SmackDown Live - SD turns 1,000 ***OFFICIAL THREAD***

[slik]

Discuss.


https://i.imgur.com/PwBphTq.jpg


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Rey Mysterio vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Miz vs. Rusev

+

Edge

Undertaker

Mark Henry

James Ellsworth

Vickie Guerrero

AJ Styles

Daniel Bryan

THE ANIMAL Batista

Torrie Wilson

and more!

[Big Vic]

Hyped for Ellsworth.

[owenbrown]

1000 TAG TEAM MATCHES

[slik]

Hyped for Ellsworth.

Has anyone ever appeared on a WWE and IMPACT show in less than a week before?

#Legend

[DAMN iNATOR]

Original show intro:
WqgRqYvaKaw

Current intro (until tonight, possibly):
hBB1_KC8XxU

How times change - and next year the show turns 20, if that didn't make you feel old enough already!

[Big Vic]

Has anyone ever appeared on a WWE and IMPACT show in less than a week before?

#Legend

Robbie?

[ClockShot]

Just think, around this time next year, this show will surpass Raw and become the A-Show.

[slik]

This is true!

Ringside News was reporting earlier that WWE is internally discussing this already. So far the thought processes are exact opposites so who knows what they'll do, but

Thought 1 being discussed "Draft the biggest names to SDLive because it will have more viewers than RAW via being on a more watched and available Network"

Thought 2 being discussed "End the Brand Split so top names can be on RAW and SDLive every week, both shows". Personally cringing at the idea of twice the Roman Reigns domination every week tbh...would rather they go w/ thought 1

[Emperor Smeat]

Really hope they go with a classic Smackdown stage design for tonight's special show.

[slik]

Set will be normal SD set, confirmed by StagesWWE on Instagram from pics inside.

[XL]

Has to be better that RAW 25, right? Right?

[slik]

It would take a lot of effort to be worse.

SD at least, in general, is pretty smooth every week and flows, where RAW tends to...chug along...

[ClockShot]

Smackdown these days just gotta get rid of Road Dogg from creative and they'll be back on track to the quality they had when they went live.

As wild as it sounds, in my opinion, it's that simple.

Everything's working out pretty good there from main event stars, mid-carders, and women's division. The tag division took a bit of a hit these days. But that's because you got a few people out on injury.

[Savio]

I watch SD now because Roman isn't on it and it's 2 hours.... would be awful if he is on it.

[Emperor Smeat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another night of us coincidentally not mentioning where Crown Jewel will take place <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReasonsToWatchSmackDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReasonsToWatchSmackDown</a></p>&mdash; WWE Creative Humor (@WWECreative_ish) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWECreative_ish/status/1052318697350672385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[rez]

cool intro

[rez]

TRUTH TV IS BACK

[ClockShot]

Wow. They packed the place.

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol: at Truth's line about Truth TV.

[Savio]

Hope Carmella doesn't bully Ellsworth.

[Savio]

WWE you don't need to spell out jokes to us.

[ClockShot]

Carmella trying not to snap an ankle getting out of her seat.

[Savio]

Bye guys, see ya next week.

[rez]

here comes da money

[ClockShot]

YEA!

THE BOSS IS IN THE BUILDING!

[KIRA]

Don't you dare try to emasculate R-Truth Stephanie

[rez]

yeah, stephanie. like you talking for half an hour to start RAWs off is must see TV.

[Emperor Smeat]

Starting to dedicate way too much time to this opening segment.

[ClockShot]

Oh. The other boss is here.


Still going to Saudi Arabia, Vince?

[Emperor Smeat]

Nice of Vince to do the Conor McGregor walk down the ring :shifty:

[Savio]

Wish vince had his "Hobo Army"

[ClockShot]

:rofl:

[Savio]

What's the W stand for?

[KIRA]

What are these people doing Vince McMahon is the enemy

[Savio]

Evolution vs New Day would be cool.

[DAMN iNATOR]

We need Christian to make it a Cutting Edge Peep Show or else don't even bother doing the segment.

[ClockShot]

Usos vs. Styles/Bryan.

Okay. I'll buckle up.

[xrodmuc316]

If Batista doesn't destroy HHH tonight WWE is throwing money away.

[slik]

Just tuning into SD1000

Have I missed BATISTA? Anything cool?

[ClockShot]

Just tuning into SD1000

Have I missed BATISTA? Anything cool?

Truth TV opened with the McMahons.

That's it.

[ClockShot]

Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

[Emperor Smeat]

Surprised the Usos won considering WWE's habit whenever its an actual tag team vs. two big singles stars match.

Match itself was pretty good.

[rez]

Usos winning..good move. Thrown together rival superstars beating an established team gets old.

[ClockShot]

JOHNNY ACE IS ON THE CASE!

[Savio]

No Paul Heyman? :(

[slik]

Did Steph really emasculate R-Truth...

[slik]

BATISTA up next

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="fi" dir="ltr">H O L L A<br>O<br>L<br>L<br>A <a href="https://t.co/z0SdPXC0AW">pic.twitter.com/z0SdPXC0AW</a></p>&mdash; TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) <a href="https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1052356888703197190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TruthTV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TruthTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/YZIhsrWRkU">pic.twitter.com/YZIhsrWRkU</a></p>&mdash; TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) <a href="https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1052350495384309760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/EOIYTxB8uw">pic.twitter.com/EOIYTxB8uw</a></p>&mdash; TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) <a href="https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1052352657137065984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ClockShot]

EVOLUTION AIN'T A MYSTERY!

IT'S A LADIES ONLY PPV!

SUBSCRIBERS CAN WATCH IT ON WWE NETWORK FOR FREE!

[Emperor Smeat]

So if Evolution never appeared as a group on Smackdown, exactly why are they being celebrated at Smackdown 1000?

[ClockShot]

So if Evolution never appeared as a group on Smackdown, exactly why are they being celebrated at Smackdown 1000?

Show's in D.C., Batista's hometown, wanted to get involved in some shape or form.

This is what we get.

[slik]

lol HHH front and center, of course

[KIRA]

Seriously Batista is involved in some huge s*** and they keep giving him the short end it's weird considering that they are parasites for publicity

[KIRA]

Orton just looking like all right when do I get to kill people

[rez]

Reforms DX on one show, reforms Evolution on the other.

GG, HHH.

[ClockShot]

Hey Naitch.

What are your thoughts on your daughter getting booed the last few weeks lately.

[Savio]

How often was Evolution on smackdown?...............

[rez]

Oh, there's Batista. He was standing so perfectly still, I didn't see him

[KIRA]

Hey Batista you can take time off from your busy schedule to come to the ring and just kind of stand there next to Ric Flair while Triple H does all the talking so just like the old days

[rez]

He needs to challenge the Disney CEO to a match

[ClockShot]

4th reason.

I WILL KILL THANOS!

[slik]

BLUETISTA reference

[Savio]

I like Redtista

[Emperor Smeat]

For a cheerful speech, Batista sure does sound a bit angry when remembering the Bluetista era.

[slik]

Arena is packed

Bataista super over

[ClockShot]

Okay, this is going on a touch too long.

[slik]

Batista has gotten much better on the mic

[KIRA]

I think he's really sincere when he says how much he likes the fans he goes out of his way to want to be a part of the show

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BIG DAVE! Great seeing <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveBautista?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DaveBautista</a> back on the A-Show! <a href="https://t.co/1Vpvhd8AgM">pic.twitter.com/1Vpvhd8AgM</a></p>&mdash; TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) <a href="https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1052358424103723009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Emperor Smeat]

:lol: at Batista leaving Flair hanging for the fist bump

[ClockShot]

There it is.

[Savio]

14 or 15?

[slik]

Ric Flair looks like he is wearing Mark Henry's suit

[Emperor Smeat]

Oh god, Batista don't plant ideas in Triple H's head for a Mania match or needing a win back.

[slik]

"One More Match" chant

[slik]

That's a WM tease maybe

[rez]

Randy moving around there at the end acting like he was gonna pull an RKO off. lol

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DaveBautista?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DaveBautista</a> just tore the house down. <a href="https://t.co/8PR92PAPsz">pic.twitter.com/8PR92PAPsz</a></p>&mdash; TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) <a href="https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1052361186552016898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[xrodmuc316]

If Batista doesn't destroy HHH tonight WWE is throwing money away.

Damn, it was right there... Batista should have hit a spinebuster on H at the end there and walked out, would have been perfect!

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One more run, <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveBautista?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DaveBautista</a>... one more run! <a href="https://t.co/Uhz1r84GAB">pic.twitter.com/Uhz1r84GAB</a></p>&mdash; TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) <a href="https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1052362454641123328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ClockShot]

Kurt, Raw's going to shit with Corbin in charge.

Whatcha gonna do about it?

[Emperor Smeat]

Nice of The Rock to appear on the show he created via Twitter screen.

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol: at the Miz-RuRu match

[ClockShot]

Wow.

I blinked and it's over.

[erickman]

that was quik

[Savio]

Only one non USA person in the World cup

[slik]

Need an Edge/Hawkins/Ryder reunion

[ClockShot]

God I wish Edge was still around.

One of the few guys you can count on for a character or great match.

[Emperor Smeat]

:y: at Chimel showing up for Edge.

[xrodmuc316]

Did they really just use piped in Tony Chimmel for Edge's introduction lol

They couldn't fly Chimmel out for real?

[slik]

Born 2 Run is my favorite SD theme


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[Savio]

SSOOOOOUPER STAR

[xrodmuc316]

:y: at Chimel showing up for Edge.

Lol he didnt, that was a voice over recording

[OssMan]

member of the WWE universe

[slik]

Having Edge compare Becky to himself won't get Becky boo'd either

[rez]

Christian gonna come out?

[Emperor Smeat]

Lol he didnt, that was a voice over recording
Oh. Was only half-paying attention.

:y: at Chimel showing up for Edge via voice message.

[Savio]

"Just like I stepped on Matt to get on top of Lita"

[Savio]

By yourself..... and Beth Phoenix.

[ClockShot]

BURN!

[KIRA]

y this thing with edge is damn good

[Triple A]

Just got home... did Ellsworth appear yet

[Savio]

I just want her to stunner everyone.

[xrodmuc316]

"CAREFUL NOT TO HURT YOUR NECK AGAIN GOING THROUGH THE ROPES" lolololololol

Becky is so great

[Emperor Smeat]

Not even insulting Edge manages to get the crowd to turn on Stone Cold Becky.

[slik]

Charlotte getting boo'd

Becky chants...

[KIRA]

becky is unstoppable

[Evil Vito]

This segment just makes me wish they didn’t make it so that EVERY legend has to be a face. I’d love if Edge were just a complete dick every time he appeared.

[Savio]

Just got home... did Ellsworth appear yet

Not yet

[ClockShot]

Thanks for coming, Edge.

See ya on Vikings.

[Sepholio]

Did this man just say Crown Drool?

[slik]

Just got home... did Ellsworth appear yet

No but Batista was cool

called HHH out for never beating him in a match and told Ric Flair to keep his dick in his pants for once

[Savio]

Has HHH ever pinned tista in the chamber or tag?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

loved how Becky punked Edge out. That's what legends should be used for.

That was Steve Austin-esque, but wish she could have beaten him up a bit to really drive it home.

[Savio]

No but Batista was cool

called HHH out for never beating him in a match and told Ric Flair to keep his dick in his pants for once

He should have said that to Orton too.

[slik]

This is infinitely more entertaining than RAW 25

[ClockShot]

The King and Booker calling this match too?

Too many voices.

[ClockShot]

Why do we need a split screen?

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wrestlemania?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wrestlemania</a> tickets on sale Nov 14th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SD1000?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SD1000</a> <a href="https://t.co/VOpbB9XnyH">pic.twitter.com/VOpbB9XnyH</a></p>&mdash; DavKind (@DavKind76) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavKind76/status/1052368341459984384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Emperor Smeat]

This segment just makes me wish they didn’t make it so that EVERY legend has to be a face. I’d love if Edge were just a complete dick every time he appeared.

Probably why HBK acting heelish towards Bryan during Road to Mania 30 was a very refreshing way of using a Legend.

Too bad it led to nothing in the end between those two.

[Evil Vito]

King and Booker is a nightmare combination

[#1-norm-fan]

Remember when Jesse Ventura randomly turned heel on Raw?

[Savio]

Wonder if King got yelled at for mentioning Cesaro got hit in his head.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

King and Booker is a nightmare combination

except as a gimmick ;)

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The legends segments have been pretty good so far. Not nearly as cringey as usual (aka on Raw)

[slik]

Tom Phillips says "SDLive Rolls On"

every commercial break

[Evil Vito]

BIG SHOW HEEL TURN #3,752!

[Triple A]

Wonder if James Ellsworth will interfere in the Mysterio vs. Nakamura match and have a long feud with Rey Mysterio

[ClockShot]

Thank you, Big Show.

Didn't think I'd ever say that.

[slik]

Big Show should turn both heel and face r/n

[xrodmuc316]

Smackdown 1000 = Big Show 1000th heel turn lol

[Emperor Smeat]

Wonder if Big Show is going to reveal he's Mr Bootysworth's papa and wants revenge for what The Bar did to him recently.

Nevermind, its just another random turn for Big Show. I give it about 4 weeks at best before his flips again.

[slik]

Wonder if James Ellsworth will interfere in the Mysterio vs. Nakamura match and have a long feud with Rey Mysterio

I hope so...

Would love Ellsworth as Nakamura's manager tbh

[GD]

New Tag Team Champions! Bah Gawd!

[rez]

nice hair, cena

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SmackDown's 1000th episode and Show's 1000th heel turn on the same night. What are the odds! <a href="https://t.co/TC5fay3bmz">pic.twitter.com/TC5fay3bmz</a></p>&mdash; TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) <a href="https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1052372093654962177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Triple A]

Did The Rock appear via video?

[ClockShot]

JOHN CENA!

With a cell phone message.

[slik]

Taker still to appear...his entrance will take like 15 minutes...

[Emperor Smeat]

Cena's new hair really does make him look like an older version of JBL

[slik]

Did The Rock appear via video?

Via Tweet

[Emperor Smeat]

Did The Rock appear via video?

Nope. It was via Twitter screenshot.

[ClockShot]

Knock his fucking block off, Nakamura.

[slik]

2 years ago Undertaker returned to SD and said he would never leave SD again and tonight is his follow up appearance

[Droford]

Rey not shooting up through the stage is wrong

[GD]

Booyanka Booyanka!

[rez]

2 years ago Undertaker returned to SD and said he would never leave SD again and tonight is his follow up appearance

:rofl:

[Savio]

Ellsworth is probably the in the main-event segment.

[GD]

Mysterio will most likely qualify with respect to his popularity.

[slik]

Did they show Mark Henry earlier??

[Savio]

Really dumb to have all Americans + 1 in "the world cup"

[Droford]

Ellsworth is probably the in the main-event segment.

He was on impact sunday

[slik]

He was one of the people in the press release they mentioned being there

Same for Mark Henry and Michelle McCool/Torrie Wilson

[xrodmuc316]

Rey not shooting up through the stage is wrong

He stopped doing that due to his knee injuries, but it was one of the coolest entrances for sure.

[tman220]

Almas will cost Mysterio. Needs to have 4 heels and 4 faces...

[ClockShot]

Just noticed Mysterio got rid of those horrible baggy pants.

Good.

[xrodmuc316]

It always makes me sad to see Shinsuke show a few seconds of his strong style moves then immediately have to tone it back down.

[Triple A]

He was one of the people in the press release they mentioned being there

Same for Mark Henry and Michelle McCool/Torrie Wilson

Damn they didn't appear either?

I think they were just "reported by PWInsider" (same with Ellsworth) and not officially confirmed...

[Savio]

Damn 1989?

[Savio]

Ellsworth was just Slikbait all along :/

[Droford]

Rey Mysterio world...slide..

[Emperor Smeat]

He was one of the people in the press release they mentioned being there

Same for Mark Henry and Michelle McCool/Torrie Wilson

Wouldn't be surprised if the opening segment and/or the Evolution segment went on longer than expected since they did rush things a bit afterwards.

[rez]

...To be crowned the bbbbbbbbbbbbest in the world. Not the universe? Can't shit on RAW's belt.

[rez]

Damn 1989?

IIRC, he started as a young'n

edit..yeah, he made his debut at the tender age of 14.

[slik]

Rey Mysterio in the best shape of his life practically

[GD]

Mysterio looks taller ever since he changed his tights. Also, that slide was incredible.

[Triple A]

Probably just told Ellsworth to travel to the show with no intention to put him on TV to "punish him" for appearing at Impact

[Savio]

Rey Mysterio world...slide..

Every time I think back to that I think how luck Titus was not to hit that bar below the apron.

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/reymysterio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@reymysterio</a>... SAFE! <a href="https://t.co/QVi9jgAB4a">pic.twitter.com/QVi9jgAB4a</a></p>&mdash; TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) <a href="https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1052375602915934209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[slik]

Probably just told Ellsworth to travel to the show with no intention to put him on TV to "punish him" for appearing at Impact

I could sadly see that

SMH

[Savio]

Not really a punishment, he still gets to see old friends.

[RP]

I really think Micki James fucks all these wrestlers. Especially the black ones.

[Savio]

Exclusively

[ClockShot]

Running out of time if they're gonna squeeze Taker in.

[ClockShot]

Fuck.

[rez]

well, this is one way to shoe in Taker

[slik]

Naka busted open

[ClockShot]

IT'S STING!

[Emperor Smeat]

So does Mysterio's win count for Mexico or towards the US' growing pile?

WWE should just go with the clean sweep and have all 8 guys rep the US for this "World" Cup.

[Savio]

Think Ellsworth will come out with taker?

[ClockShot]

2 MINUTES!

SAY SOMETHING!

[RP]

That was it?

[ClockShot]

:roll:

WE'RE OUTTA TIME! THANKS FOR WATCHING!

[Triple A]

lol

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol: Taker did the growl grunt again.

[rez]

Welp, great show except that worthless segment

[slik]

lol what a promo

[Savio]

lol at People booing Crown Jewel

[Savio]

Welp, great show except that worthless segment

Truth TV?

[Savio]

Bye Taker.

[rez]

Truth TV?

Wasn't horrible

[Emperor Smeat]

Much better show overall than RAW 25 was.

[Triple A]

No Ellsworth on the 205 Live tapings either........

damn... wonder why so many people weren't on the show

[Lock Jaw]

I enjoyed the show

Even though I kept waiting for Ellsworth too

[Stickman]

That was a terrible show. Macmahons come out and once all in the ring they dance and that's it? Evolution was cool but that didn't really do anything. Edge was cool. New Champs, ok whatever. Big Show who cares. Filler match with the Miz. Mysterio, ok cool. Undertaker says the same thing he said on monday. HHH and UT on the same show and no interaction, wtf? Can't watch this for much longer. Haven't been entertained in a long time.

[Droford]

Only thing I figured was it was wierd Evolution returned since they as a group were in Raw. And that segment ran too long

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EXCLUSIVE: Here's the answer to the question that was on everyone's minds tonight; WHERE was <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SDLive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SDLive</a> legend <a href="https://twitter.com/realellsworth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realellsworth</a> during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SD1000?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SD1000</a>?! <a href="https://t.co/7PWqEDCDSY">pic.twitter.com/7PWqEDCDSY</a></p>&mdash; WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1052411114422591488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Savio]

Ellsworth is a better promo than Taker.

[Lock Jaw]

He's a better promo than half the roster

[Rammsteinmad]

Why do wrestlers always take everything so seriously and personal? (#kayfabe)

Batista saying Triple H never beat him and Hunter getting all serious. Haha why do all wrestlers have the mental age of a six year-old? Ah well, I'm guessing that's setting up to Triple H vs. Batista at Wrestlemania, I mean, what else has Triple H got going at the moment...

[Tom Guycott]

Why do wrestlers always take everything so seriously and personal? (#kayfabe)

Batista saying Triple H never beat him and Hunter getting all serious. Haha why do all wrestlers have the mental age of a six year-old? Ah well, I'm guessing that's setting up to Triple H vs. Batista at Wrestlemania, I mean, what else has Triple H got going at the moment...

But in the end, isn't that the true essence of the business: a perpetual (metaphorical) dick measuring contest?

"I'm better!" "Not better than me!" "Prove it!!!" "I'm telling mom!!!" ... well, maybe not that last part. Unless mom is the GM. I was just going with the "six year-old" thing you said.

I also felt like I should add the word "metaphorical" considering Batista is part of the subject, and I wasn't trying to reference that old joke, but someone would.

[Savio]

King and Booker is a nightmare combination

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Haters gonna hate! <a href="https://t.co/CruiEAkybK">pic.twitter.com/CruiEAkybK</a></p>&mdash; Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryLawler/status/1049876279217020928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Gerard]

Vince is really looking old these days, over the last 2 years it's become very obvious. Flair still looks ill with the weight he never regained back, suit is hanging off him. :-\

[Cool King]

Did they really just use piped in Tony Chimmel for Edge's introduction lol

They couldn't fly Chimmel out for real?

:y: at Chimel showing up for Edge.

Lol he didnt, that was a voice over recording

He was actually there.

Edge even pointed at him as he entered the ring.

[Cool King]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5X0tdpy96_w?start=56" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We also see Tom Phillips in the video stand up and apparently yell at him?

I don't know what he's doing.

[Cool King]

So does Mysterio's win count for Mexico or towards the US' growing pile?

I would say that it counts towards the US as he was born in California. He's an American wrestler with Mexican heritage.

So we all know now that all entrants are from the US, even though the WWE had the chance to make the World Cup contain entrants from four different counties.

Instead, only one county is represents in the "World Cup" and that's 'Murica.

[Cool King]

Anyway, I quite enjoyed SmackDown and it was the first show in a long time where I watched from beginning to end.

All the matches were good ones and when there was no wrestling, the time was mostly used to forward on storylines, although we did get nostalgia moments but that's to be expected on WWE milestone shows.

The only "pointless" part was the opening when all the McMahon's were in the ring. It was entertaining to an extent but maybe a match could have went in it's place instead or a skit involving all the former SmackDown General Managers coming out trying to be the one to welcome everyone to the milestone show.

• The Usos' win is great for them as still keeps them as "legit" as they defeated the WWE Champion and the Number One Contender for it. I'm pretty sure they'll be going on to work an angle with The Bar for the titles which I'm all for.

• Evolution showing up on SmackDown seemed weird at first as they had absolutely nothing to do with the show during their run, but it all made sense by the end as I'm pretty sure we're going to be getting Batista/Triple H at Survivor Series at the earliest or WrestleMania at the latest.

It was good to see Batista though and you could tell his promo came straight from the heart. I actually wouldn't mind seeing Batista back but judging by the end of the promo, if we are getting Batista/Triple H, then it looks like Batista may be the face in the feud.

Face Batista is alright but Heel Batista is so much more better.

I'd settle for Tweener Batista. That might be interesting.

• Miz/Rusev match was only really done to add another name to the "World Cup" and also forward on the Rusev/English feud.

Two birds with one stone and all that.

• Speaking of "two birds with one stone", that was also why The Cutting Edge took place. We got some more nostalgia but it was also used as continuation in the Women's Title picture.

Part of me however feels that Edge should have reacted better to Becky's shot at his neck. I don't know how I feel about WWE Legends coming back and basically being portrayed as being weak and all that.

Edge during his peak was this absolute bastard who had a vicious streak in him. He even alluded to it in his promo but he returns and just looks sad when someone makes fun of his neck injury.

• The Bar winning the titles is all good and as soon as Big Show came out I knew he was going to turn and do it by Chokeslamming Kofi through the table.

I don't think we'll see Big Show with The Bar from now on although we may see them together for the next week or so, but I think the real reason behind Big Show's turn was so we could get a Big Show vs New Day Three-On-One Handicap Match at some point down the line, probably at Survivor Series or something.

If it is at Survivor Series, it would probably be an elimination match. (That's me just hoping that it is as I do like elimination matches)

Another thing I would point out would be Lawler and Booker and Lawler just sitting there most of the time just looking completely confused. I get they were there for nostalgia and also as a reason to have another table at ringside (two birds with one stone again) but why not just let them call the entire match instead of just sitting there waiting for their cue to say an obviously fed line?

• Mysterio is looking great these days and he's looking so much better than he did when he was over here just over a year and a half ago. I am curious as to what will happen with him after Crown Jewel, that's if that does go ahead.

A guess from me would probably be him chasing the US Title and then having a bit of a run with it. After that, a couple of feuds and then maybe a run as Tag Team Champion with a random partner.

In reality though, he'll probably not do anything.

• Overall though I enjoyed the show and it was much better than the last milestone show. Much better.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Why do wrestlers always take everything so seriously and personal? (#kayfabe)

Batista saying Triple H never beat him and Hunter getting all serious. Haha why do all wrestlers have the mental age of a six year-old? Ah well, I'm guessing that's setting up to Triple H vs. Batista at Wrestlemania, I mean, what else has Triple H got going at the moment...

Well, that's the point of wrestling, isn't it?

I was curious to see how the Batista/Triple H stuff played out, because I'm still trusting my theory that Triple H is going to be the Universal Champion come WrestleMania. But putting Batista in the ring with Triple H heading into SmackDown seemed to allude to that match Batista wants. I only saw highlights of the show, but something did stand out to me in this segment:

Batista going through and mentioning the number of World Titles they had all won. Now, Triple H could have just been doing a "let me hear this verbal blowjob" face when Batista called him the 14-time World Champion after Ric Flair, but when I heard the line I and saw Triple H's face I thought "That's it. That's his segue into going after the belt again." There was a sting to the comment. Like "you haven't won as many as Ric Flair" and Triple H got a minor case of boo-boo face.

I'm telling you -- if The Rock is coming back, Triple H is going to wrestle him in the main event for one of the World Titles (almost definitely the Universal). He is not appearing on The Rock's card if there is going to be a notable spike in business because of him. There were two points to this promo: 1. You haven't beaten me (Batista); 2. You've still got World Titles to win.

I'm not sure whether they make a deal with Batista and what have you, but if Batista does sign, I'm thinking they do Triple H vs. Batista before WrestleMania, likely at the Rumble. Triple H wins that because he's the King of Kings and that becomes his motivation to beat Roman Reigns and go against Royal Rumble Winner Rock. Batista will wrestle someone like AJ Styles, or Randy Orton, or Daniel Bryan or maybe even The Undertaker again at WrestleMania (with Batista winning).

I was half-expecting my Triple H/Rock theory to be blown out of the water by something more urgent between Triple H and Batista coming out of this show, but I came out of it thinking "he's placing his eggs in different baskets perfectly."

[Mr. Nerfect]

As I just said, I only saw highlights, but here are my thoughts:

* Opening with R-Truth shows how much they trust him. I think this highlights many issues with the company.

* Good god is the dance break stuff awful. Random dancing is one of my pet peeves in all forms of entertainment. It's not funny to dance. Fuck off.

* Stupid Raw vs. SmackDown stuff no one cares about, completely blown off with "comedy" and "just having fun." Fuck you.

* I like Bryan's tights. Apparently they're the Seahawk colors? The action looked good. I don't like Bryan and Styles losing to anyone right now, but I guess the "real team" winning is good for them. Whatever. I kind of resent the cliched "partner hits the other dude" spot now because they do it so much (didn't it happen on Raw?). And no one really wants to boo either man. They did it about as well as anybody these days though.

* I gave my thoughts on the Evolution segment. I wasn't sure if they'd build to Batista/Triple H and if they did how that would fit into my expectations of Mania. It managed to do both.

* Fucking WWE still trying to make Becky a bad girl. Fuck you and fuck off.

* Good for Sheamus & Cesaro winning their 19th Tag Team Title. It's hard to care about Big Show being involved with them, but it's not offensive either. It's probably a safe spot for him. When Sheamus & Cesaro came over to SmackDown, I thought it would be great for them, because they could be "big fish" on that show given their singles pasts and they could do main event tags and the like. Nope. But now it makes sense to move them into a program against The New Day and eventually The Usos (who I expect to take the belts). That could be the WrestleMania match. The match came off as "really good."

* Rey Mysterio and Shinsuke Nakamura seemed like they had a good match too. I caught a glimpse of an "intro" for Nakamura. Do they always do that? Makes him feel like a big deal. Also, getting to the main event this show, as little as this show really was, shows that the company is not as cold on him as people say. I'm fairly certain Vince is a fan and my other WrestleMania "crazy" theory is that Nakamura is in the WWE Title match come that show. I think the US Title is just a way to keep him buoyant and build a resume while they wait to see if he signs a new contract so they can push him and it not be within the last year of his first cycle while his family adjusts to US life. As soon as that ink is dry you'll see him move back into the main event picture.

[Emperor Smeat]

This week managed to be the first time since December 2016 that Smackdown beat RAW in viewers. Also one of the biggest jumps in a long while for viewers for the Blue brand.

Tuesday’s “SmackDown 1000” episode of SmackDown Live drew 2,545,000 viewers on USA Network, up big from last week’s 2,135,000 viewers.

SmackDown Live actually beat Raw this week, with Monday’s Raw drawing an average of 2,396,000 viewers. This isn’t the first time that’s happened, as the December 27, 2016 SmackDown also beat Raw that week, with 2,885,000 viewers compared to Raw’s 2,855,000.

[Mr. Nerfect]

On Nakamura:

* People asked why Nakamura was sent to NXT. Although he had worked the United States before, it can be very hard for people from Japan to adjust to different cultures -- "Paris Syndrome." He was also presumably moving his family to a different culture, a different climate, different schools, different jobs, etc. He was also leaving his mother for the first time. It was going to be an "adjustment." I think they were taking care of him by letting him not travel.

* When he got called up, they protected him unusually well, in terms of win-loss record, until they put him up against the shitty Jinder Mahal.

* Giving him the Royal Rumble surprised me, somewhat, because I wasn't sure if they saw in him what New Japan fans did. Sure, they've also given it to Del Rio and Sheamus, but the Royal Rumble is more protected than the WWE Title. Nakamura winning it was a sign of good faith from the company.

* I can't remember exactly what changed my mind. Maybe it was just that Nakamura didn't feel "hot" heading into Mania, and the switch would have felt "forced," but I changed my prediction to AJ Styles last second. It just felt like fans wanted to see him keep going more than a change in direction at that point.

* In retrospect, it doesn't make sense to put the WWE Title on a Rumble Winner in a big babyface moment if, come WrestleMania the next year, he's headlining a Garden show with ROH and New Japan because his family hasn't adjusted well or whatever. It wouldn't even need to be a bad split. Nakamura might love it in the US and working for Vince, but his family might "want to move back to Springfield" and Homer needs to stop working for Hank Scorpio. That might be the first time anyone has compared Shinsuke Nakamura to Homer Simpson. I think now "Of course he was going to lose."

* What I've seen from Nakamura reminds me more of a Memphis heel than a New Japan strong style character. I don't mind that at all, and when you're also working to please Vince, I think it's smart. It's also probably better for the body.

* It seemed the plan has been to build AJ's stock, and I doubt Nakamura went into WrestleMania clueless about this, has embraced it, been a good soldier, and put AJ over strong. They seem to want AJ to break "SmackDown records" and be promoted as the core SmackDown guy. Nakamura played his part in that. And that's why I was fairly certain Joe was not getting the WWE Title. Not just cynicism, but also how would that make Nakamura feel if he was passed up and Joe just waltzes in and gets it? I'm fairly certain the only reason they didn't give Nak a sniff was because they really want to do this long thing with AJ.

* Now that Nakamura's contract is coming up in early 2019, if his family is comfortable, I can imagine Nakamura getting the belt as a "now we know you're with us for the haul and that you can handle the road and will play ball, we're going with you."

* Nakamura has said he wants to wrestle Bryan; Bryan has said he wants to wrestle Nakamura. You know what both have or will come up in the WrestleMania-to-WrestleMania year? Their contracts. I think WWE gives them "attaboys" for re-upping and they're the WWE Title match at Mania next year.

* You know what WWE also want? Guys like Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks to sign WWE contracts. They're not going to blow up their pay scale and they're not going to go insane pushing guys who make a name elsewhere, because it "rewards" that behavior. But they want them under the umbrella. By the time January 5 rolls around, I imagine it will be very clear to free agents about the rewards of what happens if you sign deals with WWE.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Another reason I don't think Triple H vs. Batista is the Mania plan:

Batista has been rumored for the 2019 Hall of Fame. The rumored plans for the HOF usually turn out to be pretty accurate. I'm trying to remember a year when they were wrong. Goldberg seemed weird to me, because he did such a great job in 2016/2017, but then that turned out to be correct too.

I don't think people would start those rumors, because even though guys still do stuff afterwards (Ric Flair, Kurt Angle, Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka and Ricky Steamboat -- although a lot of that was actually the gimmick they were Hall of Famers), it seems like it would be a huge blow to someone if they started that rumor and the guy was actually coming back for a big run, because there's kind of that connotation of "you're mostly done." I'm not wrestler, but it seems like bad etiquette. I can imagine the only way that gets out is if someone in a reputable position has pitched the idea and it's been received well.

Anyway, when you think about headliners left, the only two guys are The Undertaker and Batista, really. They're not going to put The Rock in, because it dates him -- especially if he's coming back to kick ass and headline. Taker is a maybe because he's at the point where he's teased retirement, so it can kind of fuel him in this weird sort of way. Maybe Kane, but I don't know if they'd trust him to be a headliner. I imagine he goes in on a strong billing -- maybe even the same one as Taker, where he doesn't look disrespected but also isn't exactly depended on.

Batista makes sense. He's largely moved on, he's a star and can still be, but there's not that same sense of "leading man" about him where aging him damages his credibility. Now if he goes in, it would just be weird to have 2019 Hall of Famer Batista vs. same age guy, more championships, treated like a bigger legend Triple H wrestling him at Mania. Like, it's not impossible, but something about it just feels wonky. Why would Batista be in but not Triple H?

That's why I think if Triple H vs. Batista happens, it won't be at WrestleMania. It'll be a showcase on the way and Batista will put over Triple H to set him up for Rock. If he's down for that. If not, I can see Triple H's position on it being "I don't want to beat you, let's have your wins over me be part of your thing." Like they treat it as a real accolade to strengthen him. And Batista was never exactly a masterclass worker, so at this stage there's a good chance that Triple H doesn't even want the match, even if he is winning.

[Mr. Nerfect]

If The Rock doesn't come back -- maybe he gets hurt training, there are schedule conflicts, or the rumors are just bullshit -- I can see Triple H working Batista. In that case, I can see the Hall of Fame thing being an subtle kayfabe "power play" by Triple H. Like, they won't make an angle out of the HOF, per se, but Batista will be put in, show up and make an announcement like "You really think I'm done? *boom*" and in his speech he'll talk about how he's accepting the Hall of Fame, but he's not going to let it psyche him out and he's got some big stuff left -- never say never, etc.

[Fignuts]

Why the fuck didn't they use Kassius Ohno instead of Big Show?

[Evil Vito]

I doubt very much that Ohno will ever be called up. He seems to be more or less a gatekeeper in NXT for new guys they bring in and give big pushes to, and otherwise he's leaned on as a veteran resource for the younger talent.

All indications are that he's happy to do that, so it's whatever.

[Evil Vito]

Rey’s gear he wears now looks so much better than those baggy pleather pants he wore for so long.

I'm certain he wore those to hide the fact that his knees were fucked and he always had to wear braces, but they still looked like shit.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Why the fuck didn't they use Kassius Ohno instead of Big Show?

Eh, I get what you're saying, but Big Show probably means a lot more to people than Ohno does, and it'd be an entirely different visual.

[Fignuts]

I don't think Big Show really means anything at this point.

[Cool King]

I don't think Big Show really means anything at this point.

https://i2.wp.com/gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Sad-Big-Show-WWE.gif?ssl=1

[Cool King]

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/epicrapbattlesofhistory/images/7/7d/Wwe-showul-crying-sports-crying-gifs.gif/revision/latest?cb=20140314144126

[Mr. Nerfect]

I don't think Big Show really means anything at this point.

Not as a wrestler. I hope he plays more of a manager role going forward. They've gotten Big Show to do such ridiculous stuff over the years that he's actually a "versatile" performer. I think he can emphasize Cesaro and Sheamus nicely.