WWE SmackDown Live
Episode 1001
#SDLive
Original Air Date: October 23, 2018
Event Date: October 23, 2018 (aired live)
City: Newark, NJ
Venue: Prudential Center
Commentary: Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton, Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Greg Hamilton
Ring Area
New Day heads to the ring. Woods says they were cheated out of their tag titles last week. Kingston says Sheamus and Cesaro lowered the bar in that title match. Big E thought Big Show was cool, but his flip-flops aren’t cool. Kingston wants payback.
Match 1
Kofi Kingston w/ Big E, Xavier Woods vs Big Show w/ Cesaro, Sheamus (SD Tag Champs)
(referee: Mike Chioda)
Result: the match ends in a No Contest when it turns into a brawl
Time: 1:29
Match Thoughts
This was just Big Show beating up Kofi for a minute and a half. It certainly works for the story.
Ring Area
After the match, The Bar and Big Show dominate and beat up New Day.
Video
Clips from last night of Roman Reigns relinquishing the Universal Title.
Match 2
The Usos vs AJ Styles (WWE Champ) & Daniel Bryan
(referee: Jason Ayers)
Result: Jimmy Uso pins AJ Styles after a Samoan splash
Time: 7:45
Match Thoughts
Similar to last week, Bryan and Styles had communication issues which led to a nice voctory for The Usos. It was the same story, but it was an okay way to build to their title match. And I liked the action.
Video
Buildup for the Rousey versus Bella title match coming up at Evolution.
Backstage
Dasha Fuentes asks AJ Styles if his kick to Bryan tonight was intentional. Styles says it was obviously an accident. Bryan wonders if Styles is being completely honest.
Video
From the WWE Performance Center last Saturday, Charlotte was talking with come female trainees when Becky Lynch shows up. Becky says everything Charlotte just said is wrong. A brawl breaks out, and Becky and Charlotte fight until they are pulled apart by the trainees.
Backstage
Charlotte says what Becky did at the Performance Center was unforgivable. Becky has changed, and there’s no going back. At Evolution, Charlotte will take back her title and stand over a friend who lost her way.
Match 3
Rusev w/ Lana vs Aiden English
(referee: Danilo Anfibio)
Result: Rusev wins via submission with the Accolade
Time: 1:21
Match Thoughts
This was short and unsurprising. I guess I’m happy that this story is possibly over, but I know English and Rusev could have had a much, much better match.
Backstage
The Miz looks at himself in a mirror.
Ring Area
The Miz is in the ring for Miz TV. Miz talks about last week’s SmackDown 1,000 and brags about beating Rusev. He also talks about the return of his guest tonight, Rey Mysterio. Mysterio heads to the ring.
Mysterio says it feels good to be back home, but Miz stops him. Miz isn’t asking questions because he already knows why Mysterio is back. Miz thinks Mysterio is back to prove that anyone can do anything. Miz says no one is interested in underdogs anymore though, they want to see larger than life superstars like The Miz. Miz goes on and on about why he is the best in the world.
Mysterio is disappointed. He tought he was booked to be on Truth TV. Miz tells Mysterio to watch what he says, otherwise Miz will cancel his appearance on his show. Mysterio says he didn’t come back to WWE to talk, he came to compete. He then issues a challenge to Miz for right now. Miz hesitates before attacking Mysterio. Mysterio fight Miz off and sets him up for the 619, but Miz escapes out of the ring.
Match 4
The Miz vs Rey Mysterio
(referee: Ryan Tran)
Result: Rey Mysterio wins via pinfall after the 619 and a springboard splash
Time: 9:04
Match Thoughts
This was fun. It’s good to see Rey back in a WWE ring.
Backstage
Jeff Hardy opens his eyes.
Ring Area
Naomi and Asuka come out for a match, and they’re followed by Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose. Before their tag match can start, The IIconics and say they are very excited for Evolution. Lana comes out next, but Carmella interrupts her. Carmella calls for a dance break before a big brawl breaks out when Zelina Vega arrives.
Backstage
Randy Orton stands in the dark.
Ring Area
Shane McMahon heads to the ring. He congratulates the women of WWE for Evolution. He also talks about the WWE World Cup at Crown Jewel. Shane thinks someone from SmackDown is going to win.
Match 5
Jeff Hardy vs Randy Orton
(referee: Jason Ayers)
Result: Randy Orton wins via pinfall after the RKO
Time: 8:45
Match Thoughts
Good match. These guys work well together, and I liked what they did here. It didn’t feel like it meant much, and it felt like a step back after their recent Hell in a Cell match, but it was a fine main event.
Show Impressions
There wasn’t a whole lot really new on this show, but it was fine.
Match of the Night
The Miz vs Rey Mysterio
Mostly just because Rey was in it.
Official Results: https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2018-10-23