War to WrestleMania XXVI (SmackDown; 2-26-10)

"Triple H, you son of a bitch!!!! Why?! Tell me why!"-Jim Ross

WWE Friday Night SmackDown

February 26, 2010

Des Moines, Iowa

Theme Song: “Let It Roll” by Divide The Day

A video package is shown with highlights of the World Heavyweight Championship Elimination Chamber Match five nights ago. Undertaker countered a Codebreaker by Chris Jericho into a Last Ride. Undertaker then hit the Tombstone on Jericho and pinned him to retain his title. Wearing a T-shirt with “17-1” on it, 2010 Royal Rumble winner Shawn Michaels floored Undertaker with Sweet Chin Music, and chose him as his WrestleMania XXVI opponent the next night on RAW. Only one condition: If Michaels loses, no more rematches, no more excuses, no regrets. If Undertaker retains the World Heavyweight Championship and goes 18-0, HBK’s career is over.

The crowd here at the Wells Fargo Arena is welcomed to an amazing hue of blue pyro as Todd Grisham and Josh Matthews hype up tonight’s edition of SmackDown. Chris Jericho hosts The Highlight Reel with Edge as his special guest. Will he accept The Rated-R Superstar’s challenge for a match at WrestleMania XXVI? Also, 12 SmackDown Superstars compete in qualifying matches for a chance to get to the blue brand’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match in 30 days. The gong strikes and the lights go out.

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION THE UNDERTAKER SPEAKS
We are swept into the opening segment by the World Heavyweight Champion himself. Here is what The Deadman has to say: “In one whole month, the University of Phoenix Stadium will bear witness to two ring generals in the biggest WrestleMania match ever heard of. The World Heavyweight Championship, MY World Heavyweight Championship, will be defended against who I believe is the greatest in-ring performer of his generation, Shawn Michaels. (loud cheering) But there is one thing Shawn must do if he loses. And he WILL lose. (mixed reaction, probably 70% Undertaker) He must take a career that has crossed over into two different decades and end it. He must put all of his demons to rest. He must retire. (loud booing) But why would I ask something like that from a man who has at least five more good years ahead of him? Last year, at this time, I faced Shawn in what was the greatest WrestleMania match of my career. In the end, Shawn ended up like all the others. He failed. (loud booing) Over the years, I have faced 16 different men at WrestleMania. I fought my brother Kane twice, and ended him twice. But never have I faced the same soul at WrestleMania two straight years. And I’m worried that might give Shawn an advantage. But it isn’t. The reason why I asked Shawn if he could put his career on the line isn’t that hard to understand. He is obsessed. (laughing) Obsessed with beating me. Obsessed with adding to his own legacy. And obsessed with proving something to himself. Ever since Shawn laid out the challenge to me in December, he’s become a different person. Superkicking referees, attacking other wrestlers, guaranteeing he’ll beat me. He has become a delusional man. And if he doesn’t win, I’m afraid he’ll be sent on a trip of absolute depression. He’ll start to believe he isn’t the man he once was, and begin to self-destruct over not beating me. Shawn Michaels, at WrestleMania XXVI, you will not see the beginning of the end. Your career will end, but not due to tragedy. It will be because you simply couldn’t get it done. You will soon understand that. In 30 days, you will…..rest……..in…..peace!!!” The first MITB qualifying match is promoted. Dolph Ziggler faces Finlay, next.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
A promo for WrestleMania XXVI aired, 30 days away on pay-per-view.

DOLPH ZIGGLER DEF. FINLAY TO QUALIFY FOR SMACKDOWN MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
A good opening bout with a nice ground-based attack from both men. Despite being in his ‘50s, Finlay is still able to have a great match with the best of them. Ziggler was all over the place, with several high-flying spots. At one point, Ziggler scaled the top rope with ease and sent Finlay down with a sweet dropkick. Finlay reversed the Zig Zag into the Celtic Cross, but that only got a two-count. Finlay went for the Celtic Cross, but Ziggler caught him on the re-entry by kicking him in the face. Now with a bad eye, Finlay was easily brought down with the Zig Zag. ONE! TWO! THREE! WWE Tag-Team Champion. Money in the Bank winner. World Heavyweight Champion? In a couple months, those could be Ziggler’s credentials as he scales the ladder to success. On March 28, he’ll have to literally scale the ladder in front of a possible record-breaking crowd in Glendale in order to secure his place in WWE history. Ziggler stared up at the blue briefcase with his WWE Tag-Team Championship belt and said, “WrestleMania will be the night to remember. Because it’ll be all…..about…..me!!!” Ziggler put down the mic and left Des Moines, clinching his spot in the 26th installment of WrestleMania. The Highlight Reel with Edge was promoted.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
Another WrestleMania promo. There was also a promo for this Monday’s RAW. Shawn Michaels plans to open the show and call out his WrestleMania XXVI opponent, World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker. Also, how will WWE Champion Sheamus respond to the fact that he now has two formidable opponents for March 28, John Cena and Triple H?

MATT HARDY DEF. MIKE KNOX TO QUALIFY FOR SMACKDOWN MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
As Knox came out, we were introduced to another one of his “Hard Knox” segments. This week, his topic is brain damage. Knox claimed that causes of brain damage include hypoxia, poisoning by teratogens, infections, and neurological illnesses. Striker loves Knox because he is a vicious killer inside the ring and a medical genius outside of it. Grisham said to the fans that Striker and Knox have had several interesting conversations over the past couple months. Anyway, Knox dominated the early stages by focusing his attack on Hardy’s knee. He went back to the knee several times during the match. Hardy eventually staged a comeback, and after hitting the Side Effect, Hardy grabbed the bottom rope, stood up and prepared for the Twist of Fate. Knox countered it into a Hellevator. Knox prepared for a Big Boot, but mistimed the move and Hardy punished him for it with the Twist of Fate. ONE! TWO! THREE! For years, Matt Hardy has been seen as many things. A master of ladders. Jeff Hardy’s older, less recognizable brother. One of the most dedicated men in the business today. An out-of-shape, unpopular waste of time. But through all that, Hardy has remained in WWE no matter what. Up until now, his biggest accomplishment was winning the ECW Championship in 2008 and finally realizing his dream of becoming a world champion. Now, Hardy can add to that. He can climb that ladder and retrieve the SmackDown briefcase. And finally, castrate the naysayers once and for all. It was that time of the night again.

RAW REBOUND
“And now….the RAW Rebound is brought to you by WWE Mobile. Download D-Generation-X’s ringtone at m.wwe.com.” It showed highlights of the opening segment with 2010 Royal Rumble winner Shawn Michaels and all three world champions, and the #1 Contender’s Match with John Cena and Triple H.

Grisham and Striker hyped up WrestleMania XXVI in 30 days. In what many now perceive as the main event, two future Hall of Famers square off in a match that could end the career of one man. The precious World Heavyweight Championship, an undeniable Streak that has laid waste to 16 different men (even laid waste to one man twice) over the years, and a remarkable career that has lasted a quarter-century will be put on the line. The Undertaker defends the gold and his 17-0 record against “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels. If Michaels loses, he must retire. For the WWE Championship, with no countouts or disqualifications, and no point where the champion has to be involved in the decision, Sheamus gets his first real test in front of 70,000 strong when he meets the incomparable Cenation leader John Cena and “The Game” Triple H in a Triple Threat Match. And for the ECW Championship, Christian finally gets the one match that could not only make or break his title reign, but the brand he competes on. “Captain Charisma” and his 200-plus days as titleholder will meet Japanese sensation Yoshi Tatsu. These two have all the respect in the world for each other, but in the biggest match of both of their careers, what will they do to walk out of Arizona with the Extreme prize? Plus, all three brands get their own Money in the Bank Ladder Match. 18 men will try and grab that briefcase, be it red, blue, or purple, and fly through a sea of ladders and broken bones in their quest to become world champion. CM Punk was seen walking to the ring with Luke Gallows. His MITB qualifying match was next.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
Chuck E. Cheese’s aired their commercial sponsoring SmackDown. Chuck himself, voiced by Duncan Brannan, said: “Chuck E. Cheese’s is proud to support quality entertainment that the whole family can enjoy. That’s why WWE Friday Night SmackDown gets an A+ in my book!!! Chuck E. Cheese’s, where a kid can be a kid!!!”

CM PUNK DEF. R-TRUTH TO QUALIFY FOR SMACKDOWN MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
R-Truth came out doing his “What’s up?” shtick for the Des Moines crowd. Punk’s music hit, and apparently he was not happy about anything right now. “WrestleMania is the time that brings joy and peace to the locker room. We work our ass off all year for you unappreciative bastards and we get what we want. But this year, what I wanted was to become the World Heavyweight Champion for the fourth time in my career. But Rey Mysterio, that lying, stealing, dirty coward cheated his way into eliminating me from the match he knew I was going to win on Sunday. Luke, keep your damn eyes up!!! Your posture sickens me, Luke. And here I am, having to qualify for Money in the Bank against this happy-go-lucky wannabe rapper. But it’s not that bad, because two of my three reigns as World Heavyweight Champion came from Money in the Bank and I’m gracious for it. So at WrestleMania XXVI, I’ll walk away with the Money in the Bank briefcase for the third……..straight……time!!! Oh, and Truth? Let me see if this hits a little bit close to home because your race has a history of not taking a hint like normal people do. Let’s just say I’ll beat the Run-DMC out of you.” Evidently, Punk did just that. Truth got in some offense here and there, even hitting the Lie Detector at one point. Gallows interfered near the end by pulling Truth by the neck. Truth didn’t take that very well and even attacked Gallows. When R-Truth went back into the ring, Punk nailed him with a roundhouse kick, causing him to (legit) black out. Punk then hit the Go to Sleep (GTS) on Truth and made the cover. ONE! TWO! THREE! Five days after eliminating R-Truth first from the Elimination Chamber, Punk once again beats Truth and plans to meet the World Heavyweight Champion (whether it is The Undertaker or Shawn Michaels) after WrestleMania sooner rather than later. Punk woke up Gallows and said, “Two things: The first thing is that when I once again walk away with the Money in the Bank briefcase in 30 days, Edge should name me the new Mr. Money in the Bank. And two, get the stuff, Greg.” Punk was talking to one of the cameramen named Greg, who was told to do this is Punk won. Punk put on his hat, gold chain and leather jacket, while Gallows put on his hat, jacket and guitar. The hats were very distinctive. “Play the music,” Punk said. Apparently, it was “Rock Box” by Run-DMC. In an effort to mock R-Truth, Punk and Gallows dressed like the members of the group from the landmark music video for the song. Both men lip-synced the song, danced around Truth’s limp body, and laughed repeatedly, much to the crowd’s disgust. This lasted until the song was done. During this time, they removed R-Truth from the ring and for the viewers watching on TV, switched to Edge backstage. He had a scheduled interview with Jerry “The King” Lawler.
Edge was asked about his appearance on The Highlight Reel later that night. Edge first mentioned what Punk said and claimed that he hasn’t earned his respect enough to merit being called Mr. Money in the Bank. Edge then said that he seriously hopes Chris Jericho accepts his WrestleMania challenge. For months, Edge was shocked at how Jericho handled the dissolution of their team and that it was about time he stopped associating himself with people like that. Edge said that if Jericho says no, he’ll make him say yes.

DREW MCINTYRE DEF. BIG SHOW BY DISQUALIFICATION TO QUALIFY FOR SMACKDOWN MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
Because this was heel vs. heel, the fans were stumped as to who to root for. Before the introductions, Grisham apologized to the fans for Punk’s actions earlier. Striker claimed that Punk and Gallows crossed the line, they are being dealt with backstage and there will be serious repercussions. McIntyre cut a promo about how he is proud of his partner Dolph Ziggler for qualifying for MITB earlier, and that he plans to qualify as well. “And then, when I get the briefcase at WrestleMania, you’ll all see why I’m…….the chosen one,” McIntyre said. Big Show came out and ran down the aisle towards McIntyre. He speared the other half of the WWE Tag-Team Champions and started wailing on him until referees arrived to detain the 441-pound giant. The bell rang, as McIntyre was deemed able to compete. Striker mentioned that both McIntyre and Show were involved in a backstage incident at Elimination Chamber. At the event, with MVP defending the Intercontinental Championship against Batista, Matt Hardy was confronted all alone by Chosen Perfection (Ziggler and McIntyre). Although it was a serious beatdown at the start, Hardy managed to turn the tables and take out Ziggler. McIntyre missed a lariat on Hardy and accidentally hit Big Show. Both men ended up running away. Later that night, after Chosen Perfection retained the WWE Tag-Team Championships, Show came to attack McIntyre. “The Chosen One” ran away and left Ziggler victim to a chokeslam and a KO Punch. Show dominated McIntyre throughout the whole match, throwing him into the barricade, the turnbuckle numerous times, and over the announce table. McIntyre once clipped Big Show’s knee and went for a shining wizard, but Show swatted him away. Show hit the chokeslam, and went for the KO Punch, but McIntyre nailed him with the Blarney Stone Sandwich (low blow). From the referee’s view, it looked Show was hit in the stomach. McIntyre slithered out of the ring, as Show was livid beyond compare. He grabbed a steel chair and chased McIntyre until he finally caught him. Show nailed McIntyre in the skull with the chair, and the bell rang. Big Show was disqualified, and McIntyre qualified for Money in the Bank. Show screamed “NO!!” repeatedly and left. McIntyre’s music played as Ziggler came out and picked his friend up. McIntyre realized his good fortune and celebrated with Ziggler. This looks like this is going to be a great SmackDown MITB match. So far, you have seasoned veterans (Matt Hardy and CM Punk) along with young stars who have bright futures (Dolph Ziggler at 29 and Drew McIntyre at 24). Show came back, and knocked out McIntyre. Show also locked in the Colossal Clutch on Ziggler, causing him to pass out. Another promo for The Highlight Reel.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
There was a promo advertising ECW’s move to Bravo in October and the latest installment of WWE Magazine. It’s the first of three special editions known as the “WrestleMania Series.” This one has Randy Orton on the cover. In it, Superstars discuss their favorite WrestleMania moments, a quiz on the history of the event is given, and the blueprint for the University of Phoenix Stadium is shown. WWE set designer Jason Robinson talks about what goes into creating the stage for WrestleMania and how they plan to turn an ordinary football field into a beautiful extravaganza for the whole world to see.

CRYME TYME’S “STR8 OUTTA BROOKLYN” WITH SLAM MASTER J
If I were you, I’d just skip this. Shad and JTG discuss how they lost their tag-team title match at Elimination Chamber, but they plan to get another shot before the end of April. They also made fun of several heels including WWE Champion Sheamus. “So, our glorious WWE Champion kicks people in the face and works at McDonald’s part-time?” JTG said. “Apparently. He cooks a MEAN Big Mac, though,” Shad said. If you don’t get it, they’re making fun of his appearance which resembles Ronald McDonald. Slam Master J arrived and the three men did a version of the theme song for Degrassi. Apparently, they watch Canadian teen dramas now.

JOHN MORRISON DEF. MVP TO QUALIFY FOR SMACKDOWN MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
Morrison shook hands with the Intercontinental Champion before the match started. This was a fun bout as both men brought out the best in each other. At one point, Morrison went for Starship Pain, missed and launched an exhaust kick in mid-air. MVP ducked the Flying Chuck and hit the Playmaker before Morrison could do any more. Morrison kicked out, however. MVP missed the Playa’s Boot and had his foot hit the turnbuckle. Morrison hit the Moonlight Drive on MVP and then connected with Starship Pain. ONE! TWO! THREE! John Morrison has been regarded as a future world champion for years, and he finally proved that notion in 2007 when he won the ECW Championship. Now, he gets to display his aerial skills on the world’s stage in Glendale when he enters Money in the Bank for the second time in his career. With the World Heavyweight Championship in his crosshairs, Morrison might just prove the masses right once again if he secures the blue briefcase on March 28. Jericho was interviewed by Lawler as well. Y2J refused to say whether he would accept Edge’s challenge or not, but that Edge will be very happy with his response.

REY MYSTERIO DEF. BATISTA TO QUALIFY FOR SMACKDOWN MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
Mysterio knew who his opponent would be, which is why he was even more pumped up than usual. “The Animal” came out, and demanded: “I am the best that SmackDown has to offer, so I deserve my own spotlight. And I want it, now!!!” Mysterio shook his head as the production team obliged. Apparently, Batista’s new thing was demanding the spotlight he craves so much. Batista played around the mic a little bit, and almost said something, but decided not to. He then posed on the top rope a la Shawn Michaels, and then said: “You people are fortunate enough to witness me compete on Friday nights, so you get your match when I’m done talking!! Anyway, at Elimination Chamber, MVP did NOT beat me. I am the true Intercontinental Champion. I want you all to turn your attention to the Tron.” Apparently, a picture was shown of MVP pinning Batista five nights ago. Batista’s foot was under the bottom rope, but referee Scott Armstrong didn’t see it and awarded MVP the victory. Although MVP saw it, he thought of it as revenge for the way Batista even received the title match (he grabbed MVP’s tights while rolling him up). “I was unjustly cheated out of the victory, so I pointed it out to the WWE Board of Directors that night. They informed Teddy Long, and he had no choice but to give me what I want. So next week, MVP defends the Intercontinental Championship in a rematch against me. And that match will be no………holds……..barred!!!” Looks like Batista might get the Intercontinental Championship AND a future World Heavyweight Championship match. The match was pretty even, as Batista’s strength mixed well with Mysterio’s speed. Striker mentioned the long history Mysterio and Batista have, including their run as WWE Tag-Team Champions in 2005 and their match at Survivor Series last year, where Batista sent Mysterio on a stretcher. Batista had trouble hitting the Batista Bomb. He tried twice, and Mysterio countered each time. Mysterio tried dialing up the 619, but nobody was home. Batista booted Mysterio out of the ring, and sent him into the steps numerous times. Once they returned, Batista hit the Batista Bomb, but Mysterio kicked out. At this point, Mysterio’s mask had been loosened up. Batista then locked in the Batista Bite (crossface-armbar combination) but Mysterio escaped by kicking Batista in the head repeatedly. Mysterio then hit a dropkick, which sent Batista reeling on the bottom rope. After a successful 619 attempt, Mysterio nailed the Big Splash on “The Animal” and pinned him. ONE! TWO! THREE! Rey Mysterio, a man who many believe is made for matches like this, is going to his first-ever Money in the Bank Ladder Match. At the beginning of 2010, Mysterio made a promise to himself that he’d win the World Heavyweight Championship. Well, he’s two steps closer to that. At WrestleMania XXVI, it’ll be Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk vs. John Morrison vs. Matt Hardy vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Drew McIntyre. And the winner becomes one step closer towards winning the World Heavyweight Championship.

Just as Mysterio was on the top turnbuckle, Punk (who was wearing a Run-DMC T-shirt, while Gallows was still wearing his hat) pulled him off and slammed him to the mat. Punk then hit the GTS on Mysterio and threw him out of the ring. From there, Punk told Gallows he can take over and the man who Punk helped “save” from years of alcohol abuse slaughtered Mysterio, tossing him into the exposed steel springs on the apron repeatedly. It all ended when he hit Mysterio with the 12th Step. Punk said that Mysterio didn’t deserve to win tonight and that he should get used to seeing the Straight Edge Society from now on.

Maurice “Mad Dog” Vachon’s induction video for the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame class was shown. The ring was made over into the set for The Highlight Reel. Chris Jericho answers Edge’s challenge for a WrestleMania match, next.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
The last WrestleMania XXVI promo for the night. The Chuck E. Cheese’s commercial aired again.

CHRIS JERICHO’S THE HIGHLIGHT REEL (SPECIAL GUEST: EDGE)
Before the segment started, they aired the WWE Slam of the Week, brought to you by AutoZone. Get in the zone, auto zone!!!! Edge issuing the challenge to Jericho was shown. Only the last part, though. Jericho only had to accept the challenge or not should he not win the World Heavyweight Championship Elimination Chamber. Jericho said: “Now, for all you hypocrites and parasitic tapeworms in attendance, I didn’t win my match on Sunday. Because of that, I am now forced to answer Edge’s challenge for a match at WrestleMania XXVI. As far as I’m concerned, Edge was walking into a cave filled with fire when he showed up on Sunday and said what he said. If we get into the ring, I will only destroy him. (loud booing) I will rupture that Achilles heel without even trying. Hell, it hasn’t even healed up yet. How do we all know that Edge simply is hurt and he doesn’t want us to know? I mean, he returned at the Royal Rumble in the 30-man battle royal and didn’t even win. He failed to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. Look at him. He’s not the same guy he used to be. All those years of taking LSD with Christian, the Hardy Boyz and the Dudleys caused him to jump off ladders. (loud booing) Nevertheless, as the kind, caring individual that I am, I want to call out Edge so I can tell him my answer.”

(Edge’s music hits, he enters the arena and walks into the ring)

Jericho simply told Edge that if they have a match at WrestleMania XXVI, all that’ll happen is that Edge will get seriously hurt. His career will come to an abrupt end and Jericho refuses to be the one to end it. Because of that, his answer is no. The crowd heavily booed as Edge grabbed a mic. (quietly) “You unbelievable son of a (bleep).” (normally) “You know you can’t beat me, Chris. You know that I’m more determined, more confident, and more prepared than I’ve ever been in my wrestling career and that frightens you.” (loud cheering) “You lie awake at night and know that I am better than you. That’s why you replaced me when I got injured. If you really thought you were better than me, you wouldn’t replace me with a hired gun that has less ability than you. You would vacate the World Tag-Team Championships and walk away from it all like a man. But you crave the spotlight. You love it when you’re the center of attention. You knew that if I wasn’t injured, you’d have to share the spotlight or not be in it at all. And that’s why you have to face me at WrestleMania. You have to prove to yourself you’re better than me. You want to stroke your ego in front of all those people, but you can’t do it because you suck.” (loud cheering) “You realize what I’m saying and agree with me through each passing word. In fact, you’re worried that YOU have nothing left in the tank. You’re worried that YOU aren’t the same guy anymore. You know something, you’re so pathetic you don’t even deserve to be in the same ring as me.” (loud cheering) Edge threw one of the chairs out of the ring and slapped Jericho in the face. (yelling) “Is that what you want? You want me to end your career?” (stops, then crowd boos) “I see what you’re doing and it’s not gonna work. WrestleMania XXVI will not have Edge vs. Chris Jericho, case closed.” The Des Moines crowd booed as Jericho exited stage left. They started chanting “You can’t do it!!!” repeatedly at Jericho. Eventually, Y2J walked back to the ring and said, “You want to be in a pool of your own blood? Huh? You want me to leave you with nothing left to enjoy in your career? Well, you got it!!!” (loud cheering) “Well, Edge, get ready to always regret this decision. Because when I beat you, the whole world will be making a mockery of your legacy. And I can’t wait to watch you squirm while they do it.” Edge then said, “That’s nice, Chris. Because there’s one word you’ll be hearing a lot after WrestleMania XXVI.” Jericho said, “What’s that?” Edge said, “Spear.” Jericho was confused as Edge kicked him in the ribs and then hit the Edgecution. Edge then hit the Spear on Y2J. “Spear!” chants reverberated throughout the Wells Fargo Arena as Edge pointed to the WrestleMania sign. On March 28, two former tag-team partners (and former World Tag-Team Champions) turned into bitter enemies finally settle the score as Edge wrestles Chris Jericho. And that’s how SmackDown ended.

©2010 WWE PRODUCTIONS (MADE IN DES MOINES)

WWE Friday Night SmackDown is presented by Chuck E. Cheese’s, The Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, The Corporation For Public Broadcasting, and by contributions to your MyNetworkTV station from Viewers Like You. Thank you!!!

IN MEMORIAM OF NEIL ARMSTRONG
FRIEND, ASTRONAUT, AMERICAN ICON
1930-2012