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LECLAIR REPORT ON WWE SMACKDOWN
MAY 28, 2019
TULSA, OK TO THE CENTER OF BOK
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
Advertisers: Tom Phillips, Corey Graves, Byron Saxton
-The series began with a video package covering the appearance of Paul Heyman on last week's show, leading to the beat of Dolph Ziggler against Kofi Kingston.
-The letters "KO" illuminated the dark section while the show opened live in the arena. Kevin Owens headed to the ring for what Tom Phillips called a "rematch caliber a la carte match" to open the show. Phillips has released a video package summarizing the Kofi / Owens quarrel to date.
In the ring, Owens was sitting at the top of the turnbuckle with a microphone. He said that he initially intended to start the show with an edition of the Kevin Owens Show. After spending the whole day at the arena, he realized that the people of Oklahoma were not worthy of it. Kevin said that the only thing that made Oklahoma bearable was that he had the opportunity to attack Kofi Kingston in minutes.
Owens said that he had nothing to do with the Big E attack during last week 's show. He said that Big E might have sweat in his eyes or that he was busy writing one of his hilarious tweets and that he had just made a mistake. Owens said New Day could not blame him for Big E, but was responsible for the pain felt by Xavier Woods for weeks. Owens said they could also blame him when Kofi Kingston lost the WWE title against Dolph Ziggler, a direct result of the beating that he was planning to smuggle to Kingston tonight.
"Can we get to the game?" Phillips asked Owens. Kevin said that he is the show. New Day's music interrupted him and Kofi Kingston headed for the ring with a large plate of pancakes. Kingston had a slight limp.
"Kevin, that's enough," says Kofi, "enough with the lies." He said Kevin was lying to attack Big E, just as he was lying to want to join New Day. He said that Owens was lying to himself for thinking that he was going to soften Kofi for Ziggler. Kofi said he planned to charge Owens tonight. He said that, more importantly, Kevin Owens would leave Smackdown with a clear understanding of why he is WWE Champion. He threw the microphone and prepared for the action.
(1) KOFI KINGSTON vs. KEVIN OWENS
Kofi pulled out of the corner and Owens fell to the ground as soon as the bell rang. KO got up quickly and gave Kingston a big boot. He began to trample on the champion. The crowd sang a short song of "Kofi". Kingston took Owens and delivered a series of punches. Owens countered Kofi's ropes and slammed his head against the rug. Tom Phillips threw to commercial.
Back from commercial, Owens guillotined Kofi, sending him crashing to the outside. Owens followed him there and threw him into the barricade, pursuing him with a hard blow to the bosom. He threw Kofi into the ring and covered him for two counts. Owens started manipulating Kofi's hand and fingers. He blocked the decision of the head and told the referee several times that he had heard Kofi say "I stopped."
Kingston was determined to stand up, but Owens quickly interrupted him with a large clothesline. KO threw several elbows to the ground, then applied a lock to the chin. Kofi broke free after a few moments and gave Kevin a right hand. Owens quickly regained control and smashed Kofi back into the mat. Owens attacked Kofi's leg, but Kofi kicked him in the face.
Back on his feet, Kingston kicked KO in the middle section and threw it over the top rope. Kofi followed him with a dive running over the top rope, taking Owens down. He fired Owens back into the ring and left for the SOS, but Owens blocked him. Owens tried to get knocked out, but Kofi pushed him back. Kofi tried again for the SOS and connected this time for a near fall.
Kofi jumped on the top rope, but Owens pushed him out and out. The show went to image advertising in the picture. On the small screen, Kofi was struggling to stand while Owens taunted the crowd. Kofi returned to the ring, but was quickly fired. Owens followed him outside and threw Kofi into the barricade. Owens returned to the ring and counted with the referee.
Kingston broke the account just in time. Owens threw him out again and threw him into the barrier for the third time. Owens found Kofi's plate of pancakes and threw them on the floor. Kofi just beat the referee account in the ring. Owens threw Kofi into the corner and hit a cannonball for a near fall.
Back in full screen, Kingston locked Kofi in another lock on the chin. Kofi is beaten pretty fast with his elbows belly. Owens was tired of throwing Kofi over the top rope and out of the ring, but Kingston skinned the cat and stood firm. Owens cut him off, then sent a splash of apron to the outside. Owens returned to the ring.
The referee reached the count of nine before Kofi counted him for the third time. Owens climbed to the top rope and struck a frog splash for another fall. Owens returned to the top rope, but Kofi thwarted his plan with a quick kick. Kofi's pioneered up the rope to meet knockout. He hammered Owens back. Kofi hung Owens and prepared for a superplex, but Owens blocked it. He cut off Kofi, sending him to crash on the carpet. Owens struck a top rope splash for another approach close to the fall.
Owens quickly opted for an explosive bomb, but Kofi passed him. Owens accused Kingston, and Kofi took him with Trouble in Paradise from nowhere. Kofi crawled and covered Owens for three counts.
WINNER: Kofi Kingston at 18:00
(LeClair analysis: This match has been surprisingly slow until the last minute.I do not know if it's because Kingston has been cared for, or if it's just the pace at which they chose to work, but that was not so bad, even for television. "Owens dominated the entire game and used a lot of suspensions, as well as two long commercials, which did not been particularly attractive.)
-Dolph Ziggler was shown in a locker room, watching Kofi celebrate his victory on a monitor.
-Drew McInture and Elias accompanied Shane McMahon in a locker room, discussing something between them. Corey Graves teased the "Shane McMahon Appreciation Night", coming later in the series.
-The camera cuts R-Truth and Carmella in a corridor. "It's" Truth, Race "since I won this European Championship," said Truth. He added that people had even tried to pin him at the dentist's office. He thought he heard someone arrive, so Carmella jumped on their backs and they went down the hall. Drake Maverick appeared, wearing WANTED posters wearing Truth's face. He knocked one on the door of the room. In truth, Carmella was hidden a few seconds ago. They snuck past and ran in the opposite direction.
-Arrived in the arena, the success of Daniel Bryan's music. Rowan and he headed for the ring while Corey Graves reflected on what the team champions might have. The show went to commercial.
-After the break, Bryan and Rowan were in the ring with Kayla Braxton. Kayla said that Bryan had asked at this time to reiterate the team's mission statement. Bryan said the WWE team division was a joke. "Speaking of a joke," says Bryan, "Rowan has one." Rowan indulged in a joke. "The team division of Smackdown is a joke" was the play on words. Bryan burst out laughing. Daniel said that although they are the greatest team champions of all time, they are still dedicating their lives to saving the planet. He said the spectators had wasted their Day of Remembrance by eating the beautiful animals of the planet. He blamed the crowd for eating smart pork-based hot dogs called Wiggles and cow burgers named Wilbur.
"The people of Oklahoma are worse than anyone," said Bryan. He added that Oklahoma is a leader in fracking and deep well drilling. "They can applaud because it brings them money, but it also brings them earthquakes!" Hurla Bryan. Bryan said his mission statement was to save the tag division and save the planet.
Kayla has informed Bryan and Rowan that there are teams waiting to challenge them for their titles. "Who could it be?" Bryan wondered. Heavy Machinery headed for the ring. "Otis can be a fracking product," said Graves.
Tucker said Bryan and Rowan are an excellent team. He added that even if Heavy Machinery likes to have fun, it's time to get down to business. "And this activity is the Smackdown Tag Team Championship," added Otis. An official went to the ring. Bryan accepted the challenge. "Just not here in this fracking state of Oklahoma," he said. Bryan and Rowan left the ring. Otis danced on the music of Heavy Machinery.
(LeClair's analysis: it started at first, but Bryan has grown in scale.His name of animals is probably more endearing than he wishes, but it has nonetheless generated a lot of warmth from a crowd very willing to boo A clash with Heavy Machinery could be fun, and I'm sure Bryan will have a great time playing against Otis in the coming weeks.)
-Backstage, Bayley has been shown warming up for his match with Lacey Evans.
-The camera cut Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville behind the scenes. They were distributing copies of the latest issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers, with Mandy Rose on the cover. They ran into Ember Moon, who was reading a copy of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. "Spoiler alert: everyone dies," said Sonya. Mandy threw all the magazines on Ember's lap. Advertisers teased a match between Mandy and Carmella after the break.
-Back Live, Mandy Rose was already in the ring. His cover photo of Muscle & Fitness Hers has been shown on the big screen. Carmella was already in the ring.
(2) CARMELLA vs. MANDY PINK (with Sonya Deville)
Mandy and Carmella locked up. Corey Graves spoke about Mandy's cover and how he has a copy to framing and one to read. Sonya handed Mandy a copy of the magazine and it appeared in the face of Carmella. Carmella kicked her and threw herself on Rose.
Carmella supported Mandy in the corner. Mandy was beaten and slammed Carmella's head against the middle stretcher. Carmella turned violently. Mandy locked in a lock on her chin and spoke trash. Carmella was beaten and coiled Mandy for two counts. Mandy dodged a clothesline, hit the ropes, and then connected with a bicycle knee in the face for a near fall.
Mandy sent Carmella to the corner. Carmella responded with a hurricane, then sent Mandy to the corner. She hit a bronco buster. Sonya jumped on the apron and distracted Carmella. This allowed Mandy to turn Carmella into a lever pin for three counts.
WINNING: Mandy Rose in 3:00
(LeClair's analysis: not much for this one.) Carmella's contraction seemed unpleasant, but she seemed to be doing very well, I thought the situation had a little momentum in Money in the Bank, but what was lost in the draw? last week, nothing to see here.)
-Backstage, R-Truth was eager to worry. Jinder Mahal appeared and attacked him from behind. The truth pushed him away and threw him through a door and took off. A crowd of wrestlers rushed in pursuit, skirting a corner. The truth took its head out of a sitting booth without doing anything near the corner, successfully avoiding a new onslaught. Drake Maverick was struck at Truth and fell, sending his WANTED signs. Maverick began to apologize before realizing that it was the truth. The truth has taken off in the hallway. Drake gave the hunt.
-Arrive in the arena, Shane McMahon's hit music. He headed for the ring with Drew McIntyre and Elias at his side. Advertisers announced Shane McMahon's appreciation evening after the break.
-The show came back with Aleister Black sitting on a dark background draped with hatched light. "You just wait for me to throw an angle, that I decide to fight with someone," Black said. He said that was the puzzle. Black said he waited patiently for someone to argue with him. The camera zoomed as he smiled.
(LeClair's analysis: place Black in the ring, in front of an audience, and do not cut those promises that have not yet occurred.)
-On his side of the ring, Greg Hamilton invited the audience to Shane McMahon's appreciation party early in the second hour of the show. He delivered his signature introduction Shane.
In the ring, Shane said he was hesitant to hold an appreciation evening. He said he did not consider himself a hero. He said that he likes what he does and that he is a humble man. He said that his greatest adulation was to see the smiles on the faces of the public. He said that he had planned to make sure that the fans present and at home are entertained tonight. Shane pointed to the tron. A hype video was aired, showing a glimpse of Shane McMahon's best moments in the ring, spanning his entire career.
"Under the incredible auspices of Kevin Dunn, was not it incredible?" Said Shane. The crowd booed loudly. "No reason to shame Kevin Dunn." Shane said the video was educational and entertaining, especially for Roman Reigns. Shane said he's tired of Romain thinking it's the big dog who can break all the rules.
"The McMahon family has been putting food on your family's table for generations." He said that Roman bit the hand that fed him when he attacked Vince McMahon. "I'm not just going to beat you, I'm going to respect you too," Shane said.
Elias told Shane that his message was powerful. He said that he wrote a song for Shane and started scratching his guitar. A few lines further, R-Truth crossed the barricade with Drake Maverick and a referee at his heels. The truth kicked Maverick in the stomach and gave him a suplex front. He pinned it to "keep" the title 24/7.
The truth began to dance to celebrate. Drew McIntyre took off his coat. Shane McMahon looked disgusted. "Are you making fun of me?" Shane said. He attacked R-Truth. McIntyre and Elias immediately joined them. Elias hit Truth with Drift Away. Shane asked Elias to look for the truth. McIntyre hit R-Truth with the Claymore. Elias pinned Truth to become the new champion 24/7.
Shane said that R-Truth interrupting his celebration had given him an idea. He announced that Elias and Drew McIntyre would team up to face R-Truth and Roman Reigns later in the series. Shane said he was suspending the 24/7 rule until the end of the match to allow Elias to focus.
(LeClair's analysis: I found this shocking.) Shane schtick starts less interested in heel work and seeing how fast he can lull a crowd into complacency and boredom. Mixing 24/7 title shenanigans with this segment does not change anything, although I'm thankful that this did not result in McIntyre convincing Truth to win the title.)
-Backstage, Kayla Braxton presented a Raw Wild Card, Lacey Evans. "Excuse me, wild?" Lacey asked, "does that sound wild?" She was sitting, drinking tea next to Charlotte Flair. Charlotte said they were spilling tea and saying truths. She said Becky could not beat her at Money in the Bank. Lacey added that Bayley had "roughly" cashed his cash contract in the bank and said Charlotte should still be Smackdown Women's champion. Lacey now says they gave Becky her shots, they plan to send Bayley back to the kids' pool where she belongs.
– Back in the arena, musical success of Bayley. She headed for the ring. "Go ahead, Byron, get excited," said Corey, "your inflatable friends are here." Bayley reacted modestly. The advertisers teased her match with Lacey Evans after the break.
After the advertisement, Bayley was in the ring, watching Charlotte, who had joined the team of commentators at the ring. Lacey headed for the ring and Tom Phillips mentioned it was the first time Lacey and Bayley had faced each other.
(3) BAYLEY vs. LACEY EVANS
Bayley and Lacey locked up. Bayley grabbed his leg and Evans headed for the ropes to break his attempt. Bayley and Lacey engaged in a sports exchange off the ropes, ending with a pinned combination of Bayley for a count of two. Lacey pushed Bayley on the carpet. In commentary, Charlotte and Corey Graves fought with Byron Saxton. Bayley kicked Lacey on the side of the head.
Lacey swept Bayley's leg and lowered it. She followed with a plunging elbow, going up and over the apron. Bayley rolled outside to recover. Charlotte got up to watch Bayley. The show has been transformed into a quick advertisement in the picture.
Lacey joined Bayley on the outside and hit her against the apron. She pulled the apron over Bayley and shook it before throwing it into the ring. Bayley tried to kick Lacey, but Evans continued his attack. She put Bayley to the ground and locked her chin for the rest of the break.
Back in full screen, Bayley quickly beat him and hit a flying cross body. Lacey quickly took control of Bayley, took Bayley and tried a lapel pin. Bayley turned to two. Lacey sent Bayley around the corner and made a pretty pear tree in the local Bronco Buster. Bayley recovered and threw Lacey through the ropes and onto the apron. She hit a guillotine like a dizzying on the middle rope. Lacey fell to the outside. Bayley left the ring and got off to a good start around the corner, hitting a nice dropkick by the turnbuckle. She followed with a large clothesline.
Charlotte took off her helmet and found herself facing Bayley. Bayley threw Lacey into the ring and nudged Charlotte. Bayley returned to the ring and Charlotte pursued her. The referee has retained Charlotte. Lacey went up Bayley, but Bayley was sent off. Bayley rolled Lacey into a leverage pin and scored all three.
WINNER: Bayley at 7:00
Bayley came out of the ring quickly. Charlotte slipped into the ring and bit with the champion. Lacey Evans attacked Charlotte from behind, apparently blaming her for her loss. Charlotte quickly delivered a big boot to Lacey. The referees separated. Bayley smiled watching the chaos unfold.
(LeClair's analysis: pretty good match.) I think it was important that Bayley win the win here, even if it was not quite clean.I am interested to see where they go with Charlotte and Lacey because I thought their reluctant couple was working to some extent.)
-Backstage, Carmella comforted R-Truth as advertisers debated his team match against Roman Reigns against Drew McIntyre and Elias later that evening.
– A chart promoting the return of The Undertaker to Raw next Monday was shown coming out of the commercial. Corey Graves is laughed at the match between Undertaker and Goldberg at the Super Showdown.
– In the announcer's office, Tom Phillips briefly talked about the "historic" rivalry between Triple H and Randy Orton and presented a video package promoting their game at Super Showdown.
– Coming out of the video kit, Sarah Schreiber stood in front of the interview behind the scenes set up. She welcomed Andrade and Zelina Vega. She mentioned that Andrade would face "Demon" Finn Balor at the Super Showdown. She added Finn's comments to WWE.com last week. In the video, Finn said he was not allowed to compete at Smackdown. Back in live, Andrade took credit for hurting Finn. He told Finn to find his inner demon when he would show up for him.
(LeClair analysis: I do not mind putting a microphone in Andrade's hands once in a while, but Zelina should talk mostly, especially in a situation like this.)
-Back to the ring, Roman Reigns hit music. He made his way to the ring and knocked his fists with the fans as Tom Phillips made fun of the upcoming team match.
-The last night, the Firefly Fun House was aired.
-In the ring, Reigns stood stoically in the corner while his music was playing. R-Truth's music hit and he started a slow walk to the ring. Elias appeared from behind and attacked Truth, followed quickly by Drew McIntyre and Shane McMahon. Reigns rushed to the ramp to help Truth. He struggled briefly with Drew, then grabbed Elias and threw him into the ring.
(4) ROMAIN REIGNS & R-TRUTH vs. DREW McINTYRE & ELIAS (with Shane McMahon)
The bell rang as soon as Roman threw Elias into the ring. Reigns leaned Elias around the corner, mounted him and gave a series of punches. The crowd began to count, but Shane rose on the apron and distracted Reigns. This allowed Elias to defend himself and quickly give a boost to Drew McIntyre, who had climbed onto the apron.
Elias and Drew started insulating Reigns, often marking each other and dominating Roman. Reigns fought back with a Samoan fall on Elias. He transformed a label into truth. Elias has tagged in Drew. Truth tried to fight but was quickly defeated by McIntyre. Drew threw the truth outside and the body slapped him on the apron. Phillips sent the show to the commercial.
Back from the break, McIntyre and Elias teamed up with R-Truth. Shane was shown at the edge of the ring, seemingly delighted with the beatings inflicted on Truth. McIntyre doubled the truth and trampled it, nibbling in the corner of Reigns. He and Elias continued to exchange tags.
Roman watched disgustedly as R-Truth was being dismantled. Reigns valiantly tried to get the crowd into the match and behind Truth, without success. The truth finally grabbed Drew with a kick, then pushed him away, knocking him down. The truth made a diving tag to Reigns and the crowd became alive.
Reigns cleaned the house, removing Drew from the apron and hitting a clothesline jumping on Elias. He followed with ten clotheslines with short arms in the corner. Elias stumbled from the corner and was hit with a big boot. again came back to the apron and Reigns hit him with a Superman punch. Elias rolled outside and Reigns chased him and hit a car. Shane tried to get involved, but Reigns hit him with a big uppercut.
McIntyre has accused Reigns outside, but Reigns has avoided it and Drew has crashed on the advertisers' desk. Reigns quickly returns to the ring, dodging a shot from Elias and hitting a spear on behalf of three.
WINNERS: Roman Reigns & R-Truth in 11:00
Shane McMahon hurried up the apron, looking rather worried. McIntyre followed him, leaving Elias alone in the ring. When he recovers, Reign launches Elias again with the spear. R-Truth dragged himself to Elias and covered him three times to regain the championship 24/7. Truth celebrated with the title, and Roman, while the show went black.
(LeClair's analysis: relatively uneventful match.) The Roman crowd at the end enthused the audience, but the nine minutes that preceded this draft have nothing to envy.I do not like to mix the title 24/7 with a main event scenario, and putting R-Truth in this match seemed a bit difficult to reach in a series that was sorely lacking in direction and goal.)
FINAL REMARKS: It does not look like a business to feel any kind of heat from Double or Nothing. This week's television activities did not happen normally, but it's a step back from last week. Kofi / KO was disappointing, Shane McMahon Appreciation Night was a chore, and the inclusion of 24/7 title shenanigans in the usual intrigues seemed to me too hokey for my taste. A very disappointing and disappointing show.
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