WWE Smackdown Storyline Tracker
By Robin Scannell, PWTorch Specialist

Episodes - MITB PPV build-up

(1) World Title Picture

On the June 22 edition of Smackdown, in a great re-match from No Way Out, Sheamus defeated Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrrero).

The following week, after Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio earned a Triple Threat match with Sheamus on Raw. Dolph Ziggler was trying to get Vickie to ban Sheamus’s and Alberto Del Rio’s finishing moves. Vickie was very reluctant, as she really wants to be the permanent GM for Raw and Smackdown and so doesn’t want to do anything to jeopardise that. Ziggler began shouting at Guerrero, asking if this was about her, and not him, who has been doing this for six long years, stealing the show, and not getting rewarded. Ziggler then said that he’s not asking her, he’s telling her. Vickie slapped Ziggler. Ziggler asked her to promise to raise his hand when he wins the title tonight, and she agreed.

Reax: I really like the relationship between Ziggler and Vickie. If Vickie is put into the GM role, something I’m not opposed to, it allows for a babyface Ziggler to feud with Vickie.

Backstage, Sheamus said he wasn’t worried about his Triple Threat match, and looking forward, he could get ambushed by the MITB winner at any timer, or even get hit by a car driver by Lindsay Lohan. Sheamus said he’ll prove he’s better than Del Rio and Ziggler, and he said he doesn’t worry, he just kicks ass.

Before the main event, Del Rio spoke about not having a one-on-one match, and having to complete in a horrible, filthy, little town. Del Rio was about to explain why he was going to be victorious, when Vickie Guerrero interrupted him to introduce Dolph Ziggler.

Sheamus defeated Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio to retain the World Title after he broke up a pinfall by hitting a Brogue Kick on Ziggler, threw Del Rio out of the ring and then covered Ziggler.

On the July 3 edition of Smackdown, Alberto Del Rio talked about celebrating himself, not America. Del Rio said he’d send Sheamus back to Ireland crying like a little girl. He said people like Sheamus so much because he’s like them, a common peasant and a hooligan.

Del Rio then said he came to the U.S. legally, and that the audience makes him sick, and that is why he wants to send all of the audience back to the place where they belong. Del Rio began asking for people’s papers. One apparently planted fan said, “This is not Arizona; this is Texas!”

Sheamus then came out and he and Del Rio fought. Ricardo’s interference allowed Del Rio to hit a kick to Sheamus’s head. Then, Ricardo opened the hood of the car, and Del Rio slammed it down repeatedly onto Sheamus. After the commercial break, a bloodied Sheamus was being helped to the back.

The July 13 edition of Zackdown began with Zack Ryder coming out to the ring and getting everyone in the arena to fist pump. Alberto Del Rio then interrupted saying that Ryder is a stupid clown. Ryder announced Del Rio’s opponent as someone who wants to get his hands on him. In the match that followed, Del Rio defeated Sin Cara.

Backstage, Ryder was telling Sheamus that he couldn’t mix it up with Del Rio tonight as he has a show to run. Jericho then walked up; expressing his disbelief at Ryder being the GM, then Ryder booked the two in a match.

In the main event, Sheamus defeated Chris Jericho with the Brogue Kick in the main event. After the match, Sheamus, on the stage, was distracted by Del Rio’s car, which allowed Del Rio to attacked Sheamus from behind. Del Rio then locked in the Cross-Arm Breaker off the stage to end Smackdown.

***

(2) WWE Title Picture

On the June 22 edition of Smackdown, Kane defeated Daniel Bryan with A.J. as the special guest time keeper. During the match, A.J. rang the bell when Bryan had Kane in the “Yes!” Lock. The ref then restarted the match, as Kane didn’t tap out, and Kane managed to get the win from a chokeslam. A.J. smiled at ringside.

The following week, Smackdown opened with Layla vs. A.J. Daniel Bryan came out during the match, shouting “Yes!” which distracted A.J. enough so that Layla could take advantage and score the pinfall from a roll up. After the match, Bryan climbed up onto the apron, and A.J. then started attacking Layla. Bryan told A.J. to calm down and then entered the ring. Bryan said that it wasn’t fun to be distracted in the middle of the match. Bryan said that he needs to talk to Vickie Guerrero, and he wants A.J. to hear it. Bryan started shouting “Yes!” when Vickie Guerrero didn’t come out, and then A.J. starting shouting it too, which made Bryan stop.

Back from commercial, Bryan and A.J. were duelling chants of “Yes” back and forth. Vickie then came to the ring, and asked what Bryan wanted. Brian spoke about being the number one contender, and praised Vickie working so quickly to get him his title match. Brain said he wants to see her as the GM on a permanent basis. Brian said that he wanted A.J. banned from ringside. However, Vickie revealed that the Board of Directors had a poll on WWE.com to determine A.J.’s role, and it was decided that A.J. would be the special guest referee. A.J. began chanting “Yes!” and left the ring. Then, Bryan then began shouting “No!” as he walked to the back.

Backstage, Bryan knocked on the Divas’ locker room, looking for A.J. Kaitlyn said that A.J. wasn’t there, and suggested that he get on A.J.’s good side as she’s a little mentally unstable.

Later, backstage, A.J. was talking to herself about being the Special Guest Referee. Bryan then walked up and said he was worried about A.J. He recommended a doctor, and asked if she wanted his number. A.J. chanted “Yes!” and skipped away, still chanting.

The, on the July 3 edition of Smackdown, Michael Cole interviewed A.J. in the ring. Cole asked A.J. about what she was thinking when she pushed Punk and Bryan through the table on Raw. Cole said that switched allegiances on a dime and that’s why he thinks the Board of Directors have made a mistake in naming her the special guest referee in the WWE Title match. Cole called her a troubled little girl.

He then started to come on to A.J., asking her if she’s ever thought of perusing a real man, a man with power, influence, fame, and fortune.

Reax: Creepy.

Daniel Bryan then came to the ring, and insulted Cole. Bryan then sucked up to A.J., and said he knows she’s taking her role seriously and that she’ll do an excellent job. Bryan said he knew that she just meant for Punk to go through the table, and forgave her.

C.M. Punk then came to the ring, and demanded Cole get out of the ring. Punk said he’s going to be honest, and told A.J. that she’s in a bad place mentally, and apologized for not acting sooner. Punk said that she’s a sweet girl and deserves better.

Bryan said that Punk doesn’t care about A.J., all he cares about is her as their referee as he needs her to beat him. A.J. then kissed Bryan, and Punk, rejected, walked out of the ring. Then, A.J. ran to him and kidded him, too. A.J. then skipped up the ramp as Punk and Bryan looked confused.

***

(3) General Managers

On the June 22 edition of Smackdown, backstage, Mick Foley was talking to Yoshi Tatsu, when Vickie Guerrero walked up and insulted Yoshi Tatsu. Vickie said that she was the GM next week, and that she’ll consider making him her assistant, if he doesn’t behave. Foley wasn’t upset, but looked forward to the possibility. Foley then suggested Great Khali as her assistant... and Khali appeared, dancing to his music.

Later, Mick Foley came out to the ring and talked about Laurinaitis being fired. Heath Slater then came out and talked about Cyndi Lauper and Roddy Piper embarrassing him on Raw. Foley said he doesn’t need to be embarrassed about that, and then introduced Slater’s opponent, Zack Ryder. Zack Ryder defeated Heath Slater in a short match.

Backstage, Foley and Ryder walked into Damien Sandow. Sandow then appeared and insulted them both, calling Ryder the world’s leading miscreant. Sandow ended with “you’re welcome,” and Foley said “have a nice day!”

On the July 3 live edition of Smackdown, there was a party backstage celebrating The Great American Bash. Teddy Long said that Eve would be cleaning up all of the mess. Santino Marella tried to light the barbeque grill, but couldn’t. Kane then appeared and raised and lowered his arms, lighting the grill. Later, Heath Slater sang badly and people threw things at him. Then, Brodus Clay appeared with his dancers, and everyone danced.

Later, Truth and Long were talking about the party and Little Jimmy, when Damien Sandow appeared, and unplugged the music. Ryder said that everyone’s just trying to have a good time. Sandow said he is not, in any way, Ryder’s “brother,” and he ended up attacking Ryder. Ryder went to throw the punch over Sandow, but he dodged it and it covered Eve, who cried and then screamed, before storming off.

Sheamus was not able to participate in the Battle Royal due to his injuries from Del Rio. In the main event, The Great American Bash Battle Royal, Zack Ryder threw out Kane to become the GM of Smackdown, or rather Zackdown, the following week.

***

(4) Tag Title Picture

On the June 22 edition of Smackdown, The Prime Time Players (with A.W.) defeated The Usos in a tag match after A.W. caused a distraction. Backstage, Primo & Epico (with Rosa Mendes) attacked A.W., Darren Young & Titus O’Neil until referees pulled them apart.

On the July 13 edition of Smackdown, Primo (with Rosa Mendes & Epico) defeated Darren Young (with A.W. & Titus O’Neil) with an inside cradle.

***

(5) World Title Money in the Bank Match

On the June 22 edition of Smackdown, Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez) defeated Christian after distraction from Ricardo allowed Del Rio to take advantage and hit an enziguri and then his Cross Arm-Breaker for the win. After the match, Cody Rhodes came out and attacked Christian. Rhodes shouted over Christian that he was stealing his time.

The following week, Vickie praised the Board of Directors decision of A.J. in the WWE Title match, despite her having a great dislike for A.J. After, she spoke of the Board approving her idea. Vickie then announced that the World Title Money in the Bank match was for everyone and that they would have qualifying matches over the next two weeks.

The first match was Zack Ryder vs. Damien Sandow. Sandow spoke about helping the audience and helping Zack Ryder, the WWE’s official ambassador of ignorance, mediocrity, and stupidity. Sandow said he would ensure that the audience would soon have a World Champion to shepherd them all towards the enlightenment they all yearn for. Sandow defeated Ryder in a short match.

Then, Tyson Kidd defeated Jack Swagger. Santino Marella and Christian defeated Cody Rhodes and David Otunga in a tag match to qualify for the MITB match. Then, Tensai defeated Justin Gabriel to qualify.

Reax: I really think WWE could just make a move and push Sandow, giving him the briefcase. As for Tyson Kidd, he didn’t have an entrance and this was a good idea, as it didn’t tip off the audience that something strange was going on, and that he might win. It really helped to sell the match as an upset. What’s more is that the audience has a reason to react, as there was something at stake in the match.

Meanwhile, the announcers continue to sell the idea that Jack Swagger just can’t get a win. I’m very interested to see if they have a plan for him, going forward.

The following week, backstage, Cody Rhodes told Teddy Long that he had been granted another qualifying match for MITB, presumably as Otunga was the one who was pinned, and not Rhodes. Long said that he had heard and announced his opponent as Christian. In the match that followed, Rhodes managed to clearly win, beating Christian for the first time since their feud began. Additionally, Dolph Ziggler defeated Alex Riley in a Money in the Bank qualification match.

On the July 13 edition of Smackdown, Damien Sandow defeated Justin Gabriel, in a short match.

On the July 13 edition of Smackdown, Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrero) and Cody Rhodes defeated Christian and Santino Marella, with Ziggler getting the pinfall over Santino for the victory.

***

(6) WWE Title Money in the Bank Match

On June 22, Smackdown opened with Teddy Long announcing, from the stage, that John Laurinaitis was fired and Mick Foley was tonight’s GM. Big Show’s music ended up interrupting him, and Show walked to the ring.

Show said he didn’t care about Laurinaitis getting fired. He said that he didn’t care about anyone but himself. Show congratulated Cena for escaping the cage with the help of five of his cronies. Show said that in a one on one fight, a fair fight, he would crush John Cena.

Show then threw his hat into the ring regarding entering the Money in the Bank match. Show said that no man, no five men, could stop him from winning the match. He said that nothing will stop him from winning the title when he cashes in the contract, and that he’s winning the WWE Championship for him.

Brodus Clay then came out and walked to the ring, he entered the ring, and Show attacked him. Clay managed to hit a headbutt on Show though. However, David Otunga then showed up, attacking Clay’s taped knee. Show ended up hitting the WMD on Clay.

Show left and Otunga started talking about Clay’s “momma,” that he should call her to tell her Brodus has fallen and can’t get up. Otunga then danced to Clay’s music.

On the July 13 edition of Smackdown, Teddy Long praised Ryder as GM. Big Show disagreed, suggesting he might knock out Ryder and take over as GM. Great Khali then put his hand on Show’s shoulder, and Ryder announced Khali as Show’s opponent. Later in the show, Big Show defeated Great Khali in less than a minute.

***

(7) Ryback squash matches continue

On the June 22 edition of Smackdown, Ryback squashed Frank Venezia and Jared Watchler in a short match. The following week, Ryback squashed Dan Barone and Brendan Burke after they rapped.

On the July 3 edition of Smackdown, Tyler Reks said he and Curt Hawkins flipped a coin to determine who would face Ryback. Curt Hawkins won the coin toss, but ended up losing the match to Ryback. The following week, Tyler Reks said he would hand Ryback his first loss. However, Ryback won the match, to continue his undefeated streak.

Other Stories

- On the June 22 edition of Smackdown, Santino Marella came to the ring and the best sign in the audience was selected, a sign that said “I heart Santino” was chosen. Their cobras then kissed, and then the women kissed Santino too.

- On the June 29 edition of Smackdown, Teddy Long told Aksana and Antonio Cesaro that he would be the GM next week and he put them in a mixed tag team match for them. In the match that took place the next week, Layla and The Great Khali defeated Aksana and Antonio Cesaro, with Layla scoring the pinfall over Aksana.

- On the July 3 edition of Smackdown, Santino, Sgt. Slaughter, and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan defeated Drew McIntyre, Camacho, and Hunico in a short match.

Current Feuds Active this Week (# weeks)

Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio (15)
C.M. Punk vs. Daniel Bryan (11)
Christian vs. Cody Rhodes (8)

Email any comments to scannell.torch@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter @robinocracy for my thoughts on Money in the Bank and Raw.

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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