August 25, 2008 – Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Announcers: Michael Cole & Jerry “The King” Lawler
DARK MATCH: D-Lo Brown defeated Jake Hager..
NON (WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT) TITLE MATCH
World Heavyweight champion C.M. Punk defeated John Bradshaw Layfield: JBL actually connected with the clothesline from hell, but C.M. Punk miraculously kicked out after a 2-count! JBL became frustrated and retreived a chair from ringside, but the referee pulled it away from him. JBL turned around and was put in the Go-To-Sleep, giving C.M. Punk another impressive victory!
ON STAGE ANNOUNCEMENT
General Manager Mike Adamle: Mike Adamle announced that John Cena suffered a severely herniated disc from taking two Batista-bombs at SummerSlam. Adamle stated that John Cena will require surgery and will be out of action indefinitely. Adamle said that he would announce Cena’s replacement for the Championship Scramble before the end of the night.
BACKSTAGE PROMO
Kane: Kane proved why he is one of the most under-rated promo guys in the wrestling business with a powerful rant on Batista and Rey Mysterio..
BACKSTAGE SEGMENT
Mike Adamle & Primo Colon + Shawn Michaels: Mike Adamle apologized to Primo Colon for disrespecting him last week, and Primo accepted the apology. Primo Colon said he was nothing like his brother, Carlito. Primo said his brother is a jerk to everybody – even his family. Shawn Michaels showed up and asked where Chris Jericho was. Adamle said Jericho hasn’t shown up yet and told Michaels to take all the time he needs. Adamle asked how Rebecca was doing, and Michaels flashed an unimpressed look at him before leaving to search out Jericho.
NON (WWE WOMENS) TITLE MATCH
Kelly Kelly defeated WWE Women’s champion Beth Phoenix w/Santino Marella: Santino Marella tried to interfere on behalf of his girlfriend, but it backfired and he ended up helping Kelly Kelly score an upset victory! After the match, Santino tried to smooth things over with Phoenix, but she tackled him and beat on him until Santino escaped and retreated.
SINGLES MATCH
Primo Colon defeated Charlito (Charlie Haas): Charlito was obviously Charlie Haas wearing a fake afro and carrying an apple, trying to do a Carlito impression. Primo Colon stated earlier that his brother was a jerk, so the impression didn’t seem to bother him at all.
IN THE RING
Shawn Michaels + Chris Jericho (on screen): Shawn Michaels said that Rebecca was hurt, but after being married to him for ten years, she is tough. Michaels said he tried to look at this like a rational human being, and tell himself that it was all an accident. Michaels said he earned the right to come out and say thank you to his supporters. Michaels said he didn’t realize saying good bye was going to be so hard, and that is why he had Rebecca with him that night. Michaels said when he turned to his wife, and looked into her eyes, he knew that he was not going anywhere. Chris Jericho came up on the big screen and said he was asked not to appear on RAW for Michaels’ protection. Jericho said Michaels is trying to goad him into a match. Michaels says if he does what he wants to do to Jericho they will throw him in jail, but in the ring he can do whatever he wants and it will be all legal. Michaels said if Jericho doesn’t accept the match, then Rebecca is tougher than him. Jericho accepted, but suggested that Michaels not let his wife and kids watch the match. Michaels asked Jericho if he knows the meaning of the word “unforgiven” – and made it clear that he will never forgive Chris Jericho. Michaels said “remember, an eye for an eye.”
NON (WORLD TAG TEAM) TITLE MATCH
Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase Jr. defeated Jerry “The King” Lawler & “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan: Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase were without their prized championships because Cryme Tyme (Shad Gaspard & JTG) stole them last week. This match was supposed to happen a few weeks ago but it didn’t so they did it this week instead. After the match, Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase cut a promo on Cryme Tyme for stealing their belts. Cryme Tyme appeared up in the rafters holding the World Tag Team titles hostage and challenging Rhodes & DiBiase to a title match at Unforgiven. A tag team title match at a PPV – highly irregular! Rhodes & DiBiase accepted the challenge for Unforgiven…
BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW
Todd Grisham & Batista: Batista addressed John Cena, saying their match at SummerSlam was one of the toughest of his career. Batista praised John Cena’s work ethic and wished him luck with his recovery. Batista called Kane a sick, twisted, demented, freak and said nobody knows what he’s capable of. Batista said it’s not about titles tonight, it’s personal.
WWE INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH
Santino Marella defeated Kofi Kingston to retain the WWE Intercontinental title: Santino Marella looked nervous because he was expecting Beth Phoenix to come out and finish whooping his butt! Midway through the match, Santino had thoughts of walking out of the match but Beth Phoenix came down and pushed him back inside the ring. Beth then tripped up Kofi Kingston, which lead to Santino scoring the 1-2-3 to retain his Intercontinental title! After the match, Beth backed Santino into the corner of the ring and planted a kiss right on his lips! Santino turned around and put Beth in the corner and he gave HER a big kiss! Jerry Lawler said it was “Beauty and the Beast” but Santino was the beauty.
VIDEO PACKAGE
Josh Mathews & Candice Michelle: From Denver, Colorado at the Democractic convention, Josh Mathews (yes, he’s still around) and the lovely Candice Michelle talked about the presidental election and they are pushing the “SmackDown! Your Vote” campaign this year.
ON STAGE ANNOUNCEMENT
General Manager Mike Adamle: Mike Adamle named Rey Mysterio as John Cena’s replacement for the Championship Scramble. This is quite interesting due to the recent comments from Kane concerning the condition of Rey Mysterio. Kane has said that Rey Mysterio is alive, but his spirit is dead. What will Rey Mysterio look like at Unforgiven?
MAIN EVENT GRUDGE MATCH
Batista defeated Kane by Disqualification: Kane worked over Batista’s previously injured knee during the match. The demented Kane was disqualified for using a chair on Batista. Kane continued the post-match assault but Batista kicked Kane straight in the jaw and took him down with a spear! Batista picked up the chair and repeatedly whacked Kane on the back with it! Batista wrapped Kane’s leg around the ring post and then smashed it with a chair over and over and over! Just before the show went off the air, Batista collapsed at ringside selling his own knee injury (but it seemed strange for some reason).