Thursday Night Smackdown
April 17th, 2003
Norfolk, Virginia
We get the Smackdown opening video before cutting to a hot crowd in the very popular city of Norfolk, Virginia! There’s no time wasted tonight, as we are starting the night off with some wrestling!April 17th, 2003
Norfolk, Virginia
MATCH #1: REY MYSTERIO VS TAJIRI
SmackDown kicks off with some fast-paced cruiserweight action. From the opening bell, both men go at a rapid pace, and it doesn’t slow down for the entire match. Tajiri has Rey trapped in the corner and is unloading on him with kicks. He backs up and runs forwards, looking for an elbow, but Mysterio moves at the last second! Tajiri staggers backwards out of the corner and catches a dropkick right to the back! Tajiri falls forward and it's 619 time! Rey follows it up with a Springboard Hurricarana for the win!
Winner: Rey Mysterio via pinfall @ 6:08
***
The FBI (Nunzio, Chuck Palumbo, and Johnny Stamboli) are in the ring. Nunzio has a microphone and is clearly feeling himself as the crowd rains down boos. Nunzio starts bragging, saying that for a long time now, the Full Blooded Italians have been running things from the shadows. He says while everyone else has been fighting for attention, they’ve been the ones pulling the strings behind the scenes. But now, that changes. Nunzio says it’s time for the FBI to stop operating in the background and start taking over SmackDown in the spotlight.
He looks around the arena with a smirk and takes a shot at the crowd, saying he wishes they didn’t have to start this new era in a place like Norfolk, Virginia.
“But hey… beggars can’t be choosers, alright?”
That gets heavy heat from the crowd.. And then the APA’s music hits. The arena erupts as Bradshaw and Faarooq make their way out. Bradshaw has a new look, with short blonde hair, and both men look all business as they head to the ring.
They step inside, and Bradshaw grabs a microphone. He says Nunzio can talk bad about Norfolk all he wants, but he loves this place. He talks about the toughness of the city and the kind of people it produces. Bradshaw then turns his attention to the FBI, saying since they’re always talking about being tough guys, that must mean they like to fight.
He tells them if that’s the case, then let’s have one right here, right now! Nunzio immediately backs up behind Palumbo and Stamboli. There’s a brief pause.. Then Palumbo and Stamboli charge.. But APA is ready for it! Bradshaw and Faarooq quickly take control, catching both men and overpowering them almost immediately. Within seconds, they’re thrown out of the ring, sent crashing to the floor. But while APA is distracted, Nunzio sneaks back into the ring and jumps onto Faarooq’s back, trying to lock in a sleeper. Faarooq doesn’t even react. He stands there for a second, almost confused, and looks over at Bradshaw like, “what is this?”
Faarooq reaches back, grabs Nunzio, and throws him off like he’s nothing. Bradshaw starts to fire up, bouncing off the ropes.. With a HUGE Clothesline from Hell! Nunzio gets turned inside out. Palumbo and Stamboli rush back in just long enough to grab Nunzio and drag him out of the ring before anything else can happen. APA stands tall in the ring as the crowd erupts, marking their return in dominant fashion.
***
MATCH #2: RHYNO VS RIKISHI
Michael Cole notes on commentary that this could be a statement opportunity for both men, with United States Championship qualifiers set to be announced later in the night. This one is physical from the start, with the two big men trading heavy offense throughout the match. Rikishi had just hit a Samoan Drop on Rhyno that got a close two count. The big man whips Rhyno into the corner and works him over with some right hands, before backing up, looking for a big splash!.. But Rhyno moves out of the way at the last second and Rikish crashed hard. Rhyno wastes no time, backing into the opposite corner, before exploding toward Rikishi… GORE!! Rhyno nearly cut Rikishi in half with that Gore! Rhyno covers Rikishi and gets the three count.
Winner: Rhyno via pinfall @ 5:22
***
A vignette airs introducing a new superstar. The scene opens on a beach, with a Caribbean man sitting calmly in the sand, watching the waves roll in. The setting is peaceful, almost relaxed, until a couple nearby suddenly starts arguing. The tension quickly escalates, and the woman slaps the man before storming off, leaving him standing there stunned. The camera cuts back to the man on the beach. He lets out a small chuckle, clearly entertained by what just happened. He slowly turns his head toward the camera and smirks.
“Now that… that’s cool.”
The man, having overheard, is clearly annoyed and asks Carlito “Hey man what’s your problem?" Carlito gets up with a smile on his face, quickly dusts himself before walking over to the man and knocking him out with a right hand. The man’s woman appears behind Carlito and thanks him, and starts to flirtatiously touch him. Carlito looks up at the camera and smiles. The screen fades out, leaving a subtle but memorable introduction to Carlito.
***
The Undertaker makes his way to the ring to a massive reaction from the crowd. Once inside, he wastes no time getting to the point. He talks about the past few months, saying he’s had to deal with The Big Show, which led into A-Train, but he handled both of them and proved that this is still his yard. He then shifts his focus, saying now he’s dealing with something that feels all too familiar.. a young guy running his mouth, trying to make a name for himself.
Undertaker says he’s been dealing with that for over a decade, and the only way to handle it is head on. He calls out Sean O’Haire to meet him in the middle of the ring.
There’s a brief pause.. Then the lights go out. They stay out for a few seconds… and when they come back on, Sean O’Haire is standing in the ring, face-to-face with The Undertaker!!
O’Haire lets out a laugh, clearly amused. He tells Undertaker he’s mistaken. This has nothing to do with making a name for himself. He says this is about leading people, about helping them see what they truly are. Then he takes it a step further, saying that in his eyes, there’s nothing special about The Undertaker… except the fact that he’s a fraud.
That gets a reaction. Undertaker is visibily unhappy and takes a step forward, but O’Haire quickly backs off. He says he didn’t come out here for a fight tonight. He just wanted to talk, to try to understand the man they call The Undertaker.
Undertaker cuts him off, warning him to be careful, because he doesn’t think O’Haire understands who he’s dealing with. O’Haire smirks and shakes his head.
"Oh I know exactly who I'm dealing with, Deadman. But the funny part, the irony of this whole situation.. I don't think you know who you're dealing with."
There's a uncomfortable feeling in the arena after Sean says this. His delivery of the line was so eerie that you almost have to believe what he's saying.
“But hey… I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.”
O’Haire lets out another laugh… The lights go out again.
When they come back on, Undertaker is standing alone in the ring. Undertaker looks visibly upset as the show cuts to a commercial break.
***
Michael Cole notes on commentary that Kevin Nash will be live in the ring later tonight. The camera cuts backstage, where the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar is shown walking with purpose down the hallway, the championship over his shoulder. Before he can get any further, Stephanie McMahon steps into the frame and stops him. She asks Brock where he’s headed, and he makes it clear, he’s going to the ring to confront Kevin Nash.
Stephanie sighs, almost like she was expecting that answer. She tells Brock that unfortunately, she can’t allow that to happen tonight. She explains that the decision is coming from above her, and there’s nothing she can do about it. Brock doesn’t look convinced. Stephanie continues, trying to keep things calm, telling him he can have the rest of the night off… but he needs to leave the arena immediately.
As she says it, security steps into frame behind Brock. That’s when Brock cracks a slight laugh. Stephanie keeps apologizing, clearly trying to defuse the situation, but Brock doesn’t say a word. He just looks at her for a moment, then turns and walks off down the hallway, the security following closely.
***
MATCH #3: MATT HARDY VS FUNAKI
Matt Hardy controls most of the match early, using his size advantage to keep Funaki grounded. Funaki eventually starts to fight back, and the crowd starts to get behind him as well. It looks like the momentum may finally be shifting in his favor.. But before he can capitalize, Shannon Moore slides into the ring and goes right after Funaki. The referee immediately calls for the bell.
Winner: Funaki via disqualification @ 4:18
After the match, Hardy joins in as the two continue the attack, putting the boots to Funaki. Funaki doesn’t stand a chance.. until Billy Kidman’s music hits. Kidman runs down to the ring, forcing Hardy and Moore to back off and retreat up the ramp. Kidman checks on Funaki as Hardy and Moore regroup, clearly satisfied with the damage done.
***
Backstage, Matt Hardy and Shannon Moore are shown walking through the hallway when they’re stopped by Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie asks them if they feel good about what just happened out there. Hardy doesn’t hesitate, saying he’s just trying to elevate the division and install his version of Mattitude into the Cruiserweights. Stephanie clearly isn’t buying it. She tells Hardy that if he wants to represent the division, he’s going to have to prove it the right way. She makes it official.. next week, Hardy will defend the Cruiserweight Championship against Funaki! Hardy doesn’t look thrilled, but before he can respond, Stephanie adds one more condition. Shannon Moore is banned from ringside! That gets a reaction from both men as Stephanie walks off, leaving Hardy visibly frustrated while Moore looks just as annoyed beside him.
***
Kevin Nash makes his way out to a solid reaction from the crowd and takes his time getting to the ring, soaking it all in. Once inside, he grabs a microphone and talks about how good it feels to be back in a wrestling ring. He says the past year hasn’t exactly gone his way. First the biceps injury, then the quad. He admits it’s been frustrating, feeling like every time he got going, something pulled him right back. But now, he says, he’s finally healthy… and ready to remind everyone exactly who he is.
Nash says he thought about going to Raw, maybe settling some old scores. He name-drops guys like Ric Flair and Booker T, even throwing in that Goldberg’s got something coming to him at some point. But in the end, he chose SmackDown. He says the reason is simple. Everybody keeps talking about this guy who’s supposed to be the future of the business. “The Next Big Thing.”
Nash smirks and says he stood face-to-face with Brock Lesnar last week… and he just didn’t see it. He says Brock might be good, but he’ll never be able to carry a company on his back the way Nash did. That line gets a reaction, as the crowd starts to see right through Nash…
And then the arena erupts.
Brock Lesnar is suddenly charging through the crowd, security scrambling behind him trying to catch up. Lesnar jumps the barricade and storms into the ring, laser-focused on Nash. But Nash sees it coming. He quickly rolls out of the ring and backs up the ramp, laughing as Lesnar paces inside, ready to explode.
Security floods the ring, trying to contain Lesnar. Big mistake.. Lesnar snaps.
He grabs one guard and launches him with a suplex. Another charges in and gets planted the same way. Lesnar doesn’t stop. He hoists one of them up and drives him down with an F-5. Another guard tries to step in… F-5 again.
The crowd is going crazy as Lesnar stands alone in the ring, completely unhinged. He looks up the ramp and motions for Nash to come back down and fight. Nash just laughs, backing up toward the stage.
“Maybe next time.”
Nash turns and heads to the back, still smirking, as Lesnar stands in the ring, fuming.
***
MATCH #4: CHRIS BENOIT VS A-TRAIN
This one is hard-hitting from the start, with this match definitely being the most physical battle of the night. About midway through the match, things take a turn as The Big Show makes his way down to the ring. His presence at ringside distracts Benoit for just a second. That opening allows A-Train to take control and swing the momentum back in his favor. The finish comes when A-Train nearly takes Benoit’s head off with a Big Boot, followed up with a sidewalk slam that nearly gets the three count! A-Train grabs Benoit, looking to hit him with a Chokebomb.. But as he lifts him up, Benoit slips out of it. A-Train throws a wild right hand, which Benoit dodges before grabbing his arm.. And locking in the Crossface! A-Train tries to make it to the ropes but Benoit rolls him back into the middle of the ring! A-Train has no choice but to tap out!!
Winner: Chris Benoit via submission @ 8:36
After the match, The Big Show steps into the ring and immediately goes on the attack, unloading with heavy shots on Benoit. Benoit tries to fight back, firing off a few strikes of his own, but after the match he just went through, it doesn’t take long for the size disadvantage to catch up to him. Show quickly overwhelms him. With Benoit worn down, Show grabs him and plants him with a Chokeslam in the center of the ring! Benoit is left laid out as Show stands over him.
***
Backstage, Stephanie McMahon is shown in her office with the United States Championship propped up on her desk. She says that over the past three weeks, she’s been closely evaluating every superstar on the SmackDown roster, and now she’s ready to make her decision. She makes it clear that this championship is going to represent the very best of the brand, so these opportunities are not being handed out lightly.
Stephanie then announces the two qualifying matches set for next week.
In the first match, it will be John Cena vs Rhyno vs Chris Benoit.
In the second match, it will be Edge vs Eddie Guerrero vs Rey Mysterio.
She finishes by saying the winners of those two matches will go on to face each other at Judgment Day to crown the United States Champion. The camera lingers on the championship sitting on her desk as the segment comes to an end.
***
Roddy Piper makes his way down to the ring next to a mixed reaction from the crowd, though it leans heavily toward boos after his actions last week. Once in the ring, Piper soaks it in for a moment before grabbing a microphone. He says he can hear the people booing him, but the truth is, they don’t hate him… they hate the fact that he was right. He tells them they’ve spent years cheering for heroes like Hulk Hogan, pretending they’re larger than life, when in reality they’re just men who can be beaten. Piper says last week proved exactly that.
“Your hero isn’t immortal… he’s just like the rest of you.”
That draws even more heat. Piper then shifts gears and introduces his guest for Piper’s Pit, the Chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment, Vince McMahon. Vince makes his way to the ring to a chorus of boos, looking more arrogant than ever. He steps inside and shares an awkward hug with Piper before taking his seat.
Piper starts things off by asking Vince how it felt to pin Hulk Hogan last week. Vince smirks and says he’s been riding that high ever since. He says he doesn’t like to brag, but there aren’t many men walking this earth who can say they’ve pinned Hulk Hogan 1-2-3. He thanks Piper for his “contributions,” and assures him, “don’t worry Roddy… I’ll hold up my end of the bargain.”
There’s a short pause.. Then Hulk Hogan’s music hits. The arena erupts as Hogan walks out onto the stage, clearly hurting and selling the damage from last week. He doesn’t take long to speak.
“Vince, SHUT THE HELL UP! Roddy, you can shut the hell up too!”
Hogan calls them out, asking if it really feels good knowing it took both of them, steel chairs, and bending the rules just to beat him.. and even then, they still couldn’t put him away for good. Vince fires back, saying Hogan can spin it however he wants, but the record books say Vince McMahon pinned Hulk Hogan.
That sets Hogan off. He tells Vince if he’s man enough, if he’s got the guts, then he’ll face him one-on-one again.
“It’s time we end this once and for all. One more match.”
Vince slowly smiles, that sadistic grin creeping across his face.
“Alright Hogan… I’m feeling generous tonight. You want one more match? You got it. I will be the gracious boss that I am and I will grant you a rematch. But it’s gonna be my way. My rules. My stipulations.”
Hogan nods. It's clear he doesn't care about Vince's rules or whatever else he can throw at him. He just wants to get his hands on him.
Vince continues, saying it’s happening at Judgment Day, but it won’t be just any match.
“It’s gonna be an I Quit Match.”
The crowd erupts. Hogan nods, clearly ready for it, and fires back, telling Vince he better say his prayers and eat his vitamins, because Hulkamania is going to run wild all over him at Judgment Day!!
Hogan turns to leave… But Vince stops him.
“Oh, Hulk… I forgot one thing… When you say ‘I Quit’ at Judgment Day… you’re not just quitting the match… you’re quitting your career. If you lose… you’re gone. You have to retire.”
The crowd reacts loudly as Hogan stares a hole through Vince. Vince laughs, clearly loving every second of it.
"I created Hulk Hogan, and dammit, I'm going to be the man that ends Hulk Hogan!"
Huge heat. But Vince isn’t done.
“Oh, and one more thing Hogan…”
Vince says next week, Hogan is going to have a match. And not just any match, a No Disqualification match… against “Rowdy” Roddy Piper!! That gets a reaction. Piper immediately turns toward Vince with a surprised look, clearly caught off guard. He says something to him off-mic, shaking his head slightly. It’s obvious this wasn’t part of the plan. Hogan locks eyes with Piper, the tension building instantly. Vince just stands there in the background, smiling and laughing to himself as the situation unfolds. The show fades out with Hogan and Piper staring each other down, and Vince loving every second of the chaos he’s created.
CURRENT JUDGMENT DAY CARD
I QUIT MATCH
Hulk Hogan vs Vince McMahon
I QUIT MATCH
Hulk Hogan vs Vince McMahon
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