WWE Smackdown review
July 15, 2011
Taped 7/12/11 in Uncasville, Conn.
Aired on SYFY
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist


- WWE Open.

- Smackdown Open.

- After fireworks exploded inside the arena, Booker T. plugged the scheduled main event, Kane vs. Randy Orton.

- Michael Cole added that Teddy Long has given Ted DiBiase a shot at the Intercontinental Championship tonight, by virtue of him pinning the champion, Ezekiel Jackson, in a tag match last week.

- Josh Mathews was in the ring, and he introduced Randy Orton. Mathews asked Orton about the stipulation Christian had put in his contract for the title match at MITB and whether or not he can control his temper during the match to make sure he doesn’t get disqualified. Orton assured Mathews that he won’t get DQ’d. He said he has shown there’s more than one way to beat Christian, and that Christian knows he can’t win, so he’s in desperation mode with these stipulations. Christian interrupted on the TitanTron and said his lawyers forced him to put those stips in the contract, and if it were up to him, he and Orton would tear it up in the ring. He said he got Orton a gift, and it was a big, framed picture of Christian holding the World Title over a fallen Orton (from when Christian belted Orton with the….well…belt). Christian suggested Orton look at it before their match on Sunday, knowing that’s exactly how things will end after their match.

Orton said he expected more from Christian, and that this was borderline pathetic. Christian said a lot of things are pathetic, like Orton’s family for instance. He made fun of Randy’s dad, who he called “a glorified sidekick.” Christian said that yeah, he’s in the Hall-of-Fame, but there’s a wing reserved for guys like Steve Austin and Bret Hart, but Randy’s dad is in the wing with Drew Carey and Bob Uecker, calling that wing “a complete joke.” Surprised Vince McMahon signed off on that language. Orton asked Christian to come out and repeat all of that to his face. Christian said he’ll come to the ring…after he wins the title on Sunday, he’ll tell the fans what a pathetic champion Orton was. Orton got fired up and called Christian “a pathetic excuse for a man.” Orton countered that after Sunday, Christian will be known as a whiny, bitchy, flash-in-the-pan, who will be known for being his best friend’s sidekick and a guy who held the title for only five days. “That’s pathetic.” Then Orton’s music played as the announcers at ringside discussed the segment and the match at Money in the Bank. Mathews transitioned into talking about Mark Henry vs. Big Show.

- The Mark Henry hype video aired.

- Tonight, Henry and Big Show will have a face-off. That’s quite vague.

[Commercial Break]

- Cole plugged WWE.com/videos, where you can search for your favorite videos on WWE’s website.

- Ring announcer Eden Stiles (with chyron) was shown announcing the next match is for the Intercontinental Title. I wonder if this means she’s being promoted from NXT (and Tony Chimel is SOL).

1 – EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. TED DIBIASE – INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

DiBiase came out sans Cody Rhodes, who was backstage preparing for his match with Daniel Bryan later tonight, according to Mathews. Jackson used his power to pepper DiBiase with shots in the corner, then bealed him to the middle of the ring. Clothesline over the top by Jackson as DiBiase attempted to recover at ringside. Jackson didn’t give him time to do so, but DiBiase countered Jackson and rammed him back-first into the ring post. Rhodes was shown watching on a monitor backstage. Cover inside the ring for two at 1:22 of the match. Some really light kicks by DiBiase in the corner, but Zeke was drop toe-held in the corner. Russian leg-sweep for two, then a rear chinlock. Jackson shot back with a hard clothesline. Jackson shrugged off Dream Street and slammed DiBiase. Booker said Jackson was readying for “that big slam ride.” Another counter to Dream Street, then he applied the Torture Rack. Referee Nunzio rang the bell following DiBiase’s submission.

WINNER: Jackson, at 3:45. Nothing much worthwhile here, but they did give the sense that DiBiase could win the match.

- Tonight, for the first time ever, Sin Cara vs. Sheamus.

- Also, Randy Orton takes on Kane tonight. You think Orton could’ve mentioned it in his opening promo. By him not making it seem like a big deal, the fans are conditioned to not really think it’s a big deal and worth tuning in for.

- Next, Cody Rhodes vs. Daniel Bryan.

[Commercial Break]

- They showed the inside of the Mohegan Sun casino as Mathews talked about Edge appearing on SyFy’s “Haven.”

- A distraught DiBiase made his way backstage when he came up to Rhodes. “Cody, I tried,” DiBiase told him. Rhodes told him to put on the paper bag, because the bag is for losers. Rhodes snapped it away at the last second and said he’s going to give DiBiase one last chance. He said if DiBiase loses one more match, he’ll personally put the bag over DiBiase’s head. Rhodes grabbed a production assistant who was walking by and placed the bag on his head. He just stood there as the camera stayed with the shot for way too long – why would the dude just stand there with the bag on his head? And what’s Rhodes’ motivation for helping DiBiase in this partnership?

- Daniel Bryan came to the ring for his match. A graphic of the Smackdown MITB match was put on screen, then we got a short video package on the Rhodes vs. Bryan feud.

2 – DANIEL BRYAN vs. CODY RHODES

Rhodes set Bryan up for the Alabama Slam early on, but Bryan slipped out and attempted the LeBell Lock to no avail. Bryan stuck Rhodes in between the ropes and kicked him. Cole put on the paper bag that Booker was given, then imitated his announcing with the bag on his head. Okay, I got a cheap chuckle out of that one. The fight went to the outside with Cole still ranting about Booker, so not even a comment on the match as they went to break. That was terrible.

[Commercial Break]

Back with a front suplex by Rhodes on Bryan. Bryan avoided knee-lift and rolled Rhodes up for two. Rhodes quickly went back on offense with a stomp to the face. Half-crab by Rhodes. Bryan fired back with uppercuts and a flying clothesline at 7:35 of the contest. Jaw-breaker and a flying leg lariat for two at 8:02. Rhodes came back with an Alabama Slam (with some in the audience behind Rhodes) for two. The men traded counters and Bryan hooked in the LeBell Lock in the ropes. To the top he went, and landed a missile dropkick. He crawled over to make the cover and got two at 9:51. Bryan got crotched on the top rope and Rhodes landed a springboard kick, knocking him to the mat. He picked up the pinfall win with it.

WINNER: Rhodes, at 10:46. Something seemed to be missing in this match, but I liked the finishing sequence.

- Teddy Long was talking on the phone backstage, talking about someone protecting him upon entering the arena. Referee Justin King walked in and Long told him to relay the message to Big Show and Henry that if they put their hands on each other tonight, their match at the PPV will be canceled. Long went back to the phone, saying they would hit the craps table, blackjack and slots after the show. Kane barged in, putting a stop to that discussion. He thanked Long for honoring his request for a match with Orton tonight. He told Long something was wrong with him…he feels more like a human than a monster, and demanded to know what was happening. That’s why he wanted the match with the best tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- Jinder Mahal and Great Khali were doing a photo shoot backstage. What’s with backstage segments beginning with photo shoots these days? Things were going well until the photographer tried to tell Khali what to do. Mahal grabbed him and began shaking him, saying Khali only listens to him and that his face is the only one that matters.

- Christian was admiring Orton’s private bus backstage. He went to the other side and found that it someone wrote “Orton sux! Christian- Uncrowned World Champion” and something about Teddy Long that they didn’t fully show. Christian feigned being upset about this and said he’d launch his own investigation to find out who did this. Oh, there’s the thing about Teddy: “Teddy Long = Moron.”

- Sheamus and Sin Cara came out for their match. Wade Barrett was on commentary. The bout begins after break.

[Commercial Break]

3 – SHEAMUS vs. SIN CARA

Springboard hurricanrana by Cara, who attacked Sheamus with kicks. Dropkick by Cara, followed by more body blows. Barrett admitted that the Corre was the worst decision of his life. At least he’ll admit it. Cara flipped off the top and took Sheamus down with a wrist-lock. Forearm smash by Sheamus. Barrett questioned the integrity of Booker T’s fave-five. Uh-oh. Back elbow by Cara, then headscissors take-down, which didn’t have much effect on Sheamus, as he went back on offense. He clubbed Cara over the chest with forearms. Take-down by Sheamus, who locked in a cravat. Sheamus went for a Brogue Kick at 4:28, but missed, tangled himself in the ropes and fell to ringside, possibly tweaking his knee. Sheamus came back in but was dropkicked by Cara. Sheamus caught Cara on a springboard cross-body attempt, and slammed him back-first in the corner. Fallaway slam followed. High cross attempt by Sheamus, but Cara turned it into a roll-up for the win.

WINNER: Cara, at 5:58. Good win for Cara after suffering his first loss at the hands of Christian a few weeks back.

After the match, Wade Barrett entered the ring and gave his Wasteland finisher to Sheamus.

- Christian was inside the Mohegan Sun casino. He had a wallet that he said he found backstage…and it was Randy Orton’s. Christian went through it and found credit cards, a pic of Orton’s wife, and some cash. Christian said he’d make Orton some extra cash tonight, which he’ll need after Christian takes the title from him Sunday and Orton is forced into anger management. Or, he suggested putting it toward his daughter’s college fund, as if she takes after her father, she won’t be getting a scholarship. Christian sat down at a roulette wheel and put it all on one. He made some small talk with the other people at the table, and the ball landed on 20. Christian asked if the game was rigged, then said Orton’s luck just ran out.

[Commercial Break]

- Teddy Long was in the ring for the Big Show – Mark Henry face-off. He called it a forum where the men can say whatever is on their minds. That shouldn’t take long. Teddy also warned of the no-touching policy for tonight. If George Bluth could abide by it, these two probably can too. Big Show came to the ring first, then Mark Henry walked onto the stage. He had a mic and said that’s as far as he’s going, since people know what happens when he loses his temper. Show threatened to chokeslam him and Henry said he won’t be chokeslamming anyone. He said Show will be in hell on Sunday. He cued up a clip of Show viciously attacking Henry a month ago. Presented with that evidence, Show admitted that what he did changed Henry and the WWE. He said for 15 years, the WWE Universe has been waiting for Henry to wake up. He said he’s the wrong target for Henry’s ire – he started it and he can put it out. Henry said big isn’t better, stronger, meaner and better is better. Show pondered that for a few beats, then Henry started up again, saying Show has no idea what he’s capable of. Show yelled that Henry doesn’t know what he’s capable of either and challenged Henry for right now. Long warned of fining the two men and cancelling their match. He said this Sunday, God will sort it out. What does that mean in this context?

- Still to come, Randy Orton vs. Kane.

[Commercial Break]

4 – ROSA MENDES vs. KELLY KELLY

It’s strange seeing the Divas Champion on Smackdown since, for whatever reason, that title hasn’t been one to go from brand-to-brand like the tag titles. Mendes was already in the ring, seconded by Alicia Fox. Kelly leapt on Rosa’s shoulders and went for a roll-up. Rosa tripped Kelly in the ropes, then did a few awful punches. She stretched the arm and shoulders of Kelly at :37 of the match. Kelly came back and hit a neck-breaker. Mathews gave some background on Mendes before Kelly gave the stinkface. Kelly countered a neck-breaker with her K2 legdrop finisher.

WINNER: Kelly, at 1:49. Gives Kelly some more momentum going into the PPV, and showing off the champion to the Smackdown brand is not a bad idea.

- Johnny Curtis was backstage. He said he will be making his debut sooner rather than later, and now the cat is out of the bag. But instead of a cat, he pulled a stuffed elephant out. He yelled at a guy off-camera, and asked where the cat was. The guy, a poor Ralphus imitation, said the cat bit him. Curtis said “the elephant in the room” gag was for next week. He then angrily tore the head off the stuffed animal. Well, at least it was different.

- Orton vs. Kane is the main event tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- The announcers discussed the MITB card., and also showed a MITB video package in the middle of it.

- Backstage, in front of a yellow backdrop, Christian discussed Randy Orton’s acting chops and plugged Orton’s WWE Films movie. Christian presented a cut scene from the DVD. Christian stopped it in the middle of a scene and stood in front of the green screen that was showing the film. He said “That’s What I Am” was supposed to be a 60s film, yet they cast a caveman in Orton. He then said Orton is a bad actor. Back to Christian in front of the back-drop, he sarcastically wondered why that scene was cut, then wished Orton luck against Kane.

[Commercial Break]

5 – JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. HEATH SLATER

Before coming to the ring, Slater cut a promo talking about how the two of them were on top of the tag team division. He accused Gabriel of dropping the ball lately. His voice is awful and actually sounds a little like Jeff Jarrett. Slater said MITB is his time to shine and then finished by saying he’s the One Man Rock Band.

The guys did some nice chain wrestling to start, as Mathews talked about Gabriel wrestling in his home country of South Africa on a recent WWE tour. Shoulder knock-down by Gabriel, who then landed on his feet on an attempted hip-toss by Slater. Slater came back and grounded Gabriel with a rear chinlock. Nice back kick by Gabriel. He avoided a Slater corner splash, then went up for his 450 splash. Instead, Slater went to the middle rope and back-dropped Gabriel off. Slater then missed a moonsault and Gabriel did the 450 for the finish.

WINNER: Gabriel, at 2:55. Not as bad as I expected, and Gabriel especially looked good, showing nice athleticism.

- Kane and Randy Orton were shown in a split screen, walking backstage. Their match is next.

[Commercial Break]

- They showed a graphic of John Cena vs. CM Punk, and then Mathews threw it to a video package of the feud, including several clips from this past week’s Raw.

6 - KANE vs. RANDY ORTON

Orton fed right hands to Kane in the corner, but Kane came back with open uppercuts. Big boot put Orton down, then two corner clotheslines wobbled him more. Sidewalk slam by Kane as Christian walked onto the stage in the arena. Flying clothesline from the Big Red Monster. He signaled for a chokeslam just over 1:00 in. He locked it on, but Orton escaped. Orton failed to knock Kane down after two clotheslines, but a scoop slam did the trick. He tried his draping DDT and hit it. Orton set up for the RKO but Kane pushed him off. Orton noticed Christian and was clotheslined out of the ring by Kane. Both men spilled to the floor. Kane rolled in and Orton chased after Christian. At nine, Orton noticed he was going to get counted out. Christian dumped a water bottle over Orton’s back and then fled through the crowd.

WINNER: Kane, via count-out, at 2:56.

Christian ran back to ringside, chased by Orton into the ring. Kane punched Orton and it appeared he and Christian were working together. However, Kane began to advance on Christian, who exited the ring. RKO for Kane, followed by a Spear to Orton. Christian grabbed he title and a chair from ringside. Christian tried to use the chair, but was kicked in the gut by Orton. Christian left the ring, leaving Orton with the chair. He was fuming, and took the chair to Kane’s back several times. Christian gave a little smirk to Orton from the top of the ramp as the crowd chanted “Randy.” Close up on Orton’s mug and we’re 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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