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WWE SmackDown – July 9, 2010
Standing Tall
With Money in the Bank just over a week away, everybody on the roster is hoping to generate momentum. World Heavyweight champion Jack Swagger made his presence known to his opponents, and the WWE World Cup continued on. All of this and more took place on another thrilling Friday night.
WWE World Cup – SmackDown Group A: Rey Mysterio (1-0) def. Vance Archer (0-1)
Rey Mysterio has made a career out of being the underdog, and tonight was no exception as he was completely dwarfed by big Vance Archer. After several big power moves by Archer, Rey decided to change things up. He took Archer out of his comfort zone by utilizing his speed. Archer attempted to catch him, and wound up tripping over and landing on the ropes. Following a 6-1-9 and West Coast Pop, Rey had himself an upset victory to begin his World Cup.
CM Punk’s proposal
Continuing a trend over the past several months, CM Punk decided to involve himself with Rey Mysterio after his match. Punk appeared on the Titan Tron and explained that ever since beating him at Over the Limit – he’s become obsessed with forcing Rey Mysterio to accept the straight edge lifestyle and remove his mask. They have already agreed to meet for the fifth and final time at Money in the Bank – but a match of that magnitude needs even higher stakes. Punk wants Rey to put his mask on the line yet again – and Punk will put his hair on the line. Rey, as always, accepted the challenge and before you knew it, this match just got much, much bigger.
WWE World Cup – SmackDown Group D: Cody Rhodes (1-0) def. Finlay (0-1)
Ever since being drafted to SmackDown, “The Uncommon Man” Cody Rhodes has been looking to score a huge win to jumpstart his solo career. This match may be just that, as he withstood the stiff offense of the 30-year veteran Finlay and picked up the victory after the Cross Rhodes. Cody not only bested a man far more experienced than him, but also begins his World Cup with a flawless record. Look for big things from Cody Rhodes in the coming weeks.
David Otunga def. MVP
Last week, MVP lost his World Cup match against Shad Gaspard due to surprising interference from David “A-List” Otunga. Tonight, MVP looked to give Otunga some payback as he officially became the final NXT Season 1 rookie to sign with a brand. Both superstars seemed evenly matched, until Shad Gaspard ran to the ring and distracted the referee. This enabled Otunga to land a low blow on MVP, followed by a Spinebuster for the victory. It appears as though Shad returned the favor from last week – but the question is, why?
WWE World Cup – SmackDown Group C: Christian (1-0) def. Chavo Guerrero (0-1)
Last week, Captain Charisma said he would win the WWE World Cup. Tonight got off to a good start towards validating those statements with a strong win over Chavo Guerrero. The match was a back-and-forth battle until Chavo ran towards the cornered Christian and was promptly hit with a Pendulum Kick. Chavo stumbled and Christian took advantage and got the win with the Killswitch.
Jack Swagger has a message for his opponents
World Heavyweight champion Jack Swagger delivered a promo from backstage. He said he that he was looking forward to watching the Brothers of Destruction beat the tar out of each other tonight, “The All-American American” might just have a surprise up his sleeve for later on in the night.
Non-Title Match: Bryan Danielson def. Drew McIntyre
Since coming to WWE, Intercontinental champion Drew McIntyre has not lost very many matches, however the 10-year veteran Bryan Danielson might just be his toughest competition to date. These two SmackDown MITB competitors gave it their all, but McIntyre just seemed to have no answer for Danielson’s innovative offense. McIntyre became yet another in a rapidly increasing list to tap out to the Cattle Mutilation, generating a head of steam for Danielson and possibly putting him into consideration for a title match in the very near future.
Beth Phoenix ambushed backstage
New WWE Women’s champion Beth Phoenix was watching the show in the locker room when she fell victim to an ambush at the hands of Lay-Cool. With Vickie Guerrero barking orders, Layla and Michelle McCool looked more vicious than ever. Security was alerted to the scene and helped break it up, but not before the damage was already done.
WWE World Cup – SmackDown Group B: Kofi Kingston (1-0) def. Curt Hawkins (0-1)
It was not a good night for the Hawkins and Archer tag team, as Curt Hawkins was also defeated in singles action, being pinned after a Trouble in Paradise as Kofi Kingston grabs the World Cup win. Vance Archer hit the ring and laid out Kingston with a huge Big Boot, much to the crowd’s disapproval. Although tonight was not their night, Hawkins and Archer will live to fight another day.
Kane def. Undertaker
The Brothers of Destruction have clashed on many occasions, and often times Undertaker has gotten the better of the exchange. That was not the case tonight. Undertaker grabbed Kane’s neck in preparation for a Chokeslam, only for the lights to go out and the bells to toll. When they came back on, Undertaker looked around surprised only for Kane to catch him in a Chokeslam of his own for the victory. But before Kane could celebrate, the lights went off again as the bell tolled once more. When they came back on, Jack Swagger was in the ring with his title belt in hand, and he blasted Kane with it. Swagger was behind the light and sound effects all along! This was certainly the surprise Swagger alluded to earlier, and the champion has certainly made a statement to his Money in the Bank opponents tonight.
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