SmackDown’s 1,000th episode took place in Washington, D.C. last night.
Evolution reuniting led to a tease for a potential match between Batista and Triple H. After a heartfelt promo, Batista brought up that the only thing Triple H hasn’t done in this business is beat him. They had a face-off before hugging, but the angle made it clear that the tension between them wasn’t gone.
Rey Mysterio made his return to WWE and defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to qualify for the World Cup tournament. Due to Aiden English interfering, The Miz also qualified for the tournament by defeating Rusev.
The Undertaker made a brief appearance at the end of the show and sent a message to Triple H & Shawn Michaels, a Cutting Edge segment led to a brawl between Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair, Big Show helped Cesaro & Sheamus become SmackDown Tag Team Champions, and Vince, Stephanie & Shane McMahon appeared on Truth TV.
A video package looking back at the history of SmackDown started the show.
R-Truth and Carmella were already in the ring for a special edition of Truth TV. Truth said there have been a lot of special Truth TV episodes but this is the most special. Carmella pointed out they only had one episode and they were cancelled.
Truth and Carmella then had a brief dance break. The fans chanted “one more time” but Truth said he had to get to work. He went to introduce the next guest but they had another dance break instead. Truth went to announce his guest when Stephanie McMahon’s music hit.
Stephanie pointed out that she was the first SmackDown General Manager. She asked Truth to ask his first question when Shane McMahon’s music interrupted. The crowd popped huge for Shane. He thanked the fans and Stephanie acted disgusted.
Shane welcomed her to the A show but she pointed out that Raw’s the longest running show. She said Raw wouldn’t start off with something like Truth TV. The crowd broke into a loud “Truth TV” chant. Shane and Stephanie continued to argue until Vince McMahon’s music hit.
The crowd erupted for Vince. He said nobody wants to see Shane and Stephanie argue. He said they want to be entertained. The crowed started a “What?” chant. Stephanie pointed out that Vince has a hearing aid and can hear them. Vince said the fans want a dance break. Vince, Truth, Carmella, Shane and Stephanie all started dancing to end the segment.
The Usos defeated WWE Champion AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan
Styles was halfway down the ramp when Daniel Bryan’s music interrupted. Styles seemed a bit annoyed.
Jimmy rocked Bryan with chops in the corner. Bryan fought back and used a dragon screw whip. Styles continued to target the leg. The Usos gained the advantage with a double kick in the corner. Styles caught Jimmy with the Calf Crusher and Bryan applied the Yes Lock on Jey. Jimmy was able to make it to the ropes.
After the commercial break, both Styles and Jey were down. Bryan got the hot tag and ran wild. He hit a suicide dive and missile dropkick. Bryan used the Yes Kicks for a near fall.
Bryan tried to hit Jey but he moved and punched Styles instead. Jey then went to superkick Bryan but he moved and hit Styles as well. The Usos then hit a double superkick on Bryan for the win. Styles was clearly unhappy with Bryan.
General Manager Paige was in her office. Vicki Guerrero, Teddy Long and John Laurinaitis all showed up.
Randy Orton, Ric Flair, HHH and Batista came down to the ring. Tom Philips pointed out this is the first time Evolution’s been together on SmackDown. The crowd broke into a “Batista” chant. HHH and Flair spoke positively about each other and the fans.
Orton noted that HHH has been running things, Flair lives vicariously through his daughter and Batista spends most of his time in a make up chair. Orton’s been in the WWE dominating.
Batista said he’s nervous and going to ignore Orton’s comment. He pointed out that they’re in his hometown. He thanked the fans and said he loves them. He never cared when they called him “Bootista”. All he wanted to do was entrain the fans. One of the reasons he came back was to reunite with Evolution.
He said Evolution is a special group. He said when he first saw Orton in OVW he knew he was special. He said Orton has more talent in his pinky then anyone else that stepped in the ring. He said there’s nothing he can say about Flair that you don’t already know. Then he noted there are a few stories he can’t share. Batista said to Flair “Keep it in your pants”.
Battista started talking about HHH. He noted he’s the greatest and there’s nothing he can’t do…except beat him. The crowed erupted. Batista and HHH went face-to-face and the situaion got tense. Flair calmed them down. They hugged and smiled. However, their smiles slowly faded away.
The Miz defeated Rusev in a World Cup qualifying match
Raw General Manager Kurt Angle joined in on commentary. This was a short match. Rusev was on fire but Aiden English ran out and distracted Rusev. Miz then rolled Rusev up to qualify for the World Cup.
After the match, Lana gave English a low blow. Rusev beat English all around ringside and threw him over the announce table.
Backstage, Edge met with his former Edge head Curt Hawkins
Edge came down to the ring to host a special edition of Cutting Edge. He said he felt he had to be here for SmackDown 1000 because he feels it’s his show. He talked about facing The Undertaker, Eddie Guerrero and marrying & divorcing Vickie Guerrero.
He noted he’s been watching the show the last few weeks. He feels he needs to be the moral campus. He introduced SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch. The fans broke into a “Becky” chant. They booed when Edge mentioned Charlotte Flair.
Edge sees a lot of himself in Lynch. She thanked him for having the champ on his show. Edge said he wasn’t meant to be in the main event. He had to fight for everything he got just like Lynch.
Edge noted that Lynch chose the championship over friendship but it was a mistake. He said that he stills see a good person in Lynch. He said it ends with Lynch at home looking at her championships and reminiscing all alone.
Lynch said he’s right and she doesn’t like herself. She loves herself. The fans popped big. She told Edge to get out of her ring and not to break his neck on his way out. Awesome line. This got a huge reaction.
Flair came out and was disgusted with Lynch. The fans chanted “Becky”. Flair and Lynch brawled. Several referees tried to break them up. This was a really good segment. The fans love Becky Lynch.
Backstage, Rey Mysterio ran into Jeff Hardy.
The Bar defeated The New Day (w/Kofi Kingston) to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship
The New Day gave up their special orange announce table to Jerry “The King “ Lawler and Booker T. Throughout the match they cut away to King and Booker. King and Booker never seemed ready to speak.
The Bar had the early advantage and isolated Xavier Woods. Big E got the hot tag and ran wild. Big E dropped Cesaro on the top of his head for a near fall. This looked scary.
Sheamus missed a brogue kick and Big E hit the spear to the floor. Woods hit a Shining Wizard for a near fall. Big E hit the Big Ending on Sheamus but he had made a blind tag. Cesaro scored a close near fall.
Sheamus and Cesaro gave Big E a powerbomb/uppercut combo for a near fall. Cesaro hit Kingston from behind. Woods tried to hit a dive but The Bar caught him and tossed him in the barricade. The Bar cleared the orange announce table but Big Show’s music hit.
Big Show came down to ringside and The Bar left. He helped Kingston up. Show suddenly gave Kingston a choke slam through the table. Big E was distracted and Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick to win the SmackDown tag team championship.
John Cena sent in a special video. He noted that without SmackDown there would be no John Cena. He mentioned his debut against Kurt Angle. He thanked the fans.
Rey Mysterio defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to qualify for the World Cup
Nakamura started off with stiff kicks and knees. Mysterio fought back with his own strikes. Nakamura applied a front face lock and slowed the pace down. Mysterio attempted the 619 but Nakamura avoided the move. Mysterio hit a sliding dive underneath the bottom rope into a splash on the floor.
Mysterio gave Nakamura a hurricanrana off the top for a near fall. He went for springboard splash but Nakamura caught him with a knee. He followed up with a second knee for a two count. Nakamura attempted the Kinshasa but Mysterio reversed into a pin fall attempt.
Nakamura attempted a second Kinshasa but Mysterio ducked. Finish came when Mysterio hit the 619 and a springboard frog splash to win the match and qualify for the World Cup.
The lights went out and The Undertaker came down to the ring. He mentioned Crown Jewel and the fans booed. Undertaker said he has three words for DX, “Rest In Peace.”
Going into Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday, it wasn’t entirely clear whether it would be more of a major stadium show or a glorified live event. There were elements of both on display at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Without even factoring in entrances or the post-match angle, Triple H vs. The Undertaker was nearly 30 minutes long. It was obvious that they were attempting to deliver on the epic “last-time ever” main event that had been promised.
The biggest show in UFC history took place this past week. Look at the economics, the lessons, what it says about the fan base, the promotion and the regulators in how things escalated into the brawl that took place. Examine how Conor McGregor benefited from the brawl, likelihood of a rematch, as well as all the changes in upcoming cards and the making jokes out of the various championships.
There is also the regular coverage of UFC 229 with a look at the matches and poll results.
This issue addresses the next two major WWE shows, Evolution and Crown Jewel. Look at the issues facing WWE and Saudi Arabia, why the issues are so much deeper than women not being allowed to perform, and the return of Shawn Michaels.
Look at the unrest in New Japan and why morale has done a 180 since the G-1, the Tokyo Dome main event, the Power Struggle show, Chris Jericho in New Japan, and Tanahashi vs. Omega,
Read more on Rey Mysterio’s return to WWE, Smackdown 1,000, who is coming to Smackdown 1,000, Kevin Owens injury update, why WWE stock declined so much this past week, notes on potential of ratings on FOX and how that compares to FOX’s usual Friday numbers.
This issue has more on the life and career of Hiroshi Wajima, a former All Japan headliner who was one of the greatest sumos of all-time.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52. If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.)
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can choose one free classic issue or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.
TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
According to TMZ Sports WWE, Charlotte and Ric Flair are being sued by Charlotte’s ex-husband Riki Paul Johnson for defamation. The lawsuit centers around the book Second Nature, which she and her father co-wrote and released last year. He alleges in the lawsuit that they wrote multiple false allegations regarding physical and psychological abuse and was intentionally painted as a villain. The suit also mentions WWE, saying that they should be held liable due to their marketing of the book. WWE issued a response to TMZ Sports, saying “We recently received what appears to be a meritless lawsuit and we will vigorously defend ourselves.”
WWE issued a statement to the New York Post regarding Sports Illustrated’s report that multiple members of the WWE roster (speaking on the condition of anonymity) have expressed discomfort with the idea of performing in Saudi Arabia: “As always, we maintain an open line of communication with our performers as we continue to monitor the situation.”
The Rock tweeted about SmackDown 1000: “Huge #SD1000 congrats to my @WWE family! Fun fact, in 1998, I said to @VinceMcMahon ‘I’m gonna use the word ‘Smackdown’ tonight in my promo’. He said what’s that mean? I said it means I’m gonna whup some ass. He belly laughed and said say it! The rest was history! #IfYaSmell”
Drake Maverick announced on his Twitter this morning that a five way between Cedric Alexander, Tony Nese, TJP, Lio Rush and Gran Metalik is set for tonight’s 205 Live tapings.
Following last night’s Raw in Philadelphia, WWE announced that they will be returning to the Wells Fargo Center on March 4. The Ticketmaster presale code is RAWPHILLY.
The Revival defeated Zack Ryder & No Way Jose and Konnor defeated Rhyno on this week’s Main Event tapings.
Nia Jax, Corey Graves and Renee Young filmed an episode of WWE Ride Along this week.
New Japan uploaded a video with Chris Jericho talking about his actions from King of Pro Wrestling and promoting his match against EVIL at Power Struggle.
Impact uploaded Abyss’s Hall of Fame induction speech, which you can view here.
Jericho also wasn’t happy hearing that Don Callis wasn’t used after classic New Japan matches were uploaded with new commentary: “Not using @CyrusOverHuge over huge for ANY AND ALL commentary is a big mistake and just plain stupid.”
Today is IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega’s 35th birthday.
Daniel Cormier admitted in an interview with Luke Thomas that his hand is not at 100% and can’t even close it to make a fist. “You ever had like a jammed finger and you just can’t really pop it?” he asked him. “It kind of like sticks up a little bit more than the other finger. That’s where my hand is right now, so my pointer finger doesn’t close completely. Like, I can’t make a closed, tight fist, but it just feels like if I could pop it, I would be okay.”
Georges St-Pierre is uncertain about his future in MMA. “The motivation is not the same that it used to be,” he said in an interview with Ariel Helwani. “I don’t have the same motivation to go to the lineup again and to fight my way up to another title. I’m done with this. I’ve done it for so many years.” He said he had interest in fighting the right opponent, with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s name being brought up.
Chael Sonnen spoke to Luke Thomas following his loss to Fedor Emelianenko this past weekend.
Dustin Poirier also spoke to Thomas about his match against Nate Diaz that fell through due to an injury, questioning if the match would have ever gone through in the first place.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk spoke to Ariel Helwani about the whole situation revolving her and Valentina Shevchenko.
UFC fighter Bradley Scott accepted a two-year suspension for testing positive for cocaine metabolites following a fight back in May.
The full lineup for WWE’s World Cup tournament will be confirmed on tomorrow’s episode of SmackDown.
Rey Mysterio vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for a spot in the tournament had already been made official for this week’s episode, and WWE has announced that Rusev will also face The Miz in a qualifying match.
There will be eight wrestlers in the WWE World Cup, with four coming from Raw and four coming from SmackDown. John Cena, Kurt Angle, Seth Rollins, Jeff Hardy, and Randy Orton are already set for it. A qualifying match between Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler will take place later on Raw tonight.
The World Cup will be held at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 2. WWE is promoting that the tournament is to “determine the best in the world.”
Tomorrow’s SmackDown is the 1,000th episode of the show. Appearances by Evolution (Triple H, Batista, Orton, and Ric Flair) and The Undertaker have also been announced for SmackDown 1000.
Edge was also part of SmackDown’s 900th episode in November 2016. He hosted a Cutting Edge that built to that year’s Survivor Series pay-per-view and featured The Undertaker addressing Team SmackDown.
SmackDown 1000 is taking place at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. next Tuesday. The Undertaker and Evolution (Triple H, Batista, Randy Orton, and Ric Flair) have been announced for the show, along with Rey Mysterio facing Shinsuke Nakamura in a World Cup qualifying match.
The Capital One Arena is also advertising Michelle McCool, Torrie Wilson, Teddy Long, and Vickie Guerrero for SmackDown 1000.
Mysterio vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a World Cup qualifying match is set for next Tuesday’s SmackDown. The show is SmackDown’s 1,000th episode and will also feature appearances by Evolution (Triple H, Batista, Randy Orton, and Ric Flair) and The Undertaker.
This will be Mysterio’s first match since finishing up his independent wrestling dates at the beginning of September and officially signing a two-year deal to return to WWE. The contract includes an option for Mysterio to give notice at the 18-month mark.
The WWE World Cup is taking place at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 2. It’s being promoted as a tournament to determine “the best in the world.” There will be eight entrants, with four coming from Raw and four coming from SmackDown. John Cena, Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, and Orton are the first four wrestlers who have been confirmed for the tournament.
Mysterio wrestled in the main event of All In last month, teaming with Fenix & Bandido against The Young Bucks & Kota Ibushi in a six-man tag match. He also wrestled at a show for Warrior Wrestling on September 2 as he finished up his independent wrestling dates ahead of returning to WWE.
Evolution (Triple H, Batista, Randy Orton, and Ric Flair), The Undertaker, Michelle McCool, Torrie Wilson, Teddy Long, and Vickie Guerrero are also advertised for SmackDown 1000.
It appears that a few more returning wrestlers are set for SmackDown’s 1,000th episode.
The Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. is advertising that Michelle McCool, Torrie Wilson, and former SmackDown general managers Teddy Long and Vickie Guerrero will be appearing on SmackDown 1000. The show is taking place at the Capital One Arena on October 16.
As was previously announced, an Evolution reunion (with Triple H, Batista, Randy Orton, and Ric Flair) and an appearance by The Undertaker are also set for the 1,000th episode.
The Capital One Arena is listing AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan vs. Samoa Joe & The Miz and Charlotte Flair, Asuka & Naomi vs. Becky Lynch, Peyton Royce & Billie Kay as a “double main event” for the show, but those may be placeholder matches. Styles vs. Joe, Bryan vs. Miz, and Jeff Hardy vs. Orton were originally advertised before being changed.
Though they were on Raw during their time as a stable, Triple H, Batista, Randy Orton, and Ric Flair will be reuniting on SmackDown’s 1,000th episode. The show is taking place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. on October 16.
Earlier this month, Batista responded to someone on Twitter who wanted to see him at SmackDown 1000. Batista wrote that he hadn’t been invited to the event: “Surprise surprise!! I wasn’t invited! And it’s in my hometown.! .. guess by now I shouldn’t be shocked anymore.”
Evolution were last featured on WWE television during Triple H, Batista, and Orton’s feud with The Shield in 2014.
As was announced in August, The Undertaker will also be making an appearance at SmackDown 1000. The episode comes 10 days after his match against Triple H at Super Show-Down.
Amid all of the speculation about what the show means for the industry and what’s next for those who put it together, All In was a celebration of the past, present, and future of professional wrestling. Taken as a whole, All In was a show-of-the-year candidate. It was important that the card delivered, but nothing could have taken away from the accomplishment of it even happening.
The story of All In is the focus of this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Take the most detailed look at the business and ramifications of what is one of the most unique major events in pro wrestling history.
Examine the business of the show, the realities of the popularity level, the lessons of the show, the behind the scenes story of the NWA title promotion, wrestling vs. sports entertainment, the timing issues, the last famous show with a similar timing issue, the controversy regarding the Joey Ryan angle, and the story behind Chris Jericho being there.
Look at the Shawn Michaels-Undertaker segment, where things stand today about going forward, famous retirement stips and the angle on Raw leading to everything, as well as more on the show in Australia coming up next month.
Find out about Daniel Bryan’s WWE status, update Dave Bautista and his thoughts on wrestling again, notes on a taped December Raw show, Kevin Owens quitting, Evolution PPV business notes, Toni Storm update, new WWE signee proposes to girlfriend on stage right before coming to Orlando, NXT major star to Evolve, and Big Cass talks what got him fired.
Read notes on NOAH’s big show at Sumo Hall featuring Hideo Itami’s return to the promotion against Naomichi Marufuji.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer, or by using PayPal directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to [email protected]. For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52. If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order (P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228), you can get $1 off in every price range.)
If you are a new subscriber ordering 24 or more issues, you can choose one free classic issue or two free classic issues with a 40-issue subscription.
MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
PWInsider reported today that Edge has been added to the 10/23 SmackDown 1000 event. Edge, however, said it was news to him when someone brought it up on Twitter.
They also reported this morning that WWE officials are looking at The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts as a potential venue for next year’s WrestleMania activities. The complex features acts such as the Metropolitan Opera, The New York Philharmonic and the New York Ballet.
WWE will be returning to Helsinki, Finland on May 10, a SmackDown house show. Tickets go on sale September 17.
Matt Hardy following last night’s house show in Biloxi tweeted: “Thank you so much, #WWEBiloxi.. Tonight was the last appearance there for #WOKEN Matt Hardy.”
Natalya wrote about Finlay’s contributions to the WWE women’s division in her column for the Calgary Sun.
A new trailer for the Daniel Bryan Showcase mode coming to WWE 2K19 has been released.
Alicia Fox debuted a new look during this weekend’s house shows.
NXT referee Drake Wuertz turns 34 today, while WWE Hall of Famer Don Muraco turns 69.
Pro Wrestling
Adam Birch (Joey Mercury) has been released from the Cook County Department of Corrections after being arrested over All In weekend. Authorities found Birch sleeping in his car when an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Orange County, Florida was discovered. It was a non-violent issue that didn’t warrant extradition.
Tickets for the NWA 70th anniversary show at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds will go on sale this Friday. Check here for more information.
The Fast and the Furious spinoff “Hobbs & Shaw”, featuring The Rock and Jason Statham, started filming today. The movie is set for release on July 26, 2019.
The second part of the Katsuyori Shibata documentary looking at his life in California has been uploaded.
Chris Van Vliet talked to DDP about All In and why he worked the show for free.
Other birthdays for today include Matt Morgan (42), Trevor Murdoch (38) and Steve Keirn (67).
UFC/MMA
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Valentina Shevchenko expressed interest in facing Joanna Jędrzejczyk for the now vacant UFC women’s flyweight title.
Colby Covington talked to FloCombat about his thoughts on UFC 228. He wasn’t impressed by Till’s performance, saying “It’s pretty funny: Doughboy ignored his family to land a hot zero significant strikes. Good job, buddy.” He also called out Tyron Woodley for November 3 at Madison Square Garden.
Irene Aldana broke her right hand during her bout against Lucie Pudilova this past weekend.
MMA Junkie is reporting that Brennan Ward has opted to retire from mixed martial arts after pulling out of a bout against Andre Fialho at Bellator 207 following an undisclosed injury. A search for a replacement bout is currently underway.
The Undertaker is being advertised to appear on the October 16 event at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. It’s the second announced appearance for The Undertaker in October, with him facing Triple H at WWE Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia on October 6. That’s being billed as the final time they’ll ever face each other.
Undertaker was also part of SmackDown’s 900th episode in November 2016 and the 25th anniversary edition of Raw this year. He’s had three matches since appearing at Raw 25. He faced John Cena at WrestleMania 34, Rusev at the Greatest Royal Rumble, and teamed with Roman Reigns & Braun Strowman against Kevin Owens, Baron Corbin & Elias at a Madison Square Garden house show.
AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe, Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz, and Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton are also being advertised for the 1,000th episode of SmackDown by the Capital One Arena, but it seems likely that those are just placeholder matches. This is another WWE show that Bryan is listed for that is taking place after his contract expires on September 1.
SmackDown 1000 will take place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, October 16, 2018. Tickets will go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m. Eastern time.
“One thousand episodes is a tremendous milestone reinforcing the longevity and popularity of WWE,” Vince McMahon said in a press release. “But it’s only the beginning, and the best is yet to come for SmackDown.”
The 1,000th episode of Raw took place in July 2012. WWE also celebrated the 900th episode of SmackDown in November 2016 with a show that featured appearances by Edge and The Undertaker.
SmackDown debuted on UPN in 1999 and currently airs on the USA Network. Episode 1000 comes just under a year in advance of the show moving to Fox. SmackDown will begin airing on Fox’s main broadcast channel on October 4, 2019, with it shifting to Friday nights when the move happens. The show will continue to be live on Fox.
