WWE Smackdown review
June 10, 2011
Taped 6/7/11 in Roanoke, Va.
Aired on SYFY
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist


- WWE Open.

- A video package aired of Christian turning on Randy Orton following last week’s main event, as well as some fan reaction to the moment. It was pretty short, all things considered.

- In the arena, Christian’s music hit, and he walked out. He was still smiling and laughing. Josh Mathews was the first voice we heard, saying that Christian will address what happened last week. Michael Cole chimed in to say that Randy Orton was not in the arena tonight. Christian picked up a mic and some fans began to boo. He said he was curious as to what kind of reaction he’d get tonight. He said if you cheered him, you “got it.” He said those who cheered him understand how he was screwed out of the title and screwed out of the #1 Contender’s spot. Christian said he was “justified” in what he did last week. More boos for that. He said looking at the crowd, he was convinced that some, or most, don’t get it. He officially turned heel by saying he was through with all of them. What about those who cheered him, the ones he addressed at the outset of his promo?

Christian said he never wanted to talk to his Peeps ever again. “You suck” chants from the fans. He did say there was one person he’d talk to tonight…Michael Cole. He asked Cole to come into the ring, as he’d love to talk to him tonight. Cole was elated at the invitation. Christian told Cole he only wanted one more match for the World Heavyweight Championship, and he felt he deserved one more match. He said he didn’t understand the people who supported him the past several years, those who blew up Twitter when he lost the World Title, are now more mad that he smashed Orton in the face with the World Title last week. Christian used the example of Bob in accounting, saying, do you think his boss gives him a promotion based on merit, or does he go to the street to ask a bunch of nobodies? He said that’s what Teddy Long did. Then he said the people have no right ruining something he worked so hard for.

Christian said he was also disrespected by Randy Orton. He said if Orton was a real man, he wouldn’t have accepted the match, since Christian was in a grueling contest just five days earlier. Christian told Cole to ask the people a question for him. He wanted Cole to ask them if Christian deserves to be World Champion. Cole did his “can I have your attention please?” line, then asked the question. Mostly boos. Christian said the fans are completely and utterly clueless. He promised he’d be World Champion again, and he’ll be doing it for himself. “Good talk Michael,” he said, then left to no music. A crawler on the bottom of the screen, imploring fans to let their voices be heard on Facebook on whether or not Christian was justified in his actions. The heel turn was okay, but I can’t help but think it would’ve been more awesome had Edge not been forced to retire and Christian had turned on Edge. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that would’ve been a much stronger angle.

- Wade Barrett and his Corre accomplices were walking backstage. They’ve got a six-man tag match next.

[Commercial Break]

1 – THE CORRE vs. THE USOS & EZEKIEL JACKSON

The announcers were shown on camera during Corre’s entrance, and Booker T. gave his thoughts on Christian’s new attitude. At Capitol Punishment, Jackson gets another shot at the IC Title when he faces Barrett. Mathews gave some background on the Usos, as I believe this is the first time they’ve teamed on Smackdown since being drafted from Raw. I think one of them may have lost in a squash match a few weeks ago. Jackson tossed Heath Slater around for a bit to start. Flying shoulder tackle by Jimmy Uso, as Slater backed himself into the corner to halt the onslaught. He tagged Justin Gabriel, who fell victim to an arm-drag. Jimmy danced, bringing back memories of his father Rikishi, before taking Gabriel down. Mathews called Gabriel “a self-proclaimed extremist.” But what does that mean? Jey missed a corner splash and Gabriel grabbed a headlock. Jey was sent out of the ring and Slater capitalized, slamming his head into the announce table. Josh talked about Corre finally being on the same page as they went to break at 3:21 of the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back at 8:26. Yes, we missed more than five minutes of the middle part of the match. I had no idea how much of the matches you miss until I started timing these out. Side slam by Barrett for two on one of the Usos. More work on Jey by Slater. Off the ropes, neckbreaker by Slater, and that got him a two-count at 9:56. Frequent tags by the Corre. Jey kicked Barrett when he put his head down prematurely, and Jackson tagged in. Barrett scurried to his corner and tagged Gabriel to avoid Jackson. He then tried to walk out, but Slater stopped him and yelled at him. Barrett continued his walk anyway. Bodyslam for Slater, then a double superkick by the Usos. Jackson then focused on the legal man, Gabriel, with a few bodyslams, which Booker called “slam city,” channeling Taz. Torture Rack for Gabriel, who submitted.

WINNERS: Jackson and The Usos, at 11:39. Just continuing to tease the break-up of Corre. Strange to see the Usos in a meaningful match, not to mention on the winning side.

- Long was backstage in his office on the phone. He seemed to be making bets on horses. Sheamus walked in on him and he pretended he was talking to his wife. Sheamus wanted a match with Christian tonight. Long told him he wasn’t going to get it, and Sheamus got pissed. He argued that Christian cost him the World Title last week. Long instead put Sheamus in a match with Orton, in a no-DQ match. I thought Orton wasn’t there? Or was he just not there yet for the opening promo?

[Commercial Break]

- Cole plugged WWE having 30 million fans on Facebook.com, at facebook.com/WWE.

- Slater and Gabriel were arguing with Barrett backstage. Barrett said that what he did out there helps all of them, but Gabriel said it really only helps Barrett. Barrett said those two would be nowhere without him. They wished him luck defending his title, because Corre is done. Gabriel and Slater then walked off.

2 – TRENT BARRETA vs. JINDER MAHAL

Mathews said Orton just arrived at the arena. Great Khali came to the ring with Mahal. Barreta shoved Mahal to start, but Mahal was having none of that. High back body-drop by Mahal. “USA” chants by the fans. Barreta flipped out of a suplex and gave an enziguiri to Mahal. Running back elbow in the corner by the former Dudebuster. He went to the toop, but Khali climbed the steps to distract him and Mahal pulled him off the ropes by his hair. Full nelson slam by Mahal to go to 2-0 in his WWE career.

WINNER: Mahal, at 1:29. Mahal has been pretty impressive in his limited time in the ring the first two weeks.

Khali grabbed Barreta after the match and applied the Khali vice grip. Boy, the way they’ve been heavily mic’ing the referees lately is kinda distracting, given how little we’ve heard them in the past.

- Jack Korpela was backstage with Smackdown’s newest Diva, AJ. Before she could say much about how it felt to be on the main roster, Tamina and Rosa Mendes walked up and handed her a box. AJ opened it and it was a piece of cheese. They said it was an apt gift for a little mouse like her. AJ said LayCool called and they want their gimmick back. Rosa said those were pretty strong words for someone who’s going at it alone tonight. Then Natalya walked up to give AJ some back-up and the heels left.

[Commercial Break]

3 – TAMINA vs. AJ

Tamina was already in the ring, and Rosa was with her. AJ came out to her new pop-ish theme music (which sounds like it could be sung by Miranda Cosgrove or Miley Cyrus), and Nattie seconded her. Back elbow by Tamina started the match. AJ’s offense didn’t get her far, and Tamina headbutted AJ. Slam by Tamina, then an arm-bar. Hair pull put AJ down as Booker was distracted by Rosa, who was standing in front of the announce table. AJ came back with a dropkick to the knee, then a running knee to the face. Tamina kicked out at two. Mathews talked about the team-building events that AJ, Nattie and Kaitlyn have been taking part in. Cross-body by AJ was caught by Tamina, who readied for her finisher, but AJ rolled her up out of nowhere for the win.

WINNER: AJ, at 2:02. AJ has some Mickie James in her as far as her pluckiness. She can be a good underdog for the Divas division, and I think the fans will really get behind her.

- Randy Orton was walking backstage. He’ll be out next.

[Commercial Break]

- The video package that opened the show played here prior to Orton’s entrance.

- Randy Orton entered the arena to the biggest pop of the night so far. He came to the ring and said he heard Christian was running his mouth before he arrived. He asked Christian to come to the ring to say whatever he has to say, to his face. Christian came on the TitanTron (from outside the arena, it appeared) and said Orton should ask the people what they want. He imitated Long polling the fans, and the fans wanted the confrontation. However, Christian didn’t. Orton told him to deal with this like a man. Christian again asked for one more match for the title. Orton said he doesn’t care what Christian wants. Christian reminded Orton that he could’ve counted Orton’s shoulders to the mat last week, but he doesn’t want to beat Sheamus for the title, he wants to beat Orton. He said Orton should be thanking him. Orton said he’s ready to beat Christian again right now. Christian faked like he was going to confront Orton, but said he’s done doing things on Orton’s terms, Long’s terms, and the Peep’s terms. He wanted a match for the World Title at Capitol Punishment. “You’re on,” said Orton, who promised the result will be the same. Christian got in his car and drove away. They had a match for the #1 contender a few weeks ago…why does Christian get to jump to the front of the line this time? Shouldn’t they find the #1 contender somehow again? And doesn’t Teddy Long have a say in who gets a title shot on a PPV on his brand?

- Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes were looking at Congressman Weiner’s…well, Weiner, on DiBiase’s cell phone backstage. “How can that man call himself ‘Weiner?’” Rhodes deadpanned hilariously. DiBiase talked about what a weirdo Cody has turned into. Rhodes called in one of his baggers, told him to put a bag on his head and to leave. Rhodes said his mask gave him premature enlightenment. He said he may be nuts, but he may be a genius too.

[Commercial Break]

4 – SIN CARA vs. TED DIBIASE

Rhodes and his baggers trailed behind DiBiase upon his entrance. The baggers handed out bags to the front row fans. Snap mare by Cara, then a springboard cross-body for two, thirty seconds in. Cara went flying again, taking DiBiase down with a wristlock. He seemed to botch a flip, but stayed on offense. DiBiase got his boot up in the corner and then kicked Cara again in the head. He set up for Dream Street but Cara countered. He went for a springboard move, but as he did, Rhodes pulled Cara’s leg out from under him, drawing the DQ.

WINNER: Cara, via disqualification, at 1:51. I like the DQ finish – Cara wasn’t going to lose to DiBiase, and Teddy can’t really afford another clean loss, especially now that he seems to be on the cusp of being relevant again.

DiBiase and Rhodes attacked after the match, and Daniel Bryan came out to make the save. Teddy Long came out and said if the four of them want to mix it up, he’s making this a tag team match. It’s coming up after break.

[Commercial Break]

5 – DANIEL BRYAN & SIN CARA vs. TED DIBIASE & CODY RHODES

Match was joined in progress. Rhodes was hesitant in coming into the ring to face Bryan. Cara surprised Rhodes after a tag with a springboard dropkick. Rhodes tossed Cara shoulder-first into the ring post. DiBiase tagged in to work the arm and shoulder of Cara. Cara attempted to apply a submission hold, but DiBiase escaped and the heels continued the beat-down. Single-arm DDT by Rhodes for a near-fall. Some heel double-teaming by the former Legacy members. Top wrist-lock by Rhodes, continuing to ground Cara. Cara tried to escape through Rhodes’ legs to make the tag. Rhodes grabbed him, but an enziguiri put both men down. They both made tags and Bryan got the best of DiBiase. Running dropkick in the corner, but only a two-count. He went ot the top and fended off Rhodes. Cara dove through the ropes onto Cody, and DiBiase met Bryan on the top. Bryan sent him down, then jumped on him. DiBiase caught him, but Bryan kept the momentum and ended up hooking on the LeBell lock for the submission win.

WINNERS: Cara and Bryan, 6:27 shown. Fine tag match. The more action Cara gets, the better for him in his future.

- Tonight, Orton vs. Sheamus in a no-DQ match. I’m surprised the lack of hype that one has gotten so far.

[Commercial Break]

- Johnny Curtis addressed the camera backstage. He said he’s not bitter at having only been on TV twice since winning NXT three months ago. But he did show what he had on his shoulder. It was a potato chip. He ate it. So he’s got a chip on his shoulder. These vignettes suck.

- The announcers talked about Andy winning Tough Enough, then they said Booker has been having strange dreams about Presidential press conferences. This was the one that involved R-Truth.

- Orton was backstage with Matt Striker. Striker asked if he could focus on the no-DQ match with Sheamus tonight. Orton said this is Sheamus’ kind of match, but he’s had some anger management issues in the past, so this match could be therapy for him.

- Sheamus made his entrance for the main event. It’s next.

[Commercial Break]

6 – SHEAMUS vs. RANDY ORTON – NO-DISQUALIFICATION MATCH

Sheamus took the fight to Orton in the corner once the bell rang. Elbows to the back of the head of the champion, then a forearm to the chest. Thesz Press by Orton to turn things around. He threw Sheamus already out of the ring, and Sheamus was already sporting a nice big red spot on his back. He was whipped into the barricades, then clotheslined. Back heel trip by Orton back in the ring, followed up by a missed knee drop. Sheamus soaked in the jeers as he waited for Orton to get to his feet. He went for a diving shoulder tackle, but Orton dropkicked him to ringside. Orton was limping as he retrieved Sheamus and continued battering his foe into the barricades, then head-first into the steel steps. He tried to step on Sheamus’ head when it was on the steel steps, but Sheamus pulled Orton’s leg, sending Orton face-first into the steps. Sheamus tried to recover while Orton was down as they went to break under 4:20 into the contest.

[Commercial Break]

Sheamus held Orton at bay in the ring just over 8:00 into the match as the show returned. Two-count registered at 8:45. Back to the rest-hold went Sheamus. The slingshot shoulderblock connected on the second try, and the Irishman got a two-count. Back suplex by Orton, and both men were down at the 11:00 mark. Orton slithjered into position for an RKO, but it was just a tease. After all, he didn’t hit all of his signature moves yet! The two men went toe-to-toe with rights in the middle of the ring. Orton got the best of it, but Sheamus countered the Orton DDT and back-dropped him to ringside. Orton was thrown into the ringsteps. Sheamus dropped the steps over the lower back of Orton. He shoved Orton back into the ring at 13:44. The steps were placed into the ring as well, but Orton caught Sheamus with his unique back-breaker (that brought Sheamus down across his injured lower back) for two. He didn’t even sell the back. Orton put the steps into position, but Sheamus pulled him head-first into the middle turnbuckle.

Sheamus tried to slam Orton onto the steps, but Orton instead gave Sheamus a released powerslam onto the steps. That looked dangerous. Orton took his time to make the cover, allowing Sheamus time to kick out at two. At 16:00, Sheamus fought back once again. Irish Curse back-breaker for two at 16:24. Sheamus went to ringside and pulled a Kendo stick from underneath the ring. He belted Orton a few times with it in the upper torso, then in the head. Only a two-count. Crowd chanted “Randy” to try to get him back into the match. “In this business, there are a lot of sick, sick individuals,” said Booker. How right he is. Sheamus ended up with his foot tied up between the middle and top rope. Orton spied the Kendo stick and smiled. He clobbered Sheamus with it over and over again. Rope-assisted DDT by Orton at 19:08. As he readied for the RKO, Christian came from out of nowhere and attempted the Killswitch. He couldn’t connect and escaped the ring to allow Sheamus to double axe-handle Orton in the face. Still only a two count. Christian stayed at ringside. Sheamus set up for the High Cross, but Otron countered. He dodged the Brogue Kick and nailed the RKO. Christian came in and knocked Orton out with the World Title. Sheamus crawled over and made the cover for the three-count.

WINNER: Sheamus, at 21:14.

Christian held the title over a fallen Orton as the logo popped up on the screen and the show closed out.


What do you think? If you saw this show, we invite you to send your thoughts. Send your name, hometown, a 0-10 score rating the quality of the show, your picks for best and worst segments, and then a brief paragraph of thoughts on the show that we can publish in the Reader Reax segment later tonight or tomorrow. Send to pwtorch@gmail.com.

Greg Parks has been covering WWE Smackdown for PWTorch.com since January of 2007. His audio show, “Gonzo and The Greg,” is available for download on the Torch VIP page. Give it a listen! Comments, questions and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_man9784@yahoo.com.

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