We are finally on the verge of kicking off the historic 900th episode of SmackDown. Tonight’s episode airs from Wilkes-Barre, PA and this would be the final episode before Survivor Series.
Before we begin, let’s look at the things transpired in the last 24 hours. We start off with some bad news about Vader, who confirmed through his social media page that his doctors have told him that due to his football and wrestling years, he has been given only two years to live due to congestive heart failure. We genuinely hope Vader recovers and that the news is not true. Get well soon, Vader.
The Rock has been named the Sexiest man alive on the planet by a magazine recently. Speaking of the Rock, he confirmed that he would indeed be participating at this year’s WrestleMania event, scheduled to take place from Orlando, Florida. There have been local advertisements running for WrestleMania that list him on the roster for the event. That’s great news, and congrats, Rocky!
Tonight’s episode has an immense nostalgic feel. For an avid pro wrestling fan like me, who has grown up watching SmackDown, given that after the Rock left, SmackDown always had the better roster. Rumored for tonight are Bubba Ray Dudley and Tommy Dreamer. It appears that former ECW and SmackDown commentator, Tazz is backstage at the event. Whether or not he appears on TV programming remains to be seen. As advertised, The Undertaker is expected to make an appearance, setting up for his match at WrestleMania.
Rumors are rampant that it might be either John Cena or Randy Orton. Edge is expected to host a special episode of the cutting edge tonight. Also advertised for tonight is the match between Miz and Dolph Ziggler that would decide who would face Sami Zayn at Survivor Series. Last but not the least, the final team to advance into the tag team tournament would be announced tonight. The RAW divas are said to be backstage, so expect some kind of altercation.
Vince McMahon took to his twitter page to congratulate WWE SmackDown on its 900th episode.
900 episodes of SmackDown and counting. It’s been a blast. #ThankYouWWEUniverse #SDLive900 pic.twitter.com/pKJmlvtSID
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) 15 November 2016
We start things off with the intercontinental championship match between The Miz and Dolph Ziggler. The winner goes on to face Sami Zayn at Survivor Series.
The Miz vs Dolph Ziggler: Maryse is out at ring side for the match. Miz locks in a waist lock only to be reversed by Ziggler. Ziggler gets a near fall. Miz goes for the inverted DDT, but Ziggler escapes. Ziggler hits a drop kick on the Miz. Miz hits something like an inverted neck breaker/DDT on Ziggler for a near fall. Miz connects with a surf board.
Ziggler unloads with clotheslines after the Miz misses the awesome clothesline in the corner. Ziggler hits a swinging neck breaker, following it up with an elbow drop. Miz is put into the sleeper by Ziggler. Miz gets out with an elbow. Ziggler goes for a sunset flip. Miz counters with a big boot and a cover attempt by the Miz using the ropes for leverage. Ziggler connects with the fame asser, only for another near fall.
Ziggler connects with lots of right hands, and goes for the Zig Zag but Miz is able to shake it off. Ziggler connects with YES kicks. Ziggler rolls up the Miz for a cover. Miz connects with a running knee and follows it up with a skull crushing finale. Ziggler blocks a figure four attempt. Miz rolls up Ziggler for a cover. Ziggler hits a zig zag, but Miz gets his foot on the rope.
Ziggler goes for the super kick, but the Spirit Squad makes an interference. Ziggler super kicks all of his former team mates. Miz locks in the figure four again on Ziggler. Ziggler reaches for the ropes.
Ziggler goes for the small package but Maryse shoves the referee’s back allowing Miz to score the pin fall victory. The winner and the new inter-continental champion, the Miz. So it is going to be the Miz vs Sami Zayn for the I.C. title at Survivor Series. I did not see that coming! Ziggler played a crucial part in Survivor Series bout in the team authority vs team Cena, sad to see him not on the card. But, you never know!
Alexa Bliss is complaining backstage to Daniel Bryan about how hard she worked and almost had the Women’s title won last week. Bryan says that if only Alexa would have focused all of her energy on that, she would have definitely won. The coach for Survivor Series, Natalya walks in and tries to ‘motivate’
Oney Lorcan vs Kalisto: Immediately after Kalisto enters, Lorcan delivers an upper cut to Kalisto. It is announced that Lorcan is a protégé of Lance Storm and Funaki. Lorcan hits a suplex only to get a near fall. Lorcan hits another upper cut, but Kalisto delivers the Salida Del Sol for the win in a very short match.
We see a video footage of the Undertaker making an appearance.
We have the SmackDown Live tag team division backstage. All hail King Booker! Booker T is here! He informs us that he was asked by Shane McMahon to prepare the team for their match this Sunday. He cuts a promo. Good to see King Booker!
Nikki Bella vs Carmella: Carmella starts things off by taunting Nikki by doing the ‘you can’t see me’. Carmella starts working on Nikki’s neck but Nikki takes over after a face buster. Nikki hits a drop kick sending Carmella to the outside. Carmella slams Nikki neck first on the outside and hits something like a neck breaker. Nikki kicks out of a pin attempt. Nikki goes for the roll up but is caught by a side kick.
Carmella locks in the sleeper on Nikki. A missed Bronco buster attempt. Charlotte makes her way through the crowd and carrying a ticket. She is at ring side as we head to commercial.
Nikki is fighting off another sleeper. Nikki hits an Alabama slam. Charlotte obnoxiously cheered Nikki on prompting Nikki to hit her with a forearm. Nikki got the best of her and the referee calls for the bell. The match ends in a no contest.
Post-match, Nikki continues her assault on Charlotte. The entire RAW team runs in to make a save. Carmella tries to help Nikki but gets fended off.
- Updated card for the WWE Royal Rumble pay per view - January 28, 2017
- WWE SmackDown Results – 01/24/2017 - January 26, 2017
- WWE RAW Results – 01/23/2017 - January 24, 2017
