WWE SmackDown! - 06/05/03

WWE SmackDown! - 06/05/03
Taped 06/03/03
Anaheim, CA

Kurt Angle return tribute video to start, pre-open.
Open.
Piper's Pit to start
- This got them out of fireworks for this week,
- Piper still has a rather sparse set.
- Piper takes about 2 minutes to introduce Zach Gowen
- Zach Gowen looks a lot like Vince McMahon this week - oh.
- Vince says the change he promised is going to happen right now - he's going to be nice to Zach now.
  - I kill time by stacking pennies.
- Vince says he's going to give Zach a WWE contract. Or an opportunity to get one, anyway.
- Zach Gowen and Mr. America come out.
- Cole actually questions Vince's sincerity!
- Vince says he's got it on good authority that the lie detector equipment was faulty.
  - There's your only explanation.
- Vince says Zach has a poor choice in heroes - Mr. America can't give him a WWE contract. Or any one else.
- Only Vince can.
- Next week, arm wrestling match with a contest, with the WWE contract on the line, and Vince representing the WWE.
- We draw it out before the obvious is revealed - it'll be Zach representing Zach.
- Vince and Piper give Zach a schoolboy trip to end it.
- "You got as much chance as a one legged man in an ass kicking contest!"
- I hope they have him stealing candy from a baby next week!
During this break, there's an long infomercial-like commercial for the Hulk. Seemed odd.

Kurt Angle Moment: Milkomania (8/01)
Undertaker (Houston, TX, 305 pounds) vs Chuck Palumbo (285 pounds, w/FBI)
- FBI fake like they're going to punk out the bike, but think better of it.
- Undertaker's elbow is still taped underneath the elbow pad.
- Announcer go a little buts about Undertaker using a leapfrog.
- Chuck offense consist of a lot of punching. A LOT.
- Undertaker almost lands on his head hitting the flying clothesline.
- Old School.
- Punch for Stamboli. Nunzio scared away, but distracts so Chuck can hit the spinebuster.
- Chuck tosses Taker so the FBI can get in their work.
- Chuck pulls off a delayed vertical suplex. It goes bad when he tries for a sleeper
- Punch battle. Chuck wins early, loses late, finishes with a knee.
- Chuck sets new records at "head down too soon", gets DDT.
- Chuck has tape right above his elbow.
- Johnny takes his second outside punch and again Chuck takes control.
- Taker turns it around much quicker. SnakeEyes.
- Big Boot misses, slam reversed right into the goozle. Chokeslam one two three. (5:20)
- What was the point - ah, he's beating down the other guys too.
- Nunzio is set up for a Last Ride, and Chuck decides he might as well use the Jungle kick now.
- There's the slap, but the Undertaker gets angry and starts to power out of of it.
- So Nunzio foes for the chair, but Undertaker ends up with and runs everyone out.
- Cole promises this isn't over - I guess we're building 'til Nunzio takes the Last Ride.
In the Crowd: Rey's wife Angie and kids.
- I thought Tygress was his girlfriend? That's not her...

Last week, Undertaker pinned Brock
Next week: Brock Lesnar (c) vs the Big Show for the WWE Championship
Freddie Blassie memorial tribute video

WWE Tag Team Champions Eddie Guerrero and Tajiri (434 pounds) vs Basham Brothers (Columbus, OH, 492 pounds) in a non-title match
- Eddie and Tajiri have a convertible low rider this week.
  - Tazz works in a Sammy Sosa joke...here
- Doug and Danny's video has been updated to include...Doug and Danny entering.
- Announces explain that Danny is the wacky member of the tag team.
- Tres suplexes. Again he catches someone coming to stop him from the Frog Splash, but can't get up in time enough to do it.
- There's the armdrag/headscissors combo instead.
- Eddie ends up getting caught anyway.
- Team Angle have called in sick - possibly to escape Kurt's wrath.
  - Tazz and Cole talk about never having heard of a sick day in the WWE before
- Peril segment lasts about a minute. Hot tag to Tajiri, to go kick crazy.
- Frog Splash to Doug, Buzzsaw Kick to Doug and that's it. (4:42)
Kurt Angle Moment: Jimmy Crack Corn And I Don't Care
- There sure is a lot of Debra in these things.
- I'm almost positive it's a coincidence.

Kurt Angle returns
- He's happy. Maybe it's because he has his medals back?
- Crowd chants You Suck to the music, but in a nice way I guess.
- "You know, I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I have no idea how good it feels to hear those words again - PLAY MY MUSIC!" [As the music plays, Kurt cheerleads the chant. The music cuts out at the chorus.] "You know, I don't even care, because after two months of neck surgery and rehab, your Olympic Hero is back in the WWE ring baby! WOOO! And I'm back for one reason and one reason only - 'cause Kurt Angle is a champion. And I want to become champion again. [what] Hey, I missed that word too [WHAT] I said I missed that word too [WHAT - Kurt gives the crowd a look, then takes a moment. ANGLE chant] But tonight, I'm here to talk about something else. There's one person I'd like to personally thank. [WHAT] You know, when I was laid up in the hospital [], and I didn't know if I was going to wrestle again [], there's someone who was keeping close contact with me [], someone that became a genuine friend [], and I don't believe I'm going to say this, but that guy is [WELLLLLL IT'S THE BIG SHOW - he's in a smiling mood too]
  Angle: "What the hell are you doing here?"
  Show: "Well, Kurt, I'm definetely not out here to tell you how happy I am that you're back in the WWE. Because, personally, I don't give a damn. Now you can come out here and earn all these fans' respect, but let me tell you, you haven't earned mind. [BIG SHOW SUCKS = Show is backing Angle into the corner] Kurt Angle, you want to be champion again - you better wait in line, because next week, when I beat Brock Lesnar for the WWE Title, maybe, just maybe, I'll give you a shot at a real champion. And Kurt, you better pray that doesn't happen, because you don't want to face me one one one, because one on one I'll put you in the hospital again, PERMANENTLY."
  Angle: "Okay, Show, um. [reaches in pocket] These are called breath mints - what you do is open it up, you take one out, and place it on your tongue like so [swatted away]"
  Show: "You better get serious real quick, son." [Angle stands on the middle turnbuckle]
  Angle: "LISTEN TO ME YOU BIG OVERGROWN SON OF A BI[BLEEP] - Last time we fought, I whooped your ass for the WWE Title! So if you want to intimidate me, remember this: I won an Olympic Gold Medal and wrestled in WrestleMania main event with a broken neck, so excuse me if I'm not pooping in my pants right now!"
  Show: "Kurt, do you realize how easily I could snap your ne-"
  Angle: "Whoa whoa whoa, hold on a second. I always wanted to do this. With all do respect to Stone Cold Steve Austin - if you want to see Kurt Angle open up a can of whoopass on the Big Show tonight, give me a You Suck [YOU SUCK - goozle - Brock's music loosens the goozle. Brock walks to the ring wearing the belt, as the other two stand apart in the ring. Brock ends up standing in between Angle and Big Show. It looks like Kurt could ambush Brock and set him up for Big Show (he doesn't tease it - it's all in position), but it doesn't happen. Instead, Show walks off, deciding he rather do it next week. Angle touches Brock on the shoulder - Brock spins around fast]
  Angle: "Whoa whoa, easy Brock. I think I had enough of you at WrestleMania. I mean, you kicked my butt so bad, I can't remember the last time I got my butt kicked that badly, Brock. You messed me up pretty good, you put me in the hospital. But just for the record, I didn't need your help with the Big Show - I had it covered. Unlike you, Brock. It seems to me that the Big Show has been giving you a hard time lately. It seems to me that the Big Show has been getting the better of you, Brock. And you know something, I wouldn't douBt if the Big Show beat you next week for the WWE Title right here on SmackDown. I mean, let's face it Brock, the Big Show's beaten you - twice!"
  Brock: "Let me tell you something, Kurt - WHEN I beat Big Show next week, if you want a shot at this title, I say it's on."
  Angle: "Well, that sounds pretty good to me, Brock. That sounds really good to me. You know Brock, our match at WrestleMania, I'll be honest with you, I wanted that match to go down as the greatest match ever - Kurt Angle's greatest victory of his whole entire career. But I learned something, Brock - in order to beat Brock Lesnar, you have to be at the very top of your game. And guess what, big boy...I am. Now I didn't ask you to come out and help me with the Big Show, but I did want you to come out. Because Brock, when I was laid up in the hospital, all of the phone calls from you, all of the personal concern that I didn't know I wasn't going to wrestle again, all the concern about me and my family and my health. For being a genuine friend Brock, for giving me the hardest fought match of my career, and most of all, for earning all my respect, I just want to say one thing, thank you.
  [HUG. Brock's music plays.]

Ultimo Dragon coming soon vignette
John Cena (West Newbury, MA, 248 pounds) vs Chris Benoit (Edmonton, AB, 228 pounds)
- "Man, all this talk, this Cruiserweight,
  this Rey Mysterio this, this Matt Hardy that
  these flying cruiserweights, they don't deserve a second look.
  It's like the Haiti Kid beating up on Lord Littlebrook
  And they're so light in the pants, they should be transvestites
  I got more hits on the mic then free porno websites
  I got kids carving double horns on their bathroom stall
  I ain't in this for the money - LeBron James took it all.
  And Chris Benoit, yea you got fans, but I don't respect you
  The only Wolverine I see is in X-Men 2
  And I beat up any preppy punk wearing Abercrombie and Finch
  I sign his autograph first, then run away with his []
- That was a bit of random Cruiserweight bashing for something that seems to be tonight's main event.
- Benoit wastes no in going right after Cena to the early advantage.
- As usual, Benoit nearly gets the Crossface locked in, in the first 30 seconds, but Cena escapes and akes control
- Cole is really putting over Cena as the next superstar here
  - Tazz calls Benoit a young lion.
- Benoit reveres the FU setup into a big DDT.
- Swandive hits. 2.
- German's go one, before Cena semi escapes, bumps the ref, and hits a low blow.
- Cena goes for the chain.
- Rhyno is out to stop him.
- Rhyno gets the chain, Cena ducks and Benoit takes it.
  - Rhyno possibly could've done that on purpose.
  - No one suggests that.
- One two three. (3:29)
- Benoit's taken two big loses in the last two weeks.
- Rhyno checks on Benoit, who's KOed.

Torrie Wilson and Rikishi (350 pounds) vs Jamie Noble & Nidia in a mixed tag team match
- Cole hypes Vengeance as "SmackDown's PPV"
- Cole says "it's SUPPOSED TO BE girls vs girls and guys vs guys"
- Tazz wishes his wife a birthday.
  - Cole got Mrs. Tazz JR's Cookbook
  - Cole probably got comped.
- Unlike Tazz, Rikishi has no problem in shoving down Nidia after a slap.
- Nidia and Torrie get lost within 20 seconds.
- Torrie teases the Stinkface on Nidia, but then tags out to Rikishi.
- Noble tries the sunset flip and moves out of the way in town.
  - Is that now an offensive move?
  - Yes, it is offensive.
- Nidia blatantly ignores the rules and attempts to fight Rikishi.
- Rikishi tags out to Torrie.
- Torrie hits a top rope cross body for two.
- Noble gets in the trip from the outside.
- Noble tries to Tiger Bomb Torrie, but Rikishi knows that can't possibly happen here and breaks it up with a thrust kick.
- Nidia get snap mared down off a sleeper.
- After Noble is disposed, Nidia falls right into position. Stinkface.
- Torrie hits the swinging neckbreaker one two three. (3:31)
- This worked out much better for Torrie then it did for Spanky.

Tale of the Tape

Rey Mysterio		Matt Hardy
5' 4"	Height	6' 1"
175 pounds	Weight	220 lbs
San Diego, CA	Home	Cameron, NC
619/West Coast Pop	Finishing Move	Twist of Fate
WWE Tag Team Champion WCW Tag Team Champion WCW Cruiserweight Champion	Career Highlights	Founder of Mattitude Current WWE Cruiserweight Champion 5 Time Tag Team Champion Hardcore Champion

Tazz sees the Mattitude as being a big factor

Josh talks to Rey.
- How's the groin?
- "The status on my injury, Josh - plain and simple, I'm ready. I've been ready since Day 1. That's the reason why I'm here in SmackDown tonight, because of that Cruiserweight Title. That's why this match against Matt means the world to me, Dog. Yeah, Matt Hardy, he tried to put me out last week when he kicked me in the groin - it didn't work! [Spanish - un foul!] That's why tonight, I'm bringing the title home, to the WEST COAST!"
- Wait - here's Eddie, laughing and wearing a Rey 619 shirt? And talking lots of Spanglish to Rey.
  - Fans appear to know Spanglish.
- Eddie gives him a pep speech. "Make us proud" and "Don't even think about coming back without cruiserweight gold."
- No one says lWo. BUT THEY SHOULD'VE.
Announcers give Eddie credit for backing up Rey.
- Uh oh.
Then they recap the arm wrestling contract - with footage from the beginning of the show.
- Time to fill tonight or something? This match better not be cut short.
Stephanie meets Vince in front of her office
- She's not happy with his judgment.
- Stephanie will give Zach a contract if Vince doesn't.
- Vince will fire her if she does.
- Vince thinks Stephanie needs assistance. Office help.
- Vince found someone already.
- We found Sable posing on Stephanie's desk.
- "What position is Sable qualified for?" "Sable is eminently qualified in a number of positions."
- Stephanie brings up Sable's lawsuit. For sexual harassment.
- I'm back to stacking pennies.
- Vince says that was then. And Stephanie is jealous of Sable's look. Vince leaves.
- Sable is apparently a mute.

One more reminder of Brock/Big Show next week
Ah, they have an Arm Wrestling graphic.
Matt Hardy (Version One, Cameron, NC, 230 pounds, w/SUMMIT and a WWE Magazine, c, 1) vs Rey Mysterio Jr. (San Diego, 175 pounds, 4) for the WWE Cruiserweight Title
- Matt Facts: Matt is taller than Rey Mysterio. Matt despise traffic.
- Mysterio's son Dominic is wearing the mask.
- Matt's so pumped, he takes off the shirt before the match!
- Face to face title presentation, rules discussion. Always a nice touch.
- Rey and Matt go chest to chest, then back off.
- Circle. Lockup. Matt slowly powers Rey into the corner.
- Break, corner punch is ducked and Rey slides to an inside cradle one tow no.
- Circle. Lockup
- Meanwhile, Cole and Tazz BLOW MY MIND
  - Cole: "Mysterio is already in class of great cruiserweights - cruiserweights like Great Sasuke and Dean Malenko"
  - Tazz: "Jushin Thunder Lyger and even Tiger Mask"
  - What show am I watching? I have no idea any more. This is not the WWE I know.
  - Surprised they didn't stick Dragon in there. It's true, but maybe it would have been too much of a push.
  - Rey says a win here is the highpoint in his career.
- Matt with an armbar, Rey with a forward roll, spin, headstand roll and reverse. Matt pulled into a hammerlock.
- Rey shoved into the ropes, slides back under Matt, kick tot he midsection, headlock back on.
- Matt shoves him into the corner this time, chest first. Clothesline to the back of the head.
- Elbow smash to the head. There's the choke over the top rope.
- Matt distracts as Crash and Shannon sneak up on Rey.
- Brian Hebner catches them in time and tell them to stay away.
- Matt turns Rey around and chops him. And another. And - wait it's ducked.
- Rey back with chops, whip, reversed into a Rey kick.
- Snap mare, slingshot to the apron, swinging dropkick, slingshot splash one two NO.
- Matt is staggered, and Rey follows him in the corner.
- Matt tries to backdrop him out, but Rey keeps his balance on the ropes. Matt manages to shove him to the apron anyway.
- Rey with a shoulder. Slingshot but Matt catches him on the way up with a clothesline.
- Rey tumbles to the floor, where Shannon and Matt stomp him down.
- Hebner quickly notices and breaks it up - and throws them out!
- Matt is very much unhappy about that decision. Brian warns Matt.
- Matt turns around - Rey springboard Thesz press to the floor!
- Break. (2:55)

Everyone in the ring when we come back
Whip, reversed, Matt with a kick to the midsection.
Splash Mountain? Rey tries to fight out and slips out behind Matt.
Rey goes for a neckbreaker, but Matt hits the low blow mule kick where the ref can't see it.
Matt feigns amazement about such a thing, but then is right on the groin.
Replay of the Thesz Press.
Matt is stomping the inner thigh. He's thrilled.
Rey's family is not thrilled.
Knee drop on the inner leg.
Half Boston! More stretching on the leg here, which gives Rey more room to move if he can.
Rey's moving towards the ropes, but has a bit to go - he gets them. Matt holds on to 3.
Matt pulls Rey back in the middle of the ring - reverse figure four?
We'll never known, because Rey pushed him off, and into the middle rope.
Matt's in position, so Rey wants to go for the 619, but he can't run because of the injury.
Matt catches up to him, and clips Rey's left leg.
Matt sets up Rey's left leg on the middle rope, stretch, kick, kick, kick.
Rey kicks him away.
Rey climbs up to the middle rope, tries to get to the top rope but he just doesn't have the strength in the left leg to balance.
Matt catches him form behind with a forearm. Rey's dropped into the Tree of Woe. VERSION ONE.
Matt points, charges shoulder first, but Rey pulls himself up and Matt posts himself!
Rey trying to get up again - second rope moonsault bodyblock, but Matt catches him.
Matt holds on - but Rey reveres into a big swinging DDT!
Rey is slow to cover, one two NO! Replay.
Rey and Matt get up while we finish watching that, with Rey hitting some punches. Corner whip, reversed into a shove by Rey.
Rey slowly up on the ropes - second rope bulldog. Slow cover again one two NO.
Rey picks up Matt, but Matt gets in a kick. Slam.
Second rope. There's the yell - but Rey's up with punches top stop him.
Rey slow climbing up to join him - but Matt grabs him.
TOP ROPE SIDE EFFECT! one two NO!!!
- Matt can't believe it! That always works!
- Sure, he's used it like once, but it was a good success rate
Matt is grabbing his own head and going to pick up Rey, but Rey small package one tow no.
Matt is a little out of sorts. Whip, reversed, kick wham REY TWIST OF FATE!
Rey can't cover, he's out too. He does a few seconds later, arm cross cover - one two NO!
Matt gets up, but he's oblivious.
Rey trips him up onto the second rope - Rey limp run his way into hitting the 619.
Rey calls for the West Coast Pop - springboard 'rana blocked, but Rey pulls both of them out of the ring.
Both are down on the outside recovering. Count out starts. One two three four five six seven eight nine Matt grabs his belt.
Hebner stops his count to warn him from using it. Brian and Matt have a tug of war
Crash and Shannon are back out - double reverse mat slam! They rush off before being caught, and Matt gets back to business.
Matt to the second rope - no, top rope. Downfall Raindrop CONNECTS. One two NO!
- Matt is apoplectic! And a bit scared.
Matt with punches, then rips off his own elbow pads.
Picking up, Rey, Twist Of - no, double leg, jacknife cover one two THREE! (10:21)
New Cruiserweight Champion.
Rey's family go moderately crazy.
Rey's son joins him in the ring.
Rey's wife is tearing up.
That's it.