On Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 3:53 AM EST Note: Mike Tedesco will be returning with a detailed recap later this weekend with Smackdown being preempted in his area.A champion scorned
By: Mitch Passero
July 4, 2008
Results courtesy of WWE.com
TULSA, Okla. – Distraught over losing the World Heavyweight Championship to CM Punk on Raw, Edge snapped on SmackDown, calling off his wedding plans to SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero. The news was too much to bear for the GM, who broke down in a screaming, crying fit.
But the Rated-R Superstar’s lover wasn’t the only one who suffered his wrath. After Jesse & Festus defeated Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder in a tag match, the Ultimate Opportunist launched a brutal attack on Festus, first spearing him to the canvas then knocking him out with a vicious steel chair attack.
Friday night was the culmination of the former champion’s brooding frustrations over the lack of support from our fans, and Hawkins, Ryder, and the love of his life, Vickie, after losing his title.
Golden opportunity
But if it’s gold that can set Edge’s mind straight, he might not have to wait long. At the start of SmackDown – after WWE Champion Triple H and Montel Vontavious Porter poked fun at Edge’s loss and pending nuptials on MVP’s VIP Lounge – Vickie interrupted to announce Triple H would defend the WWE Championship against Edge at Great American Bash. Considering the Ultimate Opportunist called off the wedding, will the GM change her mind about the pay-per-view match-up?
Golden dreams
It isn’t just Edge who’s dreaming of gold. SmackDown’s Divas have eagerly awaited a chance to compete for the new Divas Championship. With a red-headed Natayla looking on from the announce table, Michelle McCool defeated Cherry, Kelly Kelly, Victoria and Maryse in a Golden Dreams Match. The victory earned the All-American Girl a match with Natalya for the Divas Championship.
Flying onto SmackDown
The 2008 WWE Draft brought big changes to SmackDown, including Hall of Famer Jim Ross’ arrival on the blue brand and long-time announcer Michael Cole saying his final goodbye to fans as he heads to Raw. Making his SmackDown debut, after being drafted from Raw, was Jeff Hardy, who fought WWE Tag Team Champion John Morrison in a valiant back-and-forth battle. After avoiding a Moonlight Drive from the Shaman of Sexy, the Legend Thriller delivered a facebuster-powerbomb, followed up by a Swanton Bomb and the pinfall.
Samoan spike
In his second appearance on SmackDown after the WWE Draft, Umaga defeated Funaki in convincing fashion. From start to finish, the 340-plus-pound Samoan Bulldozer dominated his challenger, finishing him off with a Samoan Spike.
Fatal 4th of July Four Way
In celebration of Independence Day, the United States Championship was contested in a Fatal 4th of July Four Way. United States Champion Matt Hardy took on Mr. Kennedy, Chavo Guerrero and Shelton Benjamin. All four combatants waged war in a free-for-all for the title. In the end, Hardy delivered a Twist of Fate to Shelton Benjamin who landed on top of Chavo. Capitalizing on the chain of events, Hardy climbed on Chavo to get the pinfall and retain his gold.
Matches:
* Michelle McCool def. Cherry, Kelly Kelly, Victoria and Maryse (Golden Dreams Match)
* Jesse & Festus def. Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
* Jeff Hardy def. WWE Tag Team Champion John Morrison
* Umaga def. Funaki
* United States Champion Matt Hardy def. Mr. Kennedy, Chavo Guerrero and Shelton Benjamin (Fatal 4th of July Four Way Match for the United States Championship)