WWE Smackdown Storyline Tracker
By Robin Scannell, PWTorch Specialist

Episodes - January 6 & 13

(1) World Title Picture

On the January 6 edition of Smackdown, Bryan interrupted A.J. and Alicia Fox backstage as were talking about Bryan possibly losing the World Title. A.J. said that she and Alicia were just worried. Bryan said that after he won, they would celebrate. Later, a “Tale of the Tape” was shown for Big Show and Bryan.

Later, backstage, Bryan told Show, who was being interviewed, that he was a good wrestler and that he worked to get where he was. He said, with Show’s size and his skill, he wouldn’t have had the shortest World Title reign. Show put his hand on Bryan shoulder, then Bryan told him to move.

Mark Henry came out on commentary for the title match. The match between Big Show and Bryan was solid, with Bryan locking in the LeBell lock, and Show escaping, then Bryan ran from the WMD. Bryan then went up to Henry, causing Henry to push Bryan away, allowing Bryan to win by disqualification.

The following week, Daniel Bryan cut a promo saying that he’s giving Big Show a re-match and that fans shouldn’t believe the message boards. He said that he didn’t provoke Mark Henry’s attack in order to get disqualified. Bryan then said he thought the stipulations for the match were excessive and then campaigned for Henry to be suspended for his behavior.

Henry came to the ring and said that he would be getting his title match the following week against the winner of the match later that night, so long as he didn’t interfere. Bryan reluctantly said that that was all right.

Later, backstage, A.J. told Bryan that no matter what happens, she loves him. Backstage, A.J. shared with Big Show her concerns about Bryan getting hurt. Bryan then walked in and asked Show if he was trying to take his girlfriend as well as his title. Then, Bryan asked A.J. how much she loved him, and they walked off while still talking.

The main event of Bryan vs. Big Show ended in a No Contest. Big Show, who was chasing Bryan, ran into A.J, hurting her. A.J. was then stretchered out, ending the match without a result. Bryan was angry and shouted at Show, who looked very upset.

***

(2) Booker T / Dustin Rhodes vs. Cody Rhodes

On the Jan. 6 edition of Smackdown, Cody Rhodes defeated Booker T by pinfall after hitting the Beautiful Disaster kick. After the match, backstage, Dustin Rhodes congratulated Cody. Cody said he’s more of a success than him and maybe more than their father, too. Cody then said he could turn Dustin from a joke to a laughing stock.

Reax: I liked this development. Cody Rhodes won the feud with Booker T, and moved onto a feud with his brother. I hope they don’t rush this, and if Cody doesn't have got bigger plans at WrestleMania, I really think they should wrestle then.

The following week, Cody Rhodes cut a promo on the way to the ring insulting the Laredo, Texas crowd. Rhodes said had held the title longer than Pedro Morales, Tito Santana, Booker T, and Goldust and that he would be both the Intercontinental and World Heavyweight Champion. Then, Rhodes defeated Ezekiel Jackson in a short match.

Reax: Cody Rhodes hasn’t held the title longer than either Pedro Morales (with reigns of 194 and 425 days) or Tito Santana (with reigns of 226 and 414 days), as he has only held the title for 164 days so far. However, If Cody doesn't lose the title in the next week or so, he'll be the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion since Jeff Hardy in 2007.

***

(3) Sheamus vs. Jinder Mahal / Wade Barrett

On the Jan. 6 edition of Smackdown, Wade Barrett cut a promo saying that Randy Orton had a herniated disk and that his career was over. He added that if he Orton did ever come back, he wouldn’t be the same and, at the Royal Rumble, Orton would watch him win as there was no-one to stop him.

Sheamus then interrupted and came to the ring. He spoke about one of his Irish relatives, and said that he would be Barrett problem at the Rumble. Jinder Mahal then came to the ring and slapped Sheamus. Sheamus fought back, but Mahal and Barrett’s came out on top.

Jinder Mahal cut a promo about not being expected to win the Royal Rumble (there’s a surprise). In the match that followed, Sheamus defeated Mahal.

Later, Wade Barrett came out and spoke about winning the Royal Rumble. He then challenged Sheamus to a match the following week. Barrett finished his promo with “May God save the Queen."

***

(4) Drew McIntyre’s losing streak / Ted DiBiase vs. Hunico (w/ Camacho) / Santino as Assistant General Manager

On the Jan. 6 edition of Smackdown, Theodore Long told Santino that if he beats Drew McIntyre, he would then become the assistant to the General Manager, and that if McIntyre lost, he might be fired. Santino won the match, making him the assistant, and continued McIntyre’s losing streak. After the match, Long said that was strike two, and if next week was strike three, he might be fired.

Hunico & Camacho cut a promo asking why they weren’t good enough to party with his posse. Hunico defeated DiBiase with a unique pin attempt.

The following week, Santino suggested some Santino Original match ideas to Long. Then, David Otunga walked in to speak to Long, but that turned into Otunga being booked against Santino in a match, which Otunga won.

Also, Long reminded Drew McIntyre that he might soon be fired. McIntyre lost again, this time against Ted DiBiase. Hunico (with Camacho) was on commentary for the match.

***

Other Stories

- On the Jan. 6 Smackdown, Hornswoggle was in an Over the Top Rope Challenge, which he won. Afterward, Slater attacked Hornswoggle, so Justin Gabriel run out for the save, hitting his 450 splash. The following week, Justin Gabriel defeated Heath Slater in a short match after Hornswoggle distracted Slater.

- On the Jan. 6 Smackdown, Epico & Primo (with Rosa Mendes) defeated Air Boom. Before the match, Rosa Mendes cut an inset promo in Spanish.

- On the Jan. 6 Smackdown, Tamina defeated Natalya in a short match. During their entrances, clips of their fathers were shown. The following week, Tamina defeated Natalya again.

- On the Jan. 13 Smackdown “Funkasaurus” Brodus Clay defeated Tyson Kidd in ten seconds in his Smackdown debut.

- The Teddy Long-Aksana segments continue. On the Jan. 6 Smackdown, Aksana spoke about loving to “hit on black,” referencing the upcoming Smackdown in Las Vegas. This was Week 23 of the storyline.

Current Feuds Active this Week (# weeks)

Smackdown

Big Show vs. Mark Henry (15)
Air Boom vs. Epico & Primo (w/ Rosa Mendes) (7)
Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show (5)
Sheamus vs. Jinder Mahal (5) / Wade Barrett (2)
Cody Rhodes vs. Dustin Rhodes (Goldust) (3)?
Ted DiBiase vs. Hunico (w/ Camacho) (2)

Feel free to email any comments to scannell.torch@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter @robinocracy for my thoughts on the pay-per-view and non-wrestling related things.

[Torch photo (c) PWTorch.com]

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