Friday Night Smackdown!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 25, 2008
results thanks to wwe.com
SmackDown: A woman's scorn,
a Deadman reborn
By: Lennie DiFino
July 25, 2008
PHILADELPHIA – After suffering through the embarrassment of her husband Edge’s
infidelity last week, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero came to the
City of Brotherly Love intent to show the world she was as strong as ever. The
jilted bride listened as Edge offered his apologies and begged for her love,
and she let the Ultimate Opportunist know she still loved him. But, by the end
of the night, Guerrero not only displayed her GM power, but she showed the
Rated-R Superstar that his tryst with Alicia Fox had caused her to do the
unthinkable – reinstating Undertaker and placing her husband in a Hell in a
Cell Match with the returning Phenom at SummerSlam. Full match preview...
Summer Blockbuster
In a Biggest Blockbuster of the Summer Battle Royal, despite the best efforts
of Big Show, Jeff Hardy, MVP, Umaga and Mr. Kennedy, The Great Khali, with his
translator Ranjin Singh back by his side, defeated five of SmackDown’s
greatest competitors to earn himself a WWE Championship Match at SummerSlam
against Triple H. The World’s Largest Athlete looked poised for the victory,
but an already eliminated Umaga returned to the ring and delivered a Samoan
Spike, ruining Big Show’s chances. After Khali’s victory, The Game made his
way into the arena, and he and the Punjabi Giant stared each other down, as
Khali motioned he wanted the gold. Full match preview...
Before competing in the Battle Royal, MVP welcomed Jeff Hardy into his VIP
Lounge, where the cocky MVP accused Jeff of being a failure, bringing up
Hardy’s stormy past. While Hardy attempted to explain himself, the Franchise
Playa kept it coming, pointing out all the negatives that had befallen the
Charismatic Enigma, much to the disgust of our fans. Hardy finally had heard
enough, and he chased the Ballin’ Superstar out of the ring.
New champs on Friday night
After capturing gold at The Great American Bash this past Sunday, the new WWE
Tag Team Champions, Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder, were not in tag team action on
SmackDown, but Hawkins was in one-on-one action against Festus. The rivalry
between these duos is boiling, and the corn-fed colossus picked up a singles
win, gaining some retribution for the attacks he has sustained from “The
Family” over the past few weeks.
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin proved that he is ready for action
with his newly-won title around his waist, taking on Jimmy Wang Yang. In a
fast-paced encounter, the Gold Standard continued his hot streak, defeating
the resident redneck.
Also, Divas Champion Michelle McCool defeated Maryse on SmackDown, just days
after becoming the first-ever champion. The All-American Diva was all smiles
with the gold around her waist, but many wonder if the Diva she defeated at
The Great American Bash, Natalya, is done hunting for the title.
Kozlov continues to roll
Vladimir Kozlov sustained his impressive undefeated streak on SmackDown,
defeating Philadelphia’s own, Stevie Richards. After the match, Kozlov made
his way to the announce table and told Jim Ross & Mick Foley that he wanted
better competition. Will anyone in the SmackDown locker room step up and test
the Moscow Mauler?
New look brings luck
The new look and attitude of The Brian Kendrick continued its evolution on
SmackDown when the high-flying Superstar defeated Shannon Moore. With Ezekiel
by his side, The Brian Kendrick is looking to charge his way up the SmackDown
ranks, and there are many, including SmackDown commentator Jim Ross, who feel
the sky is the limit for Kendrick.
Matches
United States Champion Shelton Benjamin def. Jimmy Wang Yang
Festus def. WWE Tag Team Champion Curt Hawkins
Vladimir Kozlov def. Stevie Richards
The Great Khali def. Big Show, Jeff Hardy, Mr.
Kennedy, Umaga and MVP in a Biggest Blockbuster of the Summer Battle Royal (New
No. 1 contender to WWE Championship)
Divas Champion Michelle McCool def. Maryse
(Non-title)
The Brian Kendrick def. Shannon Moore