WWE SmackDown! - 06/19/03
Taped 06/17/03
San Antonio, TX

• Recap of the end of Last Thursday's match to start.
• Hype for Big Show vs Brock Lesnar (c) for the WWE Championship
  • The match is subtitled "Unfinished Business", which the announcers push as tonight's theme.
• Undertaker (Houston, TX, 305 pounds) vs Nunzio (201 pounds, w/the FBI)
  • The FBI, or at least Nunzio, has new music.
  • Nunzio is the comedy, with the shadow boxing and stuff.
    • This is right after Tazz hypes him as a tough guy.
    • Undertaker ignores it.
  • Nunzio offers Undertaker his leg.
  • Taker makes a move towards him.
  • Nunzio dives out of the ring in terror.
  • Undertaker distracts himself into taking a Nunzio dropkick off the apron.
  • Nunzio goes from the back mounted sleeper, Undertaker walks around with him and rams him in the post.
    • Of course, he was all of two inches away from the post when he back up.
  • Nunzio is thrown back in.
  • Undertaker waits for him. Goozle.
  • FBI on the apron, Nunzio knocked into them.
  • Back to the goozle - and tossing him to the floor on the FBI.
  • Taker chant.
  • Nunzio thrown in, tries to go out the other side. Taker catches up to him.
  • Kick. Lifted up high and long so Nunzio can do perform Last Rites on himself. Last Ride. (2:59)
  • About as complete a squash as you could get.
  • the FBI is once again unsuccessful in the post match attach.
  • Even Johnny's forearm from behind doesn't work.
  • A low blow finally does it.
  • Undertaker is down for all of 15 seconds (and 3 stomps) before the APA's music starts to play.
  • the FBI actually get more stomps in while the APA are on their way to the ring.
  • Bradshaw has dyed his hair blond.
    • He looks like a bigger dumber Billy Gunn
  • We're still calling the other guy Ron Simmons. Looks like the video has been changed to reflect it.
  • APA easily clear house. And they help Undertaker up, even though he doesn't seem like he wants any help getting up.
  • He's decently happy to see them anyway.
  • Ron does most of the checking on Undertaker while Bradshaw does more of the waving to the crowd.
• In the back, Zach Gowen talks to Spanky and Bill DeMott
  • How is he backstage if he doesn't have a contract? Eh.
  • After recapping last week, Zach gets directions to Stephanie's office.
  • Zach knocks on the door with his cane.
  • Sable answers.
  • Zach says Stephanie sent for him.
  • Sable says she's not here but Zach should wait here for her.
  • Zach opts to wait outside, but Sable flirts him into staying in the office.
  • Zach doesn't seem as much to fall for the flirting as to just go along with her.

• Brock Lesnar/Big Show Timeline: Survivor Series, 11/17/02
  • F5 on Show, and Heyman's turn.
  • Heyman's turn is shown, but he's definitely downplayed in favor of Big Show
• Chris Benoit is out. And then Rhyno.
  • No introduction for Benoit? Is he going to talk?
  • No introduction for Rhyno? Are they going to talk?
  • There's a referee, so this will be quite a talk.
  • They act like they're teaming but Stephanie is out.
  • She's got a new belt over her shoulder.
  • Stephanie says Bad Blood was a pretty good PPV, so SmackDown will top it at Vengeance.
  • She segues into explaining this will be a singles match between the two in the ring.
  • This will be a first round match in the US Title Tournament. Right now.
• Chris Benoit vs Rhyno in the first round of the US Title Tournament
  • The referee is kinda confused.
  • They don't seem especially eager to have this match.
  • Handshake, but then some words  before letting go. They have to be forced apart.
  • Waiting for the announcers to remember they were a match in the last tournament we had.
    • Then again, I'm waiting for them to explain Bradshaw jumping.
  • Crowd is so enthralled by this match, they start a Go Spurs Go chant 1:15 in.
  • And I lose the picture for parts of the next minute. Streaming issue?
  • Anyway, as Rhyno and Benoit do mat stuff to start, announcers put over the US Title
    • according to them, it goes back to 1975 and Harley Race.
    • Wrestling-Titles.com agrees; this is apparently the Mid-Atlantic version of the title we're referring to.
    • Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if WWE got it from the website.
  • And they mention about 400 times that these guys are partners.
  • First chop at 2:38.
  • Rhyno posts his shoulder on a corner charge at about 3:00.
  • Cole saying things are heating up = commercial about to happen. We go 3:11 before the break.
  • Rhyno acts heelish as we come back, taunting the fans while putting on a half crab.
  • Cole presumes that Stephanie is still working on the brackets.
  • Rhyno pulls out a snake eyes out of a powerbomb lift for a 2 count.
  • Rhyno again taunts the crowd.
  • Crowd chants for Benoit! He gets clotheslined anyway.
  • Rhyno with a strolling shoulder slam for 2.
  • Benoit breaks up the Rhyno run with a small package, but Rhyno kicks up and hits a clothesline.
  • Rhyno again with the crowd taunting. He's been in control since the break, and we're hitting the chinlock at 3:20.
  • Rhyno asks who the man is.
  • Rhyno liking the chinlock. Two of then and a neck vice.
  • Did Choida color his hair?
  • Anyway, Benoit escapes but ends up back into the chinlock again. This is quite the chinlock-rifiic.
  • Rhyno does a good job of selling the chinlock and the crowd seems to loose a bit of attention.
  • Rhyno against cuts off a comeback, but a whip goes bad and Benoit's going.
  • No, really, it looks blond on the top now. It must be catching.
  • Benoit gets a near fall on a kickout.
  • German is blocked by a ropes grab.
  • Benoit turns, Rhyno hits the Concrete Crunch (spinebuster) but slow to cover and gets a two. 
  • Short clothesline is ducked an there's your Germans suplex.
  • Benoit goes for move #4, Swandive Headbutt. It hits. One two no.
  • Rhyno with a kick DDT no one alive enough to cover.
  • Rhyno misses the gore, but manages a running ax handle to the back. one two he's not polish.
  • Slam, Benoit drops behind, forearm, Rhyno comes at him with a clothesline and gets locked in to the crossface.
  • Rhyno has nowhere to go. (12:09)
  • Benoit takes his time letting go.
  • Yes, the first person in the US Title Tournament is Canadian. What do you want?
  • Benoit does help up Rhyno after a bit, but Rhyno shoves him away.
  • Benoit wants a handshake, but we pull away.
• Sable flirts with Zach some more.
  • Zach, having seen most of what Sable has to offer last week, isn't immediately receptive.
  • We recap that bit between them.
  • Sable offers to let Zach feel.
  • This happens right below the camera's range.

• Ultimo Dragon vignette
  • The Spirit Has Awoken. His Pulse Grows Strong. The Journey Begins. In Madison Square Garden. Ultimo Dragon. Coming Next Week.
  • This vignette has a unique feel, instead of just being a Rey clone.
  • Someone sure likes these nonsensical lyric teasers lately. Must be the same people who did Kane's comeback.
• WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rey Mysterio (San Diego, CA, 185 pounds) vs Kanyon (Queens, NY, 242 pounds, already in the ring)
  • Chimel fails to announce this as non-title, but Kanyon's 22 pounds over the limit.
  • Kanyon is the KING of the anti-climatic returns to SmackDown.
  • Are those new tights for Kanyon?
  • Kanyon reverse an apron dive bodyscissors into a faceslam on the barricade.
  • Tazz says Kanyon and Rey have fought before.
  • COLE BRINGS UP THE VELOCITY STORYLINE. Kinda. Vaguely. In the "good luck with the Monk stuff" sense
  • Kaynon Move of the night - shoulder slam into a side back breaker.
  • Alt Kanyon Move of the night: Slingshot reversed into a big northern lights suplex
  • Superplex attempt by Kanyon! He's going to break the ring!
  • Rey luckily punches out of it, rides Kanyon down to the mat in a Thesz Press
    • Announcers refuse to call it anything but a senton.
  • Rey with a nice ropeflip moonsault for two.
  • Kanyon with the electric chair faceslam! one two NO!
  • Kanyon's going Suplex him on the apron, but Rey blocks him off.
  • Rey blocks back to his feet, punches, and hits a guillotine legdrop on the way back in.
  • Kanyon lands in position. 619. West Coast Pop. (4:48)
  • Seemed like they were trying to get Kanyon over with a high tech move set and nothing else.
  • Announcers lots more concerned with Rey in any case.
• Brock Lesnar/Big Show Timeline: Armageddon, 12/15/02
  • Brock returns to F5 Big Show. Angle wins the title.

• Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas are out.
  • They have new outfits (maroon and silver) and new music
    • It's a color from each of their schools, Tazz explains.
    • You can't chant You Suck to it.
  • Ah, they're here to talk.
  • Benjamin says they don't want back in Team Angle. It was the best thing they ever did.
  • Haas says Angle was holding them back.
  • Haas says "we're the best damn tag team period"
  • Haas starts to call out Kurt Angle for next week.
  • Kurt Angle decides to come out this week.
  • Kurt gets You Suck and USA.
  • Kurt knows how to drag out a chant before talking.
    • Perhaps he's really Mr. America.
  • Kurt says maybe they're right about all those things they said.
  • Kurt only takes exception to two words. The next week part.
  • Shelton and Charlie start to explain themselves, and Kurt tells them to shut up.
  • They blame each other.
  • Kurt says "next week" is for wimps, crybabies and is the polite way of saying "we have no [bleep]"
  • Kurt doesn't represent next week. He represents right freaking now.
  • Right freaking now.
  • C&H talk it over. Angle puts down his medals.
  • Brian Hebner is out? This is gonna be a match.
  • Apparently.
• Charlie Haas vs Kurt Angle
  • Angle outwrestles Haas to start.
  • He looks okay, but it's a minute.
  • Angle chants.
  • Angle continues to dominate, but Haas manages to work his way into an armdrag.
  • Tazz pushes a "how much did he teach them" line
  • Haas gets a run on basic stuff.
  • Crowd very into Kurt.
  • Kurt takes advantage on the next ropes sequence.
  • Haas takes a slingshot to the floor.
  • Announcers say "the Best Damn Tag Team Period" multiple times, so I think that's what we're supposed to call them until FOX calls their lawyers.
  • Angle with a cross body! 2.
  • Haas manages a kick and to throw Angle out.
  • Shelton gets in a kick - thrown into the steps.
  • Shelton plays innocent despite the loud banging noise.
  • Hebner goes over there in shock and points to his ears.
  • Brian ejects Shelton! He's missing Haas attacking Angle on the outside.
  • Working the hand probably says something about how safe they feel about the neck so far.
  • Wow, two matches interrupted for break? I don't know the last time they did that. (5:16)
  • Haas is still working over Angle as we come back.
  • Angle starts with a comeback, but takes a shoulderblock
  • The injury has been expanded to the whole left arm.
  • Angle comes back with a monkey flip! Russian legsweep! Both men down.
  • Angle getting in the punches. Whip, reversed, Angle back with a jumping forearm.
  • Clothesline. Clothesline. Corner whip, charge into a back elbow.
  • Haas charges out into an overhead belly to belly suplex one two NO.
  • Haas gets in a knee to stop him.
  • Whip, reversed into the German suplex
  • Straps are down. Angle Slam, Haas slips behind, clothesline misses, German Suplex by Haas
    • That was a near total back landing, though they hype neck issues
  • Haas drops the straps.
  • Haas Angle Slam but Angle armdrag out.
  • Drop toe hold, anklelock but Haas turns and kicks him away.
  • Haas misses a clothesline, Kurt with a kick, Angle Slam. Cover one two three. (3:48)
  • Fans were about 3 times more into this match then Benoit/Rhyno.
  • Shelton back in and clotheslining Angle into the corner.
  • Stomping Angle down and scaring Hebner off.
  • Fireman's carry slam.
  • Shelton gets Haas up. Finisher time?
  • Yep - inverted atomic drop, superkick.
  • Double anklelock! That's quite awesome.
  • Brock Lesnar is out for the save. H&S get out in time. They're happy.

• Brock Lesnar/Big Show Timeline: 10/31/02 - Show lays out Lesnar.
  • Brock is chokeslammed through the table.
  • Shouldn't this have been first?
  • Not much of a timeline.
• Sable and Zach are kissing as we return.
  • Apparently SmackDown is about to get into porno.
  • It's that level acting!
  • Sable loses her top away from the camera.
  • Anyway, it turns out that Sable was just leading him out to turn him down.
  • Really bitterly.
  • Vince with the run in to scare Zach away.
  • Ah, it was an evil Vince and Sable plan.
  • Why exactly was it a Vince and Sable plan?
• Billy Gunn (265 pounds, w/Torrie Wilson) vs Jamie Noble (Hanover, WV, 200 pounds, w/Nidia)
  • Billy has the old music but the BG entrance video.
  • They're both wearing pink.
  • Tazz says they're "really really really good friends."
    • I don't know if I'm supposed to make something out of them saying "there are RUMORS about their relationship" instead of just coming and saying they're dating.
    • But they do that a bunch.
  • Jamie's whole entrance purpose is put over the better butt.
    • Nidia's, not his.
    • Tazz: "I think they both have phenomenal asses!"
  • You know, Jamie's giving up about as much weight as Rey did.
  • I wonder if they did anything to make sure the ring would implode this week.
  • Crowd shows their appreciation for Gunn by chanting for Torrie and Puppies.
  • While getting his control of the match, Jamie asks what his name is.
    • It's Jamie Noble.
  • Jamie some how manages to give a jawbreaker to Billy's Famasser-ing leg.
  • Jamie works in his non-Trailer Hitch leg hold. Indian Deathlock I want to say.
  • Jamie uses the chops of pumping Billy Gunn back up.
  • Jamie is making Billy look competent.
  • Nidia grabs the leg on a Fameasser attempt.
  • Torrie tacks Nidia, and they roll.
  • Billy breaks it up, which kinda makes him a heel.
  • Jamie tries a pescado, but Billy moves and Jamie goes to the floor hard.
  • Jamie tossed back in. Picking where we left off - fameasser, Noble side steps
  • DDT is blocked, there's the Fameasser. (4:14)

• Brock Lesnar/Big Show Timeline: 05/18/03 Judgment Day
  • Stretcher Match.
• WWE Tag Team Champion Eddie Guerrero (El Paso, TX, 228 pounds, w/Tajiri) vs Sean O'Haire (274 pounds, w/Roddy Pier)
  • They have a lowrider SUV this time.
  • Sean O'Haire is not announced from Parts Unknown.
    • But I guess that mean his home town is now (just) Unknown.
  • Last Thursday.
  • Piper dears to lean on the SUV with a bottle of Tequila.
  • Announcers say that O'Haire is "obsessed with championship gold"
  • I don't see this feud going good for the people with the low riders.
  • So the fans manage to be in this because it's Eddie but I'm not.
  • Sean O'Haire goes for a jumping spin kick, Eddie ducks and "hits a dropkick to the knee"
    • "" means it didn't seem to come close but they embarrassingly sold it anyway.
  • O'Haire punches his way into stopping a comeback, but Eddie manages a dropkick anyway.
  • And a missile dropkick. Who does he think he is, Maven?
  • Piper pauses him on the way to the Frog Splash.
  • O'Haire rolls out of the way.
  • Piper manages the Tequila Spit on Tajiri.
  • Prophecy on Eddie. (3:12)
• Cole says the ring HAS been reinforced. Good.

• Sable and Vince are still gloating over fooling a 19 year old with sex
  • Vince offers to thank Sable by having sex with her.
  • That doesn't seem to be quite fair.
  • EWWW they're kissing.
  • Vince has a better idea? Better than having sex with Vince as a present?
  • Ah, having sex with Sable while making fun of Zach as a present.
  • Please someone stop this.
  • Before Sable loses her top again, Stephanie finally shows up.
  • She yells at Sable to get out.
  • She yells at Vince for using her.
    • Apparently Vince was pimping Stephanie out when she was 17.
      • What the HECK
    • And she doesn't like being like Vince.
  • Stephanie's giving Zach a contract and if Vince doesn't like it, he can fire her.
  • Maybe Vince will be losing the only person who looked up to him and wanted to be like him.
    • Wow, for hating him for pimping her out, she sure likes him a bunch.
    • And the not-subtle dig on Shane.
    • Therapy time.
  • Stephanie storms out
  • Vince gives us remorse for about 10 seconds.
• Next week:
  • Undertaker/APA vs the FBI.
  • Ultimo Dragon debuts
• Brock Lesnar/Big Show Time Line: Last Thursday
• Big Show (500 pounds) vs -
  • Cole again says the ring has been reinforced.

• Big Show (500 pounds) vs Brock Lesnar (Minneapolis, MN, 295 pounds, c) for the WWE Championship
  • Brock goes to the top rope and dares Show to come up with him.
  • Show moves towards him, so Brock jumps out over him and charges him into the corner.
  • About 6 minutes in, Show tries for the superplex, but Brock blocks it.
  • Brock pushes him off. Is he going up?
  • Show is up to his knees by the time Brock gets up, so they're not even teasing the SSP
  • Brock hits a flying clothesline.
  • Brock goes for the F5 at 7:20, but is having problems keeping him up and Show has the ropes.
  • Benjamin and Haas in. DQ (7:27) but they're easily disposed.
  • It's Show who gets in the chokeslam to turn the tide.
  • Kurt Angle out for the save. Angle Slam on Big Show!
  • Haas and Benjamin try him, and don't do much better.
  • But again, they give time for Show to recover. Chokeslam for him.
  • One more save - Mr. America. Wait, why is Mr. America here?
  • He's got a flag mask.
  • Show takes a while to realize who he's got behind him.
  • America threatens to slam Show.
  • Not Team Angle is on him to break it up, but he has no problem with them either.
  • For a third time, that gives Show an opening - chokeslam!
  • This is the best "effective by being ineffective" performance EVER.
  • Haas and Benjamin trash talk Angle.
  • Show stands over America.
  • That's it.

No one mentioned that this was (their) 200th episode. Odd.