WWE SmackDown

Anaheim, California (taped 6/3/03) (3x91)

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- Rey Mysterio came into SmackDown! hobbling. The past few months have been physically and mentally challenging for Mysterio. Not only was her seriously injured after a brutal attack by the Big Show. but a groin injury he recently suffered has slowed him down. But Mysterio wouldn't let this hamper his quest to capture WWE gold on Thursday night. In an epic match, Mysterio rolled up Matt Hardy to become the new WWE Cruiserweight Champion! - Also, Mr. McMahon himself pointed to Zack Gowen as a person who refused to let his physical shortfalls stop him. The WWE Chairman initially called Gowen an American success story, but then Mr. McMahon's sinister side came out. He said that he would give Zack a chance to accomplish his dream of becoming a WWE Superstar. But to do that, he'd have to beat Mr. McMahon in an arm wrestling match next week on SmackDown! "You do look like you have two arms," Mr. McMahon mocked. While he continued to talk trash, Roddy Piper snuck behind Gowen, allowing Vince to push the one-legged teen to the ground in humiliating fashion. To cap off the embarrassing spectacle, Vince mocked Gowen by saying he has as much chance of winning next week's arm wrestling match as a one legged man has in an ass-kicking contest! - Kurt Angle felt so pumped up about returning to SmackDown! that he even ordered his theme music played a second time after his entrance so he could lead the crowd in the "You suck!" chant. Angle quickly stated that he intended to become WWE Champion again. In an encounter with Brock Lesnar, he thanked the current champion for his support while in the hospital. Kurt said that Brock had earned his respect and he thanked him for giving him the toughest match of his career at WrestleMania XIX. However, the Big Show earlier had tough words for Kurt, and it appears that Brock, Angle and Big Show may all be on a collision course with the WWE Championship in the middle. - As if Mr. McMahon hadn't caused enough trouble with his treatment of Zack Gowen, Vince also targeted his own daughter, Stephanie. Vince told the SmackDown! General Manager that she needed help around the office, and he had hired her a new personal assistant: Sable! Stephanie was clearly unhappy about this decision, but her father dismissed her protests as mere jealousy over Sable's good looks! - Match Results: * The Undertaker defeated Chuck Palumbo * Eddie Guerrero and Tajiri defeated The Basham Brothers * John Cena defeated Chris Benoit * Rikishi and Torrie Wilson defeated Nidia and Jamie Noble * Rey Mysterio defeated Matt Hardy for the Cruiserweight Championship