WWE Smackdown review
Dec. 9, 2011
Taped 12/6/11 in Jacksonville, Fla.
Aired on SYFY
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist


- WWE Open.

- Cold open to Referees and medics checking on a fallen Booker T. at ringside. A ladder was in the aisle, as was Cody Rhodes, grinning from ear-to-ear. Josh Mathews and Michael Cole spoke somberly of what happened. Then they showed what happened “moments ago,” as Rhodes attacked Booker as he made his way to ringside to join the commentators for the show. Booker was helped to the back as Rhodes stayed at ringside. Mathews and Cole tried to get things back on track.

- Tony Chimel introduced ring announcer Lillian Garcia. I wonder how Chimel feels about having to make that announcement. As Garcia, already in the ring, said it felt great to be back, Cody interrupted her. He was standing on the announce table. Rhodes said no one cares Garcia is back, as no one even noticed she was gone. After continuing to put down Lillian and Booker, Rhodes joined the announce team for the next match.

1 – WADE BARRETT vs. EZEKIEL JACKSON – BEAT THE CLOCK CHALLENGE

Mathews explained that Barrett and Randy Orton would get Beat the Clock Challenge matches tonight. Whichever man wins his in the quickest time will get to decide the stipulation for their match at TLC. The options are tables match, ladder match, or chairs match. Shoulder knock-down for a near-fall by Jackson. Cole noted that if Jackson wins tonight, Orton will only have to win his match later, regardless of the time. Barrett was sent to ringside just over a minute in. Barrett turned the tide and sent Jackson shoulder-first into the ringpost. Cole and Rhodes teamed up against Mathews on commentary. After a chinlock and a pump-handle slam, Barrett got a two-count. They went to break at 3:18 of the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back at 6:14. Jackson came back with his bodyslam drill, then tried the Torture Rack. Barrett countered and went for Wasteland. Jackson got out and Barrett connected on the Boss Man Slam for the win.

WINNER: Barrett, at 7:53. The announcers were too busy putting down Booker T. and talking about Barrett vs. Orton to really touch on the past these two men had together.

Barrett got the mic. He said the Barrett Barrage will take him to the World Title, with only Randy Orton standing in his way. He said Orton always had a psychological advantage over his opponents, but not this time. The only voice Orton hears in his head now, Barrett said, is his. He said tonight, Orton will be out of time. Solid mic work there.

- They showed a graphic of Orton having to beat the time of 7:53. Then they replayed the finish of the previous match.

- Orton takes on Dolph Ziggler tonight. Hmmm…the opponents for Barrett and Orton are not exactly equal.

- A titanic confrontation (WWE’s words, not mine) will take place between Big Show and Mark Henry tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- Cole thanked Kasabian for providing the theme to TLC.

- A graphic showed Kevin Nash vs. Triple H at TLC, with a sledgehammer atop a ladder.

- David Otunga complained to Teddy Long about being placed in a Street Fight against Orton last week. He said Mick Foley overstepped his bounds by placing him in a match on Smackdown, even though he’s a Raw superstar. He’d have a case if Raw wrestlers hardly ever appeared on Smackdown. Otunga wanted the loss expunged from his record. Long said since Otunga is on Smackdown, he’s subject to the Smackdown GM’s (or host’s) rulings, and Long said he wanted to show people how creative he can be tonight. He put Otunga in a match with Sheamus.

- In the ring, Josh Mathews introduced Daniel Bryan. They showed clips of Henry vs. Bryan last week. Mathews asked Bryan about being “physically brutalized” last week. He said it was painful, but what was more painful was the disappointment of letting everyone down. He said being the World Champ has always been his dream, but he let it slide through his fingers. Michael Cole interrupted saying, “enough! Enough!” Cole called Bryan a loser and Bryan told him to shut the hell up. Bryan said he doesn’t know why Cole doesn’t respect him, but Cole said he can’t respect someone whining about why he didn’t win last week. He said Bryan never earned a title opportunity. He reminded Cole that he made Cole’s new broadcast colleague tap out to earn the shot. Cole suggested Bryan simply “go away.” Bryan stepped down and wanted to make Cole tap out and go away. Before he could put his hands on Cole, Rhodes attacked Bryan. Referees had to restrain Rhodes as Cole trash-talked Bryan. Bryan held his taped ribs as he attempted to get to his feet.

- Dolph Ziggler vs. Randy Orton in a Beat the Clock match is still to come.

[Commercial Break]

- They replayed what just happened and Cole continued to rant. Cole’s heel character wouldn’t be so awful if he wasn’t so overbearing. It’s really painful to listen to him screaming and ranting.

2 – ZACK RYDER vs. HEATH SLATER

No entrance for Slater. The piped-in crowd reactions have been really obvious throughout this show. It’s almost TNA-like in how constant the buzz of the “crowd” has been. Slater sent Ryder chest-first into the buckle, then clotheslined him from behind. Ryder turned the tide and put Slater down in the corner, then delivered the Broski Boot. Rough Ryder leg-drop and Ryder picked up another win.

WINNER: Ryder, at 1:25. Good time for a convincing Ryder win, as he lost to Cena on Raw and then only won again with Cena’s assistance.

- Tonight, a titanic confrontation takes place between Henry and Show.

[Commercial Break]

3 – TED DIBIASE vs. JINDER MAHAL

Ah, Lillian being back means a return to “Ted Dibi-Aussie!” During his entrance, they showed DiBiase costing Jinder Mahal his match last week against Justin Gabriel. Mahal did an inset interview during his entrance. He said DiBiase made a priceless mistake last week, and now faces the ramifications. Rhodes has been absent on commentary since his attack on Bryan, by the way. Mahal ran into a big boot in the corner, but tripped DiBiase off the second rope. Neck-breaker for a two-count. Back elbow by Mahal. Cole continued to rant and rave, making me wish I could mute this show. Slingshot clothesline by DiBiase, but he was sent into the turnbuckle by Mahal. High knee found the mark. Small package out of nowhere by DiBiase for the win.

WINNER: DiBiase, at 2:53. This was probably the appropriate time for the first one-on-one match between the two, and based on the finish, I’d imagine the feud isn’t over.

- Mathews sent it to a video of Big Show interacting with Trace Adkins on the American Country Awards on Monday.

- Big Show came out. They went to break as he got into the ring.

[Commercial Break]

- Show said it’s been nine years since he beat Brock Lesnar at MSG to win the WWE Title. He said people used to call him a “hopeless underachiever” (not to his face though). Show said using a steel chair to beat Mark Henry is the perfect time to win the title again. He virtually promised his match at TLC would get mean and nasty. Mark Henry’s music interrupted, and he limped out. Henry, from the aisle, said he’s not afraid of Show, but half-way hurt. He said he’s not looking for a fight. Henry said he had something to say to Show, face to face. But he wanted Show to promise he wouldn’t put his hands on him. Show refused. Henry asked what legacy Show would leave if he beat Henry without Henry being 100%. Henry said he’s only asking Show for a courtesy. Show finally relented, which allayed Henry’s fears and allowed him to get in the ring.

Henry said he and Show are two of the best big men in wrestling history. He said they’re both champions, but he’s the current champion. He said in two weeks, he should be 100%, and Show will have all of him that he can handle. Henry said their fight is one people will talk about for decades. He wanted to let bygones be bygones – Henry set the World Title down – and offered a handshake, saying, “let the best man win.” Show shook Henry’s hand as the fans booed the lack of violence (or good sportsmanship) in this segment. Henry added one more thing – Show thinks he’s a monster, but Henry knows he is. Henry then punched Show, who fell to the mat. But Show recovered and speared Henry. Show then elbowdropped the already injured ankle of Henry. They went to ringside and Show grabbed a chair. Referees don’t seem to be in too much of a hurry to break this one up. Show whacked Henry’s ankle and leg with the steel chair. Medics checked on Henry after Show tossed the chair into the ring and he stomped to the back.

[Commercial Break]

- Hornswoggle was introduced as guest ring announcer for the next match. He danced with Garcia and then said hello to the WWE Universe then did the introductions.

4 – DAVID OTUNGA vs. SHEAMUS

It was all Sheamus early on, but Otunga connected on a nice clothesline. Only a one-count after a few elbowdrops. Otunga stayed aggressive with Sheamus, but Sheamus had had enough. He turned things around in the corner and stomped Otunga, then landed a short-arm clothesline. Brogue Kick and a beauty.

WINNER: Sheamus, at 2:56. I’m curious to see where Otunga’s WWE career will be one year from now.

Sheamus celebrated with Hornswoggle after the match.

- They did a WWE ’12 mock-up of Cody Rhodes vs. Daniel Bryan. The video was interrupted by the mystery video that debuted on YouTube. “Look within” were two white words against a black background as the last shot in the video.

[Commercial Break]

5 – DANIEL BRYAN vs. CODY RHODES

Bryan landed a few kicks after the opening bell, but Rhodes quickly went after the taped ribs of Bryan. Running forearm grounded Rhodes. Rhodes countered with a front suplex for a two-count at 1:08. Suplex by Rhodes, but Bryan snuck out the back and to the apron. Bryan was then whipped into the ring post. Cole continued screaming at Bryan. They went to break at 2:33 of the match.

[Commercial Break]

Upon return, they showed Cody’s continued onslaught during the break. Mathews attempted to defend Bryan, but Cole wasn’t having it. Rhodes was back-dropped to ringside by Bryan. Suicide Dive took out Rhodes, but he also collided with the ring barrier. Bryan flew through the air, but missed a splash, as Cody moved. Booker’s music played and he rushed the ring, attacking Rhodes, causing a disqualification.

WINNER: Rhodes, via DQ, at 9:50. Michael Cole is the absolute worst. I’m sorry, but this Smackdown, and this match, has once again been dragged down by Vince McMahon’s favorite announcer. And McMahon deserves the blame for letting this “gimmick” continue to drag on.

- Still to come, Randy Orton needs to beat Dolph Ziggler in 7:53 or less to choose the stipulation for his match against Wade Barrett at TLC.

[Commercial Break]

- Teddy Long was on the phone backstage talking up the WWE Network when Aksana walked in. She was excited about the network too, and asked if Long could help her get a show on the network. Perhaps, “Aksana looking for love.” Rhodes interrupted and asked Long if he had seen what just happened. Rhodes read Long’s mind about a match with Booker T. So Long put Rhodes in a match, at TLC, with Booker…for the Intercontinental Title. Rhodes was happy, then angrily asked what Aksana was looking at. She seemed mesmerized by Rhodes.

- Cole and Mathews were shown on-screen as Cole called Long the “Herman Cain of WWE.”

- They showed brief video footage of Barrett beating Zeke Jackson in the opening contest of the show.

- Matt Striker was backstage with Randy Orton. Striker asked for Orton’s thoughts, but Orton suggested he ask Barrett, if Barrett in fact is truly in his head. Orton said he usually likes to prolong the assault of his victims, but Ziggler is in luck: the punishment will be just as severe, but it’ll be shorter. As for Barrett, Orton said he has Barrett right where he wants him. Ziggler vs. Orton is next.

[Commercial Break]

- Michael Cole let Josh Mathews feel his Slammy at the announce table. Mathews voted for Superstar of the Year, which is between Mark Henry, The Miz, John Cena, CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio, and Randy Orton. Henry would have my vote.

6 – RANDY ORTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER – BEAT THE CLOCK CHALLENGE

A ladder, table, and chair were positioned in the aisle near the ring. A graphic showed Ryder vs. Ziggler at TLC for the US Title. Orton tried to finish it early with a kick, to no avail. Suplex for a fall attempt as well. With a minute gone, Orton stared at the Titan-Tron, which showed the amount of time left for Orton to defeat Ziggler. Clothesline out of the corner, then a jumping knee-drop by Orton for only one. Ziggler came back with a fameasser for a near-fall. He mounted Orton and worked the arm. Ziggler wore Orton down during the middle portion of the match, adding a bit to the drama. Crowd chanted “Randy” as Orton struggled to get to his feet. Neck-breaker by Ziggler for two at 4:19. Orton met Ziggler on the top rope and landed a superplex. That has become a regular part of his repertoire as of late, it seems. Orton began to feel a sense of urgency with about 2:00 left. Back-breaker for two. Ziggler tried to avoid Orton, then went for a Zig Zag, which was countered. Rope-assisted DDT by Orton. Only a two-count though. Ziggler slipped outside the ring, where Orton clotheslined him. He tossed Ziggler back in, but Vickie Guerrero hopped up on the apron to distract the ref. Out of nowhere, Barrett ran to ringside and sent Orton head-first into the ring post. The ref’s count reached nine before Orton slid into the ring. Ziggler charged, but Orton RKO’d him and got the win with two seconds to go.

WINNER: Orton, at 7:51.

Barrett gave Orton his side slam inside the ring. He congratulated Orton for winning and being able to choose the match. But first, he wanted to make his own suggestion. He threw Orton to ringside and tipped over the ladder. He then got rid of the chair. He tried to give Barrett Wasteland through a table, but Orton countered. Orton went for a powerbomb, but Barrett got away and pushed Orton into the stairs. Barrett retreated up the ramp before Orton could jump him. Vickie Guerrero was making a fuss in the background…it turned out Ziggler was recovering from the RKO on the stairs. Orton stared at Barrett, still atop the ramp, and powerbombed Ziggler through the table. Cole said it appears Orton has made his choice. Is putting someone through a table a legally binding way to opt for a tables match? Close-up on Orton’s icy stare as they faded out.



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Greg Parks has been covering WWE Smackdown for PWTorch.com since January of 2007. Follow him on Twitter @gregmparks for live Tweeting during Raw, Impact, and PPVs, as well as other bits of wisdom. Comments, questions and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_man9784@yahoo.com.

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