WWE Smackdown: Flair vs. Orton & More

Mean Gene Okerlund is with Theodore Long.

Gene: Teddy Long what brings you here to Smackdown tonight?

Long: Well Mean Gene. As you already know the night after Summer Slam will be a very important one. All of the WWE Superstars will be on Raw as we conduct the second annual Draft Lottery. What I am here to tell you is that we are going to have some very special competition on that night. In fact for one night only the fans will be treated to a tag team epic. Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty will return to the ranks of tag team action for a Rockers reunion to take on Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart of the Hart Foundation.

Gene: Mr. Long you have outdone yourself on that one. The WWE fans are going to be in your debt for this kind of treat.

Long: Gene, this is what my job with the WWE is all about. I am going to make sure that both Raw and Smackdown deliver the goods playa.

J.R.: What a huge announcement King. Talk about a trip down memory lane. One of the great tag team rivalries from the past in the Harts vs. the Rockers. That match takes place as part of the very special Draft Lottery edition of Raw on August 26.

King: That will be great J.R., but right now we are going to find out just how great this new guy Muhammad Hassan is. He gets his try-out match right now.

MUHAMMAD HASSAN VS. BRUTUS THE BARBER BEEFCAKE
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Hassan locks up with Beefcake as Daivari looks on from the outside. Beefcake backs Hassan to the corner, but makes a clean break. Beefcake applies a headlock. Hassan sends him for the ride. Beefcake comes off with a shoulder tackle and goes for a cover, but Hassan quickly comes out the back door. Beefcake scoops up Hassan and slams him down. Beefcake drops a foot to the face.

J.R.: The veteran Beefcake is showing Muhammad Hassan just what WWE competition is all about. Hassan needs to impress Mr. McMahon if his try-out here is going to lead to a contract.

King: Well it won't be easy.

Beefcake pounds on Hassan and snapmares him over and hooks on the reverse chinlock. Hassan backs Beefcake into the corner. Hassan gets free and shoulders Beefcake. He delivers a suplex and then hammers down. Hassan drives his knee into Beefcake with some spring off the rope. Hassan connects with a back breaker and makes a cover, but Beefcake kicks out.

J.R.: Hassan is starting to show us something here. I'm not sure I can stand to listen to his manager shouting outside the ring though.

Hassan nails Beefcake with some uppercuts and then hits a DDT. He makes the cover and gets a near fall. Hassan delivers a shoulder breaker and goes up to the top. Beefcake gets up and nails Hassan. He slams Hassan off the top. Beefcake pounds away and chops Hassan. Beefcake sends him in and connects with a high knee. The Barber sends him in again and this time slaps on the sleeper. Hassan starts to fide, but manages to maneuver a little and plants Beefcake with a back suplex.

J.R.: Beefcake was looking to put Hassan away, but he wisely countered out with a suplex.

King: Both men are down now J.R. Whose going to get up first?

Hassan gets to his feet. Beefcake is up as well. Brutus hits an inverted atomic drop and then nails Hassan with a double clap to the head. Beefcake hits the ropes, but Hassan catches him and hot shots him on the other side. Hassan makes the cover, but only gets two. Hassan then plants Beefcake with a power bomb.

J.R.: Oh my that was devastating. Beefcake may be done.

Hassan turns Beefcake over and gets into position and tries to hook on the Camel Clutch.

J.R.: Shades of the Iron Sheik. Hassan is trying to lock it in.

Beefcake doesn't let Hassan apply the full pressure. Beefcake keeps on his knees. He gets up to one knee and then another and lifts Hassan up. Beefcake drops back.

King: That may have knocked the wind right out of the sails of Muhammad Hassan and Daivari is knocking his own wind out by shouting at the top of his lungs.

Beefcake gets up and goes to the outside and climbs up top. He nails Hassan with a sledge to the back. Beefcake sends him in and delivers a back drop. Beefcake connects with a couple of clotheslines. Beefcake hits the ropes, but Daivari reaches in and grabs him by the leg. Beefcake slides out of the ring and nails Daivari.

J.R.: Maybe that will shut him up for now.

Beefcake is up on the apron. Beefcake thrusts Hassan with his shoulder through the ropes. Beefcake hits a sunset flip into the ring and gets a near fall. Beefcake punches Hassan and sends him in and hooks on the sleeper hold.

J.R.: I think it's time for Muhammad Hassan to turn the lights out and start dreaming.

King: Yeah dreaming of what he'll look like with a new haircut after Beefcake gets through with him.

Daivari gets up on the apron and distracts the referee. Beefcake releases Hassan who drops to the mat. Beefcake nails Daivari. Beefcake turns around and gets a boot from Hassan. Hassan lifts up Beefcake for a suplex and then drops him into a face buster. Hassan quickly hooks the leg and the referee counts to three.

J.R.: Oh my god King this has to be a huge upset. The newcomer Muhammad Hassan in his try-out match defeats Brutus Beefcake.

King: Mr. McMahon has to be impressed.

An fiery explosion goes off and the music of Kane hits.

King: Uh oh I think trouble is coming.

Kane heads down to the ring. Kane enters the ring. Hassan and Daivari just back away into a corner.

J.R.: This is the second time Kane has insinuated something may happen during a match involving Beefcake. Last time though Kane never showed.

Kane picks up Beefcake and chokeslams him.

King: I think Kane is holding a vendetta for Beefcake having a little fun with Kane backstage a few weeks back.

Muhammad Hassan picks up Beefcake's oversized clippers in the corner of the ring. Hassan nails Kane with in the head. Hassan and Daivari put the boots to Kane.

J.R.: What in the world is going on here?

Hassan applies the Camel Clutch to Kane.

J.R.: I think Kane may be out cold here thanks to getting nailed with those metal shears. Folks hopefully we can get to the bottom of this. Up next though Goldberg takes on Charlie Haas. Stay tuned!

Commercial Break.

Marty Jannetty and Shawn Michaels are in back talking.

HBK: It will be like old times.

Marty: Shawn you and I are going to be rockin' and rollin' like the...

Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio walk in.

Kidman: Sorry we don't mean to interrupt. We just heard the announcement that Teddy Long made and it's going to be something special for Rey and I to watch the Rockers take on the Hart Foundation.

Mysterio: We seen the tapes over and over, but we never thought we'd get the chance to see it in person. As the WWE Tag Team Champions we wish we had the chance to face some of the great teams from the past like the Killer Bees, the British Bulldogs, and on and on.

HBK: Well you know something boys, it seems to me that you don't need to wish for something that can happen right in the middle of reality. You see Marty and I may be facing the Hart Foundation the night after Summer Slam, but as of right now we don't seem to have a date for Summer Slam and well neither do you.

Kidman: Are you suggesting...

HBK: You better believe it. How about we tear the roof off of America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. I'm talking about Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio defending their WWE Tag Team Championship against Marty Jannetty and the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels.

Mysterio: I say let's do it. Shawn you are the showstopper and I say let's also steal the show.

HBK: Then I guess it's a date. We'll see you boys at Summer Slam. Oh and don't forget to bring your working shoes, because one thing you need to remember is and that's Marty and myself as the Rockers never wore those Tag Team Titles.

Kidman: Well gentlemen don't expect to wear them this time around either.

Marty: Just be ready, cause the Rockers are coming for those belts.

J.R.: This is unbelievable King. Summer Slam just got much more interesting. That match for the Tag Team Titles has the makings of something very special.

King: I'm in shock J.R. The Rockers were to be reunited for a special match against the Hart Foundation and now they've got themselves a shot at the Tag Team Titles.

The man looking for Shane McMahon can't find him and he finds Vince's office and walks inside where Muhammad Hassan and Daivari are.

Vince: Well Mr. Hassan and Mr. Daivari. Welcome to the WWE. You have all the makings of true WWE Superstars. Now I do have to tell you as full fledged members of Smackdown I am hereby going to give you your very first opportunity to compete as part of the pay per view spectacular Summer Slam.

Muhammad: Mr. McMahon we thank you for this opportunity and I promise you won't be disappointed in my ascension to the top of the WWE.

Vince: Oh one more thing. Your opponent at Summer Slam will be...the Big Red Machine Kane!

Hassan gets a stunned look on his face while Daivari starts yelling in a foreign tongue. They leave the office while the mystery man stands there.

Vince: Is there something I can do for you Mr...?

Man: The name is Luther Reigns. I am here to see Shane McMahon about a little debt he owes.

Vince: Why don't you tell me about it in private.

J.R.: I wonder who this Luther Reigns guy is King.

King: I don't know J.R., but he doesn't look like the kind of man you want to owe something to.

GOLDBERG VS. CHARLIE HAAS
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Bobby Heenan and Shelton Benjamin accompany Haas to the ring. Heenan sits down and puts on a headset.

Heenan: Gentlemen you are about to witness the beginning of the end for Mr. Goldberg. At Summer Slam, Kurt Angle will put an end to him once and for all.

J.R.: Bobby Heenan, it's one thing to be confident, but I think you may be way too cocky in your attitude. Remember folks this all goes back to King of the Ring when Kurt Angle cost Goldberg his shot at becoming WWE Champion. Since then Goldberg and Angle have been coming at each other in every direction.

Goldberg locks up with Haas. Haas hits a quick fireman's carry takeover and applies a side headlock. Goldberg lifts Haas off the mat and then he send him for the ride. Goldberg tackles Haas and goes to the ropes. Haas leap frogs over, but Goldberg stops behind him and then presses him up overhead and into a power slam.

J.R.: Man was that impressive.

King: Brain I hope Charlie Haas has another gameplan.

Goldberg backs himself up into the corner as Haas gets up from the mat.

J.R.: This isn't looking to good for your man.

Goldberg spears Charlie Haas. Shelton Benjamin jumps into the ring and Goldberg catches him and presses him up and slams him down. Kurt Angle runs out and nails Goldberg. Angle pounds away. Goldberg fights back. Goldberg clotheslines Angle out of the ring as the bell sounds.

J.R.: This looks like a damn set up to me King.

Haas and Benjamin gang up on Goldberg. Haas lifts Goldberg and Benjamin grabs the neck for a combo back suplex and neck breaker. Haas then drapes Goldberg on the top rope. Benjamin gets a running start and leaps up over Haas onto the back of Goldberg.

King: It looks like Goldberg is being dismantled.

Heenan: I love it when a plan comes together.

Haas and Benjamin then hit Goldberg with the German suplex/super kick combo. Angle goes for the ankle lock on Goldberg, but he still manages to kick him off.

J.R.: There is still life in Goldberg.

Goldberg clotheslines Haas. Benjamin hits Goldberg with a chopblock. Angle then hits the Angle Slam on Goldberg and nails him with a couple of chair shots.

J.R.: Goldberg is down and Angle and company are celebrating like they just won a Gold medal. This is ridiculous. They better hope they got the job done, because otherwise Angle is going to have hell to pay come Summer Slam.

King: J.R. let's forget about Goldberg for the moment, because coming up next six men are going to battle it out for a shot at RVD's Intercontinental Title at Summer Slam.

J.R.: It's the six pack challenge and it's a heartbeat away!

Commercial Break.

A graphic on screen announces a match for next week with Shawn Michaels taking on Rey Mysterio.

Gene Okerlund is with Ric Flair.

Gene: Ric Flair tonight you have a non-title match against WWE Champion the Legend Killer Randy Orton, not to mention a huge opportunity come Summer Slam.

Flair: Mean wooooo Gene!! You hit the nail right on that shiny bald head of yours. Tonight it's the legend against the legend killer. Randy Orton has wrestling in his veins. His dad was a hell of a worker and he worked me over. His grandfather was another great. Orton comes from a family of greats. But Gene I am Ric Flair. There never has been and never will be anyone like me again. You know it to be true. Orton tonight regardless of it being non-title I will still give that same 150% that I have given night in and night out for thirty years. I will walk that aisle and take you to school. Then come Summer Slam, it's the opportunity of a lifetime for anyone who enters the Battle Royal. For a lot of guys it's the only shot they'll ever get and for guys like Harley Race and myself it's one more opportunity at standing in the spotlight and showing the world why we do what we do. Just know that when you look in my eyes you'll know that I am not lying when I tell you that one day the Nature Boy will be the seventeen time World Heavyweight Champion! Woooooo!

J.R.: King you have to believe that Ric Flair is in the zone and he will accomplish what he sets out to in becoming a Champion one more time.

King: It's hard to bet against the Nature Boy. But it's also hard to bet against Randy Orton and at
Summer Slam a ring full of guys who want it just as bad as he does.

I-C TITLE #1 CONTENDER 'S 6 PACK CHALLENGE
UNDERTAKER VS. CHRISTIAN VS. TITO SANTANA VS. JEFF HARDY VS. BOOKER T. VS. JOHN CENA
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RVD makes his way out to ringside and takes a seat as the other competitors arrive.

J.R.: Let's quickly go over the rules here. Two men will start in the ring. The other four will be on the ring apron. You can tag out to anyone you like. Eliminations occur by pinfall, submission, count out, or disqualification. The last man standing will face Rob Van Dam for the Intercontinental Title at Summer Slam.

RVD: This a huge match and one heck of an opportunity for someone.

King: Who of these guys do you want to face Rob?

RVD: Well King, you have to give credit to all six. All are great competitors. As far as marquee matches go I think RVD vs. the Undertaker has a nice sound to it. I would also love to face a legend like Tito Santana. Cena and I had a go at WrestleMania, but it looks like I'm still holding the gold.

Booker T. and John Cena start the match. They lock up. Booker pounds Cena and sends him in, but Cena reverses. Booker T. comes off with a heel kick and then hits Cena with a flapjack. Booker makes the cover, but Cena kicks out. Booker chops Cena.

J.R.: Booker T. was looking to get a quick elimination on Cena, but it wasn't enough.

Jeff Hardy reaches in and tags Booker T. Hardy nails Cena. He sends him in, but Cena reverses and catches him with a power slam. Cena has the cover, but Hardy kicks out.

RVD: Booker T. seems a little unhappy with Hardy tagging himself in.

Cena hits a knee lift and then slams Hardy down. Cena delivers the 5 knuckle shuffle and gets a near fall. Cena looks over at Undertaker who gives him an evil look. Hardy pushes Cena into Taker's corner and Taker nails Cena hard and comes in as Hardy rolls out of the ring.

J.R.: Apparently that stiff shot by the Undertaker was a legal tag.

King: It makes you a little leery of being Undertaker's partner in a tag match.

Cena comes back and tries to nail the Undertaker, but he punches Cena and tosses him to the floor. Hardy jumps on Taker's back, but he snaps Hardy over and hits a leg drop. Taker pounds on Hardy and then sends him in for a big boot. Taker delivers a side slam and gets a near fall. Taker delivers Snake Eyes to Hardy and goes for the big boot, but Hardy moves and Taker nails Booker T. knocking him off the apron. Hardy then dropkicks Taker into the corner and rolls him up for a near fall.

Such classic build ups week after week and show after show. Summerslam continues to grow as far as matches go and it is shaping up to be one cool show.

Overall Rating 8.5/10