Smackdown Taping set to air 3/7/08

[Head Booker]

Pre-Show Notes:

- They are having an ice storm in Cleveland right now, so it might be causing some transportation problems. Our correspondent arrived several minutes late.

- According to our correspondent, the arena is 70% full. Again, attendance could be effected by the severe weather.

Dark Match:

Kofi Kingston def. Kevin Thorn

WWE SmackDown (Air Date 3/07):

The show opens with the Cutting Edge segment with Ric Flair as Edge's guest. Flair talks trash to Edge and calls his relationship with Vickie Guerrero a sham. Eventually Flair slaps Edge and Vickie Guerrero breaks up the fight.

Jesse, Festus, & CM Punk def. Chavo Guerrero, The Miz, & John Morrision
Festus hit his finisher on The Miz to pick up the victory.

A backstage vignette airs with Jamie Noble and Michelle McCool.

It is announced that Undertaker will face Edge, Zack Ryder, and Curt Hawkins later tonight.

Shannon Moore def. Deuce
Jimmy Wang Yang came out with Moore while Domino was with Deuce. Moore won the match via pinfall after he hit a superkick on Deuce.

US Champion MVP def. Batista to retain
The match was in and out of the ring. MVP picked up the victory when Batista was counted out.

Backstage segment with Jamie Noble. He says that he wants to face Chuck Palumbo, however, Palumbo is set to go against Kane tonight. Noble will face Big Show.

It was confirmed that television personality Kim Kardashian will be a guest at WrestleMania XXIV.

A WWE Diva swimsuit competition is next. Featured are Eve Torres, Maryse, Victoria, Michelle McCool, and Cherry. It is announced that one diva will be voted off each week as fans will be able to vote through text messages. During the segment, Victoria fell off the middle turnbuckle.

Kane def. Chuck Palumbo
I was told it was pretty much a squash with Palumbo walking right into Kane's chokeslam. Kane got the pinfall for the victory.

Big Show def. Jamie Noble
Noble got himself disqualified by hitting a low blow on Big Show. Big Show retaliated with a severe beat down that resulted on Noble being busted open. He gets on the mic and taunts Floyd Mayweather.

World Heavyweight Champion Edge, Zack Ryder, & Curt Hawkins defeat The Undertaker.
The only information that I got from the match was that Ryder, Hawkins, and Edge won the bought after Edge hit a Spear. It was given a significant amount of time.

no source credit

[Icon Lord Leon Corbin]

I absolutely despise the whole Mayweather angle...the guy needs to be kept off a mic...did anyone see what a mess he made of the last segment with Big Show? Appalling...

[Head Booker]

Emperor Vince tryin' to catch lightning in a bottle again...bringin' in Mike Tyson years ago...brilliant move...bringin' in Floyd Mayweather...why give away 20 million dollars...the good thing about it is that mainstream wrestlin' is hittin' mainstream sports news in a good way...I found out about this whole nonsense when I was watchin' ESPN Sportscenter...

Tate

[Rob]

Just skimmed through that taping and I have a question.

Why the FUCK is Kevin Thorn still employed there?

[Icon Lord Sean "Magic" Fiery]

I like Kevin Thorn!!

And I don't think the Mayweather/Big Show angle is ALL too bad. Yes, Mayweather sucks on the mic... He's not trained in that. But he excells in fighting, and I think the match will be pretty interesting. Not entirely a bad move imo. 50 Cent comin to the ring with him adds a little more starpower too. So not only do they have mainstream sport draw, but possibly music/rap now. I'm holding a bit of hope that it will be a pretty fun match.

[Icon Lord Leon Corbin]

It's bad...very bad...the name Tyson is what sold this shit last time, it shouldn't be rehashed. This seems more a ridiculous David and Goliath crappy angle than anything worth watching.

[Head Booker]

and the only way for it to end is to allow Show to go over...but I just don't see the Evil Empire playin' it that way...

Tate

[Icon Lord Leon Corbin]

That's the thing. I could see this ending with the little shite going over which makes wrestling look pathetic...which it usually does every time outsiders with no experience get to step in and beat the wrestlers so easily. Ain't being funny but if Show was to hit him for real (which I hope he does, there's been a look in Show's eye that makes me think he wants to lol) he'd knock him on his arse and completely out in an instant...

[GGWF]

Mayweather’s promos are so heelish and badly presented, that I deeply dislike the horrible little man.

Big Show, despite using all the heel tactics at his disposal with consummate skill, is quintessentially more likable because he’s a veteran with a respected wrestling background.

[Rob]

One thing they have to not only remember, but also lay on, is that Show is 2 weight classes heavier than Mayweather in boxing terms. Mayweather is welterweight and it's rather obvious what category Big Show fits into. In terms of weight, reach and power, Show easily outclasses him. Mayweather on the other hand has speed and experience. That said, I can't see him being experienced against anyone other than those in his weight division, so to be honest, I think Show would take this one, that is IF they do it properly and make it legit. If no punches are pulled, Mayweather should go down unless he uses Ali's tactics ie. go in, land a few hits and get outside of his opponent's reach. Stay outside, make him work and wear himself out. Repeat as necessary. Even then, it wouldn't be easy.

As I say, that's only if it's done legitimately, as opposed to making it a work and I don't see how it would be effective if done that way.

[Icon Lord Leon Corbin]

You're putting too much thought into it, this is WWE we are talking about. Chances are, it'll be something typical like Mayweather going over Show after he has been taking out other little boxing guys in earlier events leading to Mania. I just think for a Big Show return, they could have done something a whole lot better for the guy than have him participate in a shit angle with shit participants.

[Rob]

True, good point as always and since you put it that way, a match against either an established main eventer, or someone looking to make the leap from midcard up to main event status (if there is someone like that on Smackdown) would be better suited to him. Perhaps this is another case of WWE making an angle out of a real life situation, like Show's previous desire to pursue a boxing career?

[GGWF]

From what I’ve been reading, it looks like the fight will be a work. Although, saying that, out of the entire roster, Show is the most likely candidate for a real fight/ something different after his Sumo match with Akebono.

Unfortunately, I fear that they will job Show in a worked match... which sucks.

M x

[Head Booker]

exactly my point...Show/Mayweather is a work...no way in the world would Mayweather actually do a shooot...with all that bein' said there is no way WWE is goin' to allow Show to go over...now he might get knocked the hell out and then afterward get to beat the hell out of some other worker...but WWE logic just doesn't point to them doin' the "smark" thing and lettin' Show win...

Tate

[Rob]

That's so fucking stupid. A worked boxing match??? Do they really need to fuck with boxing's reputation as a sport by pissing about with that too? Keep your eyes peeled, peeps. Vince will want to start a boxing promotion after this