WWE Smackdown Results
March 5, 2015
Washington, DC
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
The Smackdown video plays, and we’re brought into the arena to see a big pyrotechnics display. Michael Cole welcomes us to the show and reminds us that we’re 24 days away from WrestleMania 31. Byron Saxton and Jerry “The King” Lawler join him at ringside.
Dolph Ziggler makes his way to the ring with the stolen WWE Intercontinental Championship around his waist. Bad News Barrett is the current champion. Ziggler takes a look at the ladder set up on the stage. Replays are shown from RAW when Daniel Bryan defeated Luke Harper via submission. R-Truth, Dean Ambrose, Harper, Barrett, Bryan, and Ziggler took turns grabbing it before Ziggler made off with it. Ziggler says the title around his waist just feels right. He’s not one to hold a grudge against his boss, but it seems to him that he never got his rematch for the Intercontinental Title against Bad News Barrett. Ziggler remembers saving the day at the Survivor Series before being fired by The Authority. Now he has a second chance. This means a lot to him. Last year, winning this title didn’t just change his career; it changed his life. This meant so much to him and now it’s back where it belongs. That’s why he is officially entering the Intercontinental Title Ladder Match at WrestleMania.
That felt great for him to say, but it feels like something is still missing. It feels like someone is missing. That someone is someone he wants to stand with on the grandest stage of them all and blow the roof off the place. This someone proved it’s not how big you are; it’s how big your heart is. This someone has a movement and desire behind him. Anything is possible, and you can become champion. The crowd is chanting, “YES.” Ziggler says he likes what they’re thinking.
Bad News Barrett’s music hits, and he makes his way to the stage looking incredulous. Barrett says he knows he’s not the person Ziggler was referring to, but he has something that belongs to him. It’s something he wants. Ziggler asks if he wants charisma, a good Twitter page, and movie star looks. Barrett says he forgot Ziggler was a comedian. Ziggler doesn’t get it. People like Ziggler, Harper, R-Truth, and Ambrose can play all the juvenile games they want and take his championship, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he is the Intercontinental Champion. Barrett wonders who Ziggler thinks he is challenging people to WrestleMania matches. This is his match and championship. Barrett says he can either give the title back or he’ll take it from his unconscious body.
Ziggler holds the title up and lays it in the center of the ring. Luke Harper sneaks up behind Ziggler and attacks him. Harper stomps away at him before turning to Barrett, who is in the ring. They approach the title. Barrett goes to pick it up, but Harper steps on it. Harper grabs the other end, and they’re both holding the title. Ziggler attacks them both from behind, but they soon overwhelm him. Dean Ambrose’s music hits, and he runs down to the ring to a great reception. Ambrose takes Harper down before he and Ziggler clothesline Barrett out of the ring. They then stand off with Harper, who opts to just leave the ring. Ziggler and Ambrose approach the title, but Harper and Barrett get on the apron. Ziggler attacks Harper, and Ambrose attacks Barrett. R-Truth sneaks in and hides behind the ring post before rolling to the steel steps. R-Truth crawls into the ring and steals the title before leaving the ring and going underneath. Ziggler and Ambrose get in the ring and look for the title. R-Truth then comes out on the other side of the ring with the title and runs off with it.
Renee Young catches up with R-Truth backstage. She asks why he took the title. R-Truth says when he heard he was in the Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match at WrestleMania, he had to come up with a plan. If he has the title under his arm, then he doesn’t have to climb up a ladder. It’s like when he eats when he’s not hungry. When he’s hungry, he doesn’t have to eat. Renee reminds him that the title needs to be hung above the ring at WrestleMania. He’ll have to give it up for the match. R-Truth says he has to give it to someone then. R-Truth tries to give it to Renee, but she refuses. He then asks where Gene Ambrose is, and she reminds him that his name is Dean. R-Truth says he doesn’t care which one it is, and he walks off.
Tyson Kidd and Cesaro are walking with Natalya backstage. They’ll be in action, next.
-Commercial Break-
Los Matadores vs. Tyson Kidd and Cesaro w/ Natalya
A pre-taped promo with Tyson Kidd, Cesaro, and Natalya is shown. Kidd says we’re looking at the best tag team in WWE. Cesaro says they’re the most talented, hard-working individuals in WWE. Kidd says if anyone wants to lose to them at WrestleMania, they’ll have to earn it.
Tyson Kidd starts the match against Diego, but Fernando soon tags in. They take Kidd down, but Cesaro is soon tagged in. Fernando catches Cesaro with a flying hurricanrana before tagging in Diego. Diego takes him down, but Cesaro quickly comes back with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker before catching him with a double stomp. Cesaro applies a chin lock, but Diego fights up and elbows him in the face. Kidd runs in, but Diego gets him out of the ring. Cesaro tries to stop him from tagging in Fernando, but he’s kicked away. Kidd then pulls Fernando off the apron. Cesaro rolls him up and puts his feet on the ropes, but El Torito gets the referee to see the cheating. Cesaro takes Diego down before pulling El Torito into the ring. El Torito twerks before Natalya sweeps his feet. Cesaro then executes the Cesaro Swing, and Kidd dropkicks him in the head during a revolution. Cesaro then picks up the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Tyson Kidd and Cesaro
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Kane is in his office looking none too pleased. Big Show comes in and says Kane owes him an apology. Big Show reminds him that he knew Randy Orton would help Seth Rollins win on Monday. Kane says he was wrong about Orton, but he’s not apologizing for anything. In any event, Big Show wants to let him know that not only is he entering the André The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, he’s also going to win it. After he wins, he’ll remove the head of the ugly giant and put his more aesthetically pleasing face on it. Then it’ll be the Big Show Memorial Trophy. Kane says Big Show is definitely not André The Giant. Kane says he’s also entering the match, and he doesn’t intend on losing. Big Show asks who will show up. Will it be the Devil’s Favorite Demon or the spokesman for Men’s Warehouse? Kane tells him to grab a ringside seat for his match against Ryback. Kane then quotes a line from Men’s Warehouse commercials: “You’re going to like the way I look. I guarantee it.”
Ryback’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring. He’ll face Kane, next.
-Commercial Break-
The commentators remind us that Brock Lesnar will defend his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. A video then recaps the events of this past Monday’s RAW. The Authority gave Seth Rollins a huge assist in defeating Roman Reigns in the main event. Reigns then took them all out in a fit of rage.
The André The Giant Memorial Battle Royal Trophy is seen at ringside. They then show the Tale of the Tape for this match-up.
Ryback vs. Kane w/ Big Show
The bell rings, and Kane kicks him before sending him to the ropes. Ryback ducks a clothesline and hits a shoulder block. Ryback goes to the second rope, but he jumps into an uppercut. Kane stomps him against the ropes before giving him an uppercut in the corner. Kane hits a pair of back elbows before sending him to the opposite corner for a clothesline. Kane covers for a one count. Kane punches him back before head-butting him. Kane sends him into the ropes, but Ryback comes back with a neckbreaker. Kane gets to his feet and charges him, but Ryback counters with a belly-to-belly side suplex. Ryback goes to the second rope and splashes him. Ryback then plants him with a spinebuster before setting up in the corner. Big Show gets on the apron to distract him. Ryback ducks an attack from Kane, and Kane goes face-to-face with Big Show. Big Show gets off the apron and tells him to pay attention to Ryback. Ryback then takes Kane down with a Meat Hook Clothesline for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Ryback
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Big Show gets on the apron, but Ryback knocks him off. Kane gets out of the ring in frustration. Big Show says he was trying to set up the victory for him. Kane looks at the trophy before grabbing a microphone. Kane tells Ryback to stay right there because he has a match against the Big Show right now. Big Show doesn’t seem happy about it.
-Commercial Break-
Ryback vs. Big Show w/ Kane
Ryback has the crowd going with a “Feed Me More” chant. Big Show and Kane are still arguing at ringside. Big Show then yells at Ryback. Ryback attacks him as he gets in the ring, but Big Show fights him off before punching him down in the corner. Big Show knees him before sending him hard into the opposite corner. Big Show then clotheslines him down. Big Show shouts at the crowd before body slamming Ryback. Big Show body slams him a second time before shouting at the crowd some more. They are loudly booing him. Big Show punches him to the corner before sending him to the opposite side. Big Show goes for a splash, but Ryback sidesteps him. Ryback hits some shoulder thrusts before the referee makes him back up. Ryback jumps off the second rope, but Big Show catches him by the throat. Ryback fights out before hitting him with a spinebuster. Kane gets on the apron, and Ryback brings him in the ring the hard way. Ryback clubs away at Big Show before giving Kane a Meat Hook Clothesline. Ryback then runs into a Knockout Punch for the loss.
Winner by Pinfall: Big Show
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Big Show and Kane angrily talk at ringside before walking off. The trophy is shown at ringside one more time.
Footage is shown from WWE Fastlane two weeks ago when Bray Wyatt came out in a casket to Undertaker’s music. A replay is shown from RAW when Wyatt said Undertaker would burn at WrestleMania. Wyatt then lit a casket on fire.
Bray Wyatt is seen backstage. Wyatt says Undertaker still refuses to answer his reckoning at WrestleMania. Wyatt says, “I have something, something I think you can relate to. This Monday night on RAW, I will unleash its spirit because not even you can outrun your own fate. Rise, Deadman, rise!” Wyatt is standing in front of the legendary urn.
AJ Lee will return to in-ring action against Brie Bella later tonight. Coming up next, we’ll take a look at Seth Rollins’ confrontation with Jon Stewart on Monday Night RAW.
-Commercial Break-
A video hyping up the looming return of Sheamus is shown.
They show a replay of Jon Stewart’s RAW appearance, which garnered a lot of media attention. Seth Rollins hosted his own version of The Daily Show before Jon Stewart interrupted him. Stewart says Rollins hasn’t earned anything he’s accomplished because he always has The Authority’s help. Rollins threatened to get physical when Randy Orton came out to stop him from getting in trouble. Stewart then kicked Rollins in the groin before running off.
The Bella Twins make their way to the ring. Replays are shown of AJ Lee making his return on RAW to a tremendous reception. Nikki Bella says everyone has been talking about the #GiveDivasAChance, which they should be. She wants to make something clear. It’s not “Give AJ a chance.” It’s “Give Divas a Chance.” That is exactly what they’ve been doing while AJ was on vacation. Brie Bella says they’ve been giving every Diva a chance, but they can’t live up to their high standard. That’s why Nikki is still the fearless Divas Champion. It’s also why they’re still the stars of Total Divas. Nikki says that’s why they refuse to let any diva come save the day. She wants everyone to listen to her carefully. There is only one voice in the Divas Division, and that’s the voice from the top. Brie tells AJ to come out with her frienemy because they’re going to give her a chance.
AJ Lee makes her way to the ring without Paige. AJ gets a very nice hand from the crowd. She’ll face Brie Bella, next.
-Commercial Break-
Paige makes her way to the ring as we come back from the break.
Brie Bella w/ Nikki Bella vs. AJ Lee w/ Paige
The bell rings, and they circle the ring. They lock up, and Brie quickly takes her down. AJ skips around the ring before they lock up again. Brie powers her to the corner and slams her off the turnbuckle a few times. AJ quickly catches her with knees to the face before hitting an arm drag. AJ applies an arm bar, but Brie fights up. AJ transitions to a hammerlock, but Brie elbows out. Brie hits the ropes, but AJ takes her down with a back elbow. AJ slides under the bottom rope and sweeps the feet. AJ then comes off the top rope with a cross-body block for a two count. Brie quickly elbows her in the face before hitting a missile dropkick for a two count. Brie slams the back of her head off the mat a few times for a two count. Brie sends her into the ropes and clotheslines her for a two count. Brie locks her in an abdominal stretch, but AJ fights up. Brie quickly takes her back down before smirking. Brie hits the ropes and hits a low dropkick to the ribs for another two count. Brie sends her into the corner a few times before talking trash to Paige. AJ quickly pulls her into the turnbuckle and rolls her up, but Brie kicks out. Brie then connects with a clothesline for a near fall. Brie then applies a chin lock. AJ fights up and elbows out, but Brie DDTs her. Brie smiles before covering for another near fall. Brie can’t believe it. She covers again, but AJ kicks out. Brie sends her into the ropes and elbows her. Brie then talks more trash to Paige before covering AJ for a near fall. Brie angrily yells at the referee. Brie hits a snapmare before taunting the crowd. Brie then hits a rolling neck snapper for another near fall. Brie reapplies the chin lock, but AJ fights her way back up again. AJ fights out and hits the ropes, but Brie knees her in the midsection. Brie goes for a running knee to the face and connects. Brie goes to the second rope for a missile dropkick, but AJ sidesteps her.
The referee is counting them down, but they get to their feet. AJ hits a Lou Thesz Press and punches away at her. AJ hits a running elbow before splashing her in the corner. AJ then connects with a neckbreaker. AJ kicks her in the midsection and dropkicks her out of the ring. Paige approaches her, and Brie quickly backs away. Nikki quickly gets over there and holds the title up. All four have a standoff before AJ throws Brie in the ring. AJ ducks a clothesline and applies the Black Widow to a big reception. Nikki tries to interfere, but Paige viciously pulls her off the apron. Brie then taps out.
Winner by Submission: AJ Lee
Match Rating: **
The Bella Twins back up the ramp looking very displeased. AJ and Paige celebrate in the ring.
Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose will face Luke Harper and Bad News Barrett in the main event.
Renee Young is backstage with Daniel Bryan. Renee says it sounded like Dolph Ziggler was talking about him earlier tonight. Bryan says the Intercontinental Championship is very exciting right now. It’ll be high above the ring in a multi-person ladder match. Ziggler is right. It might steal the show. As for tonight, he can’t wait to see who ends up with the championship belt.
-Commercial Break-
WrestleMania 31 is 24 days away.
Alundra Blayze is the latest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame: Class of 2015.
The New Day is in the ring. They’re going to be competing in this next match against The Miz and Damien Mizdow. Miz makes his way to the ring looking none too pleased. A replay is shown of the embarrassing Niagara erectile dysfunction commercial. Miz then slapped Mizdow in the face.
Big E and Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods vs. The Miz and Damien Mizdow
The commentators talk about this being “stiff” competition. The Miz will start the match against Kofi Kingston. They lock up, and Miz applies a side headlock. Kingston whips him off, but Miz shoulder blocks him down. Miz hits the ropes, but Kingston hits him with a back elbow. Kingston hits an arm bar and floats into a cover for a two count. Kingston applies an arm bar, but Miz gets to the ropes. Miz kicks him in the knee and hits a nasty kneeling DDT. Jerry Lawler tells a joke about trying Niagara, but it got stuck in his throat, and he got a stiff neck. Miz quickly kicks Kingston in the face, and he talks trash to Mizdow. Kingston takes Miz down, and Mizdow blind tags in. Mizdow hits a pair of clotheslines before hitting the Reality Check. Mizdow kips up and removes his sunglasses to a great reception. Tyson Kidd and Cesaro are seen watching backstage with Natalya. Mizdow goes for a Figure Four Leglock, but Kingston kicks him away. Mizdow quickly takes him down, but Miz blind tags in and berates him. Mizdow gets in his face, but Miz threatens to end him. Miz makes him stand at ringside with his back to the ring. Big E tags in while Miz isn’t looking. The New Day then hits him with Midnight Hour for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: The New Day
Match Rating: * 1/4
The Miz screams at Mizdow and asks where he was. The New Day celebrates in the ring.
We’ll hear an interview with Roman Reigns, next.
-Commercial Break-
Vince McMahon’s cover photo on “Muscle & Fitness” magazine is shown.
A replay is shown of Paul Heyman’s promo from Monday Night RAW. Heyman says that Roman Reigns cannot beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. Reigns will get hurt and conquered by Brock Lesnar. Heyman finished by saying, “Believe that!” Jerry Lawler says he wouldn’t believe Paul Heyman if he said he was lying.
A video is shown hyping up Brock Lesnar’s path of destruction in WWE.
A pre-taped promo is shown with Byron Saxton and Roman Reigns. Saxton asks for a comment on Paul Heyman’s promo. Reigns says Heyman has made a living out of running his mouth and lying. Heyman did tell the truth on one thing by saying Brock Lesnar would hurt him at WrestleMania. Reigns couldn’t agree more. Everyone who has stepped in the ring with him has been hurt or taken out. Look what he did to Undertaker and John Cena. Reigns knows he’ll feel pain and get hurt, but he’ll take everything Lesnar can dish out. When Lesnar gives him everything he has, he’ll stand up and punch him in the face. Then he’ll cut him in half with a spear and win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Reigns says whether or not Lesnar or Heyman want to, they will believe that.
Jack Swagger vs. Rusev w/ Lana
The bell rings, and Rusev immediately kicks him before throwing him out of the ring. Swagger fights back at ringside before throwing him back in the ring. Swagger clotheslines him down before throwing him out of the ring. Rusev slaps the commentary table in frustration.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Rusev kick Swagger in the midsection before dropkicking him down for a two count. Rusev screams in frustration before stomping away at him. Rusev sits him up and kicks him in the spine. Rusev clubs away at him before applying a chin lock. Rusev holds it for a while, but Swagger eventually fights up. Rusev takes him down and kicks him. Swagger reverses a whip to the corner before kneeing him in the midsection. Swagger then clotheslines him down. Swagger goes for a Swagger Bomb, but he catches Rusev with a Patriot Lock as he tried to counter. Rusev quickly gets to the bottom rope. Swagger then knocks him out of the ring. Swagger sends him into the barricade before rolling him into the ring. Rusev quickly connects with a thrust kick. Rusev stomps the spine before applying the Accolade for the win.
Winner by Submission: Rusev
Match Rating: *
Replays are shown of the end of the match. Rusev and Lana celebrate in the ring as the flag of the Russian Federation unfurls above the ring. Curtis Axel appears on the titantron. Axel tells them to not change the channel because Axelmania is running wild. Axel does a Hulk Hogan pose. Axel says Rusev still doesn’t have an opponent for WrestleMania and is undefeated. Axel says he’s undefeated in the Royal Rumble for the past 39 days. Axel says, “Often imitated, but never eliminated, dude!” Axel says he’s coming after Rusev on RAW this Monday. When he pins him, he’ll be coming after the United States Championship at WrestleMania. Axel says, “Whatcha gonna do when Axelmania runs wild on you?” Axel tears off his shirt a la Hulk Hogan.
Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose will face Luke Harper and Bad News Barrett, next.
-Commercial Break-
Wiz Khalifa will guest star on RAW this Monday.
Cameron is seen backstage. Cameron says there has been a lot of talk about #GiveDivasAChance. It’s about time they give her a chance. Summer Rae comes up and says it’ll be her time. Eva Marie walks in and says as long as she’s around, they’ll have no chance.
R-Truth will be on commentary for the next match. He’s still holding the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
Bad News Barrett and Luke Harper vs. Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose
Dolph Ziggler will start the match against Luke Harper. They circle the ring. Ziggler goes for a takedown, but Harper grabs him and executes the gator roll. Ziggler gets out and applies a chin lock of his own. Harper takes him down with a side headlock. Ziggler whips him off, but Harper takes him down with a shoulder block. Harper hits the ropes. Ziggler tries for a big DDT, but Harper holds him up. Ziggler counters into a roll up attempt, but Harper doesn’t go down. Ziggler ducks a clothesline and connects with a dropkick. Ziggler goes for the DDT again, but Harper throws him off. Bad News Barrett then blind tags in. Barrett and Harper stare at each other. Dean Ambrose tags in and takes Barrett down with a running cross-body block. Ambrose punches away at him before stomping him down in the corner. Ambrose rubs his forearm in his face before chopping the chest. Ambrose punches him before sending him to the corner for a running forearm. Ambrose then connects with a bulldog. Ambrose goes to the top rope and drops an elbow on a standing opponent for a two count. Harper breaks up the pinfall. Ziggler then knocks Harper out of the ring. Ambrose then clotheslines Barrett out of the ring. Ambrose and Ziggler stare at each other contemptuously as we go to commercial.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Ambrose trapped in a Barrett chin lock. Ambrose fights up and punches out. Ambrose hits the ropes, and Barrett elbows him in the face. Harper tags in, and he drops an elbow for a two count. Harper executes a gator roll before suplexing him for a two count. Harper applies a chin lock, but Ambrose gets out with a jawbreaker. Ambrose punches and chops him, but Harper blocks a kick and slams him down for a two count. Barrett tags in, and he stomps him. Barrett slams him off the turnbuckle before stomping him. Barrett sends him to the opposite corner, but he runs into an elbow. Ambrose then hits a tornado DDT.
Ziggler and Harper are tagged in. Ziggler hits a clothesline before splashing him in the corner and connecting with a neckbreaker. Ziggler gets the crowd going before dropping an elbow for a two count. Harper sidesteps a famouser and goes for a big boot, but Ziggler ducks it. Ziggler then plants him with a big DDT for a near fall. Ziggler kicks him and goes for a famouser again, but Harper gets him in position for a powerbomb. Ziggler counters into a face-buster. Ziggler hits the ropes, but Harper catches him with a spinning side slam. Ambrose breaks up the pinfall. Barrett runs in and kicks Ambrose, but Ambrose rebounds off the ropes with a clothesline. Ambrose follows him outside, and Barrett pulls him into the barricade. Harper goes for a Discus Clothesline, but Ziggler superkicks him. Ziggler then hits the Zig-Zag for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose
Match Rating: ** 1/4
Bad News Barrett immediately takes Ziggler out with a Bull Hammer. Barrett then gives Ambrose a Bull Hammer. Barrett points at R-Truth and demands that he give the title back. R-Truth goes to give it back, but Ambrose takes Barrett out with a suicide dive. R-Truth then walks off with the Intercontinental Championship. Harper stands in front of him and stops him from leaving the ringside area. R-Truth puts it on the floor, but he winds up kicking him in the face. R-Truth walks off, but Daniel Bryan’s music hits, and he comes out to a massive pop. Bryan gets the crowd going with a “YES” chant. Bryan and R-Truth stare at each other. R-Truth happily offers him the Intercontinental Championship, and Bryan takes it. R-Truth then starts a “YES” chant before skipping off to the back. Bryan then does a “YES” chant with the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Stardust then attacks Bryan from behind. Stardust takes the Intercontinental Championship and climbs the ladder as the crowd chants, “Cody!”
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Quick Match Results
Tyson Kidd and Cesaro def. Los Matadores (non-title)
Ryback def. Kane
Big Show def. Ryback
AJ Lee def. Brie Bella via Submission
The New Day def. The Miz and Damien Mizdow
Rusev def. Jack Swagger via Submission
Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose def. Bad News Barrett and Luke Harper
E-Mail – MikeyT817@gmail.com
Twitter – @MikeTedescoWV
Stay tuned for my review of Smackdown, which will be up later tonight.
Did you miss last week’s Smackdown? Check it out here!
Many thanks to Adam Martin for filling in for me on the RAW recaps these past two weeks. There is no one better than that dude. After attending RAW live this week, I’m anxious to get back to recapping it this Monday! Join me live at 8 PM EST!
Thanks for reading!