the Undertaker’s head. Undertaker spirals into the corner and Benjamin goes onto the attack, trading blows with the Deadman but getting the better of them for the time being. Benjamin sets Undertaker up on the second rope and nails him with a huge right. Benjamin slides back into the ring and hits the Undertaker with a kick to the back of the head and puts him back into a rear chin lock. Undertaker struggles, rolling onto his back and grabbing Benjamin’s throat to break the hold.

Undertaker is back on his feet and the slugfest begins. Benjamin tries to hang with the Deadman, but as Taz once said, no one can throw soup bowls like the Undertaker. Undertaker whips Benjamin into the corner and charges, but Benjamin gets his boots up. Benjamin quickly gets to the top and flies off but Undertaker catches him! Undertaker goes for the Choke slam but Benjamin catches him with a DDT! A huge DDT at that! Benjamin covers and gets a near fall: so close to a three count!

Undertaker sits up! It’s on now!

Benjamin forces Undertaker into the corner but Undertaker counter-whips him and connects with a big clothesline. Undertaker goes for Snake Eyes but Benjamin gets out of it and counters with a German Suplex! Benjamin bridges for the pin and gets another near fall! What a suplex by Benjamin! Benjamin is on his feet and calls for the Tombstone Piledriver-this won’t end well. Benjamin goes for it and Undertaker reverses! Tombstone on Benji! This one is over!

Winner: The Undertaker (Pinfall via Tombstone Piledriver) ***. Psychology was the back bone of this matchup with the excellent ring work playing the necessary second fiddle. Eventually Benjamin will get a victory over the Undertaker, but until then as long as they deliver matches like this I have no complaints.

MVP is in the back getting ready for a match. Dolph Ziggler tries to introduce himself but is interrupted and ignored by Theodore R. Long. Long wishes him the best on Raw, knowing that things are going to be, you guessed it….

BALLIN!

They get in some more small talk before MVP heads to the ring and we head to the commercials.

Did You Know? The WWE had more viewers than the Masters. But really, who’s watching golf on a Friday? THINK WWE!

US Champion MVP vs. Dolph Ziggler

Hi, I still have a job! ‘How’ is anyone’s guess.

Dolph tries to introduce himself for the umpteenth time but MVP really does not care. Dolph does not approve and retaliates with a shove. MVP doesn’t like that too much and goes on the attack. MVP attempts a big boot but Dolph gets out of the ring. Slowly he returns and offers a test of strength, switching over to sneak attack on MVP. Dolph is in control until he goes for an Irish Whip and MVP counters with a knee to the gut. MVP pulls Dolph up and continues to attack with knees to the gut, following up with a big press slam on Dolph. MVP whips Dolph into the corner but Dolph gets out of the way before MVP can do anything. Dolph hangs MVP out on the top rope and hurls him into the ring post for good measure. Dolph Ziggler is in control.

Dolph goes for a roll up but only gets a two count. Ziggler hooks in an overhead hammerlock and we get a few screams that remind us of his old Spirit Squad days before MVP can get to his feet. Dolph gets a handful of MVP’s dreads and takes him down. Big elbow drop by Dolph goes into a pin and a two count. Dolph goes on the attack again, targeting the arm before putting MVP into an arm lock/chin lock combination. MVP breaks the hold and counters with a scoop slam! Back elbow to Dolph, followed by a clothesline to Dolph! MVP whips Dolph to the ropes but Dolph ducks out of the way, but MVP counters with an Overhead Throw. Dolph answers back with a kick but MVP answers back with an Asiatic Thrust and a face breaker. Wait for it…wait for it….

BALLIN!

MVP goes for a pin and gets a near fall. MVP sets Dolph up into the corner and goes for the Running Boot but Dolph kicks out his knee. Dolph plants MVP’s face into the turnbuckle and rolls him up. He’s got the tights! He’s got the three count!

Winner: Dolph Ziggler (Pinfall via Tights-aided Roll UP) *3/4. Not too bad and a good way for MVP to give a rub (whatever it’s worth) to Ziggler who will most likely be getting a push in the near future. A decent match overall.

Uh oh; Dolph has a mic and MVP’s attention. Maybe he’s going to announce his thoughts on US-Cuba relations?

“My name is Dolph Ziggler!”

Got it. Thank you.

Batista vs. DiBiase is next!

Batista vs. Ted DiBiase Jr.

We’re back and JR and Grisham run down the Backlash card as it stands before Batista makes his return to Smackdown. DiBiase comes in next and Batista doesn’t seem too concerned. We start it off with a tie-up and Batista shoves DiBiase to the mat. He’s quickly backed on his feet and fakes a tie-up and attacks Batista’s legs. DiBiase stomps on the leg and joint of Batista’s left leg before the referee makes him back off. DiBiase tries to follow up but Batista slams him into the corner and plants him face first into the turnbuckle. Batista Irish whips DiBiase and catches him with a back elbow and haphazardly covers him for a quick count. Batista pulls him up and hits a big vertical suplex, floating over for the pin and getting another quick count. Batista again pulls DiBiase to his feet and Irish whips him into the corner, knocking him to the mat. DiBiase felt that one; definitely.

Batista goes for another Irish whip but DiBiase counters with a kick to the face. DiBiase tries to follow up but Batista counters with a kick to the gut. Batista goes for the Batista Bomb but DiBiase fights out of it and knocks Batista off balance with a shot to the back of the leg. DiBiase goes on the attack as we go to commercial break!
We return as DiBiase nails Batista with a vicious kick to the back of the leg. Batista fights back and goes for a hip toss but DiBiase counters with a leg whip. DiBiase goes on the attack, trying to keep Batista from getting to a vertical base but Batista makes it to his feet and shoves DiBiase to the ropes, hitting him with a big kick on the rebound. Batista sets DiBiase up for a power slam but DiBiase fights out of it. Batista charges but DiBiase side steps him and Batista goes flying out of the ring.

Batista is a little slow to get up and DiBiase stalks him from behind. He’s finally on his feet and DiBiase takes him down with chop block. DiBiase gets back in the ring long enough for Batista to roll onto the ring apron. DiBiase slides to the outside and slams Batista’s knee onto the ring post. DiBiase gets back into the ring and goes back on the attack, tying up Batista’s knee on the middle rope. The referee begins the count until Batista knocks him aside. Batista tries to fight out of it but DiBiase counters with a Russian Leg Sweep. DiBiase goes to the second rope and delivers the double stomp, both feet planted into Batista’s abdomen. DiBiase sets up on the second rope and delivers the double stomp again, this time onto the left knee. Batista is in pain and DiBiase goes for the pin. He gets the near fall.

DiBiase puts Batista into a leg lock, concentrating on the knee. The crowd comes alive for Batista as he fights DiBiase off. Batista counters with an inside cradle and get a two count! Both men get to their feet and Batista tries to get back on offense but DiBiase trips him up and puts Batista into a modified Death Lock. DiBiase tries to switch the hold but Batista kicks him off. DiBiase goes for a running attack but Batista reverses into a huge spine buster! He’s in the driver’s seat now!

Big back body drop DiBiase, followed up with a clothesline by Batista. Batista whips DiBiase into the corner but he gets his boots up. DiBiase goes for the Million Dollar Dream but Batista shoves him away. Huge, monumental Spear on DiBiase! The Animal is Unleashed! Batista Bomb on DiBiase ends it!

Winner: Batista (Pinfall via Batista Bomb) **3/4. We all knew this was how it was going to end but allowing DiBiase the space and time to show that he is a capable singles competitor was not on the radar. It was a little surprising but overall a good night for DiBiase and a welcome returned for Batista.

The Animal celebrates as Smackdown closes out.

Final Thoughts: Although I missed the show last week things seemed to be back to normal on Smackdown. There was solid wrestling throughout with the Undertaker and Benjamin having another excellent outing. I completely agree with the I Quit Match between Matt and Jeff and even the continued issues with Triple H and Orton was not overdone and wisely not left for the end of the show. With the exception of the whole “Santina” thing, which I still don’t get, a good showing for Smackdown.

Don’t forget Tuesday’s is the Worst Wrestler of the Week and to keep up with all of the updates not only from me but from the site, make 411 Mania your homepage and Bookmark it to receive instant notice of news and commentary from the best professional wrestling resources in the USA. Until next week, JP is DONE SON.