WWE Smackdown review
Dec. 30, 2011
Taped 12/27/11 in Indianapolis, IN.
Aired on SYFY
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist


- WWE Open.

- The show began with a video package recap of the Wade Barrett-Randy Orton feud. The voice-over man plugged yet another Barrett vs. Orton match for tonight, this time, Falls Count Anywhere.

- Smackdown Open.

- The final Smackdown episode of 2011 got the fireworks treatment inside the arena as the camera panned a nice-sized crowd in Indianapolis.

- Booker T. was introduced by Lilian Garcia. He wasn’t wrestling though; he had his announcer gear on. But first, in the ring, he got the microphone. Booker thanked WWE and the fans for making 2011 an awesome year for him. He said it started at the Royal Rumble and the fans made it a night he’d never forget. He said he wanted to take the next step in his career by becoming announcer. He said Cody Rhodes is the one that instigated the feud between the two, and he talked about beating Cody on Raw. Booker told the fans to enjoy the final Smackdown of 2011 and was set to finish with his catchphrase, but Cody’s theme music hit and he walked out, mic in hand.

Cody said the people in Indianapolis don’t keep up with current events unless it deals with taking lefts on a racetrack, or the once-proud, now-pathetic Colts. Rhodes recapped his 2011 and said he took a washed-up announcer and helped him regain some of his former glory. Booker took umbrage with that statement and reminded Cody he won on Monday night. He said Rhodes should be congratulating him. He said Booker was absolutely right and he congratulated the man, even sticking his hand out for a shake. Booker shook it and headed out of the ring. “Of course, now, this is all over,” said Cody. Booker asked what that meant and Rhodes said this little fairy tale Booker has been living is over, this nostalgia act. Rhodes said if Booker continues to wrestle, his deteriorating skills will be exposed in the ring, and if he goes back to announcing, he’ll be exposed as a semi-literate buffoon of an announcer. Cody called him a joke and told him to go home. As Booker looked at Cody, Goldust’s music hit.

Dustin Rhodes walked out in a suit with no sign of the Goldust character. Michael Cole called him “Dustin,” Cody’s brother. Dustin got in Cody’s face and apologized, saying he loves him very much but he’s going about this the wrong way. He said when he was down and out, battling every demon he had, Booker inspired him. Dustin told Cody to look at him. Dustin said his tag team with Booker was the best time he had in his career. He told Cody not to make a name for himself at Booker’s expense. Cody said just when he thought there wasn’t a bigger joke than Booker, his brother seems to be trying to prove him wrong. Cody said “these people” aren’t worth inspiring. Cody said he restored the Rhodes family name when Dustin threw up all over it. He accused Dustin of falling back into those same demons after teaming with Booker, then into total obscurity. Booker said “Goldy” is more of a man than Cody will ever be. Booker said they each have a win and told Cody they should do it one more time – for the Intercontinental Championship. That would be a big challenge if the IC Title wasn’t on the line in the first match. Booker wanted it now, but Cody agreed….for next week. Rhodes said Booker can follow his brother into irrelevancy after next week. Booker said he, Goldy, and everyone else will be celebrating next week. Booker finished with his catchphrase. I like involving Goldust since he has a history with both men, and interesting to bring him out as Dustin rather than Goldust. Booker went to the announce table, so with Cody and Goldust in the ring, Cody kicked Goldust in the gut and gave him the Beautiful Disaster kick. Booker got back in the ring to check on his former tag partner as Cody fled the scene. Will Dustin get his requested match with Cody at Wrestlemania though?

- Tonight, Daniel Bryan and Big Show vs. David Otunga and Mark Henry. Poor Otunga.

[Commercial Break]

- Cole plugged WWE.com for the Top 25 matches of 2011.

1 – TED DIBIASE vs. JINDER MAHAL

During DiBiase’s entrance, they showed Mahal attacking him two weeks ago. Mahal did an inset interview during his entrance, talking about New Year’s resolutions and said 2011 will not end well for DiBiase.. Hip-toss by DiBiase, but Mahal caught his foe with a hot-shot over the top rope, then a jumping knee to the face. Cover got two at :41. Mahal continued to use the knee and choked DiBiase with it. Butterfly suplex into a cover for two. DiBiase came back at 1:50 with a dropkick, then a clothesline. Spinebuster landed for a near-fall. To the top rope went DiBiase. He jumped off to dodge Mahal but tweaked his knee. Downward spiral (who doesn’t do that move?), then a Camel Clutch by Mahal for the submission win.

WINNER: Mahal, at 2:53. A much-needed win for Mahal in this feud, and it was clean too.

- Teddy Long was backstage on the phone talking about his New Year’s Eve party when Aksana walked in. She said she couldn’t wait for the New Year’s Eve party and she had a special kiss for him then. Drew McIntyre walked in to interrupt and Long excused himself from Aksana to talk to him. Long said he signed McIntyre back to Smackdown, but he didn’t know how much money McIntyre was making. He said he was a big star on Smackdown, but his career went into a tail-spin when he went to Raw. He said he needs Drew to find that passion again in order to live up to his contract, and if he doesn’t beat Ezekiel Jackson tonight, Long would have to think about letting him go. McIntyre said no one has more passion than him. He said he’s the same guy who can make someone beg for mercy, just like Long did. Long said he couldn’t understand Drew with the heavy accent. Drew told him to watch what he does to Jackson, “if you feel me, playa.”

[Commercial Break]

2 – KAITLYN & ALICIA FOX vs. NATALYA & TAMINA

During the babyfaces entrances, they showed Fox pinning Natalya two weeks ago. Booker corrected Cole that Fox won with an inside cradle, not a roll-up, and Cole said, “what does it matter? We’re storytellers out here.” Kaitlyn with a quick cross-body for two, then a dropkick. Natalya grabbed Kaitlyn when she hit the ropes, allowing Tamina to take over and tag Nattie. The ref was heavily mic’d here. Nattie slammed Kaitlyn face-first into the mat. Sit-out bodyslam, but a leg-drop missed. Fox tagged in at 1:20 and leapt over Natalya, who hit the buckle. Scissors kick for the win.

WINNERS: Fox and Kaitlyn, at 1:33. It can’t speak well that they trusted Kaitlyn with the bulk of the in-ring work, but not surprising given Fox’s recent performances.

A frustrated Tamina superkicked Natalya after the match, then hit the Superfly Splash off the top rope.

- They showed Wade Barrett knocking off Randy Orton at Survivor Series. They collide in a Falls Count Anywhere match later tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- They mysterious 1/2/12 video interrupted an ad for this Monday’s Raw.

- The capitol building in Indianapolis was shown, then they aired a clip of Otunga vs. Show from Raw. Daniel Bryan was talking up AJ backstage about how he saved Big Show on Raw. Show interrupted and Bryan obliviously told Show he was telling AJ about saving him Monday night. Show asked if he could have a word alone with Bryan, then advised him that giants don’t need to be saved. Bryan said that’s not how he saw it, but tonight they’re partners and he was excited about that. Long walked up and said the tag match is off (a call made by higher-ups, with no further explanation), but Otunga wants a rematch with Show, with Henry in Otunga’s corner. Bryan said that maybe giants need saving after all and wished Show good luck.

[Commercial Break]

3 – JUSTIN GABRIEL vs. HUNICO

As he has been doing on Superstars, Hunico rode to the ring on a bike, accompanied by Camacho (Donny Marlow from FCW, Haku’s son). In an inset interview, Hunico introduced his second and said they’d be taking over in 2012. The announcers made a big deal about how expensive the custom-made bicycle is, so I suppose them coming down on the bike is not as offensive as it seemed upon first blush. Hunico moonsaulted onto Gabriel outside the ring, but Gabriel made his comeback by flipping Hunico over his head and into the corner. Take-down by Gabriel and Hunico came up holding his elbow. Gabriel went to the top but Hunico countered with an arm-drag. Swanton off the top for the pinfall.

WINNER: Hunico, at 1:46. They fit a lot of action into less than two minutes.

After the match, Hunico catapulted Gabriel onto Camacho’s shoulders. Camacho gave Gabriel a Samoan drop while Hunico simultaneously hit Gabriel with a neck-breaker.

- Up next, Big Show faces David Otunga.

[Commercial Break]

4 – THE BIG SHOW vs. DAVID OTUNGA

They once again showed slow-motion clips of Show knocking Otunga out last week. Otunga reminds me a little bit of “Hard Work” Bobby Walker coming to the ring. Speaking of “coming to the ring,” Mark Henry walked out before the match began. Man, Show made Otunga look so small in the ring. Right hand fists and chops from Show. Bodyslam with ease. Otunga fled to ringside and Henry gave him some harsh words. “Where’s your pride?” he yelled at Otunga. Back in, Otunga briefly got the better of Show, until Show just ran over Otunga. Henry winced at ringside. Big corner splash. A distraction by Henry led to Otunga taking out Show’s knee. Kicks to the face (a few which showed a lot of light) then a short DDT by Otunga for only a one-count. Show kicked out with ease, and in fact sent Otunga to ringside. Henry began to climb the steps to get into the ring until Daniel Bryan ran down (through the crowd, upon replay) and hit Henry in the back of the head with the World Title. Bryan taunted Henry, drawing him away from ringside and to the backstage area. Show with a bealed Otunga back into the ring then hit the WMD for the win.

WINNER: Show, at 3:23. Bryan “saving” Show again adds a little more intrigue and another layer to that story, which will no doubt eventually blow up.

- Clips aired of Orton beating Barrett at TLC two weeks ago. They square off in a Falls Count Anywhere match in the main event.

[Commercial Break]

5 – EZEKIEL JACKSON vs. DREW MCINTYRE

And of course, the best thing about McIntyre back on Smackdown is the return of his Titan-Tron and theme music. Take-down for a quick near-fall by Jackson. McIntyre came back with a dropkick for a one-count. As the referee attempted to break the two up in the ropes, McIntyre slapped Jackson across the face and was able to take over on offense. Northern Lights Suplex (called “a great throw” by storyteller Josh Mathews). Jackosn got some more offense in until McIntyre kicked Zeke in the knee. Jackson put McIntyre up in the rack, but McIntyre seemed to rake the eyes to break out. McIntyre took Jackson down then rolled him up, feet on the ropes, and the ref saw it. As they argued, Jackson rolled McIntyre up and grabbed the tights to hold on for the victory.

WINNER: Jackson, at 3:51. Jackson seems to be the guy WWE has positioned as the person who puts over wrestlers in need of a statement win, so I was surprised McIntyre lost. I’m not sure I understand a babyface in Jackson using the tights to win, other than to give McIntyre an out for losing.

McIntyre looked distraught after the match and tried to plead with the ref over the finish.

- Sheamus was walking backstage. We’ll hear from him next.

[Commercial Break]

- McIntyre complained backstage to Teddy Long about the referee screwing him over. Long said he can’t stand losers, especially those losers who make excuses. Long was very stern in talking with McIntyre, who was exasperated as he walked out of Long’s office.

- Sheamus came out. Sheamus talked about the Royal Rumble and promised that he’d win the match. Hornswoggle’s music interrupted and he ran to the ring. “Now we’re going to have some fun!” predicted Booker. If only. Sheamus reminded everyone that Horny beat him in the Christmas Battle Royal, then Horny confirmed that he’d be in the Rumble. Sheamus got down on one knee and asked Hornswoggle who he thinks will win the Rumble. Horny shouted his own name over and over again. Sheamus recited a line one of his relatives used to say, a twist on the “fool me once, shame on you” cliché. The two men shook hands and Heath Slater walked out.

He said Bushwhacker Luke, Brooklyn Brawler and Hornswoggle; they’re all guys who think they’ll win, but would never have a chance. Was Brawler even ever in a Rumble match as that character? Slater proclaimed himself the best red-head on Smackdown. He said the only reason Hornswoggle won that Battle Royal is because Sheamus didn’t want to squash a leprechaun. Sheamus said he has no problem with Southern Rock, then said Slater sees himself more as Journey. They both sang a bar or two of “Don’t Stop Believing.” Sheamus said he sees Slater as more of an R. Kelly type of guy, like, “I believe I can fly.” Sheamus then threw Slater over the top rope. If this were ten years ago, that joke would’ve had a different ending.

- On camera, the announcers discussed tonight’s main event while Booker sang a little more “I believe I can fly.” They also showed Barrett beating Orton on Raw two weeks ago, putting Orton through a table. The latest chapter in that feud takes place tonight.

[Commercial Break]

6 – SHEAMUS vs. HEATH SLATER

Teddy Long made this match during the break, and it was joined in progress. Sheamus worked the arm of Slater with arm-bars and arm-wringers. Back elbow put Slater down. Sheamus signaled for Slater to be thrown out of the ring again, but Slater landed on the apron. He slapped Sheamus, the only offense he could get in. Forearms across the chest by the Great White. Slater came back with a neck-breaker and stayed on his foe. Russian leg-sweep took the big man down. Crowd got behind Sheamus, but Slater connected with a knee-lift. He slowed things down with a rear chinlock, but Sheamus got to his feet quickly and backed Slater into the corner. Short-arm clothesline by Sheamus during his comeback. He went to the top and hit a top-rope shoulder tackle. Brogue Kick ended it.

WINNER: Sheamus, 4:49 shown. Slater got some mic work in, which is important, and Sheamus picked up another win. Nothing wrong with that.

- Daniel Bryan was backstage talking to Long about being Show’s good-luck charm. Show walked in, as Long wanted to see him too. Show was upset about Bryan being called his good-luck charm and said it was cute at first, but now Bryan is getting annoying. Bryan said Show hasn’t thanked him once for his services. Show told Bryan the title is going to his head. Long said that since Raw is having a big title match next week (CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler), Smackodwn will do the same: Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show next week for the World Title. Show laughed and clapped, condescendingly saying Bryan had a good run. Bryan said at least if he loses, he’ll know his title reign lasted longer than Big Show’s 45 seconds. Yeah…but Show would win and start a new reign. I’m not sure I like what they’re turning Bryan into.

- They showed Orton RKO’ing Barrett on a car last week on Smackdown. Their Falls Count Anywhere match is next.

- The 1/2/12 video again interrupted a Raw preview video, only it was really short, saying “it will be the end of the world as you know it.”

[Commercial Break]

- A shot of the Indianapolis skyline was shown.

- The announcers plugged Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Title this coming week on Raw.

- And next week on Smackdown, the IC Title is on the line when Booker T. faces Cody Rhodes.

- Plus, Big Show vs. Daniel Bryan for the World Title. Look at all this they’re setting up ahead of time! I almost don’t recognize this company.

7 – RANDY ORTON vs. WADE BARRETT – FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE MATCH

Orton got the better of Barrett in the first minute, and the fight went to the outside. Barrett took over there, but only for a short time. Orton tossed Barrett into the steel steps and went for the first pin cover of the match, getting two. Barrett’s head was put on the stairs and Orton stomped it. Orton tried an RKO at ringside, but Orton was pushed into the ring post. Orton ended up holding his ankle as they went to break just over two minutes into the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back at 4:56 of the match, with Barrett pounding away on Orton in the middle of the ring. The fight spilled to ringside, where Barrett continued dominating. Orton fought back with right hands, but Barrett stopped him and sent Orton into the barricade. Back in the ring, cover got two. Orton fought out of a rear chin-lock, but a knee-lift sent him back to the mat. To the middle rope went Barrett, who connected on an elbow-drop for two at 8:21. After another rest-hold, Barrett kicked Orton in the mid-section. Orton slipped out of a pump-handle slam and began his comeback. Rope-assisted DDT attempt, but Barrett slipped out. Orton threw Barrett into (and over) the announce table. Barrett was tossed over the barricade as Orton went after him. He ended up throwing Barrett into the referee, who was bumped. Barrett and Orton fought in the crowd and then into the locker room area. Barrett put Orton through a table, but Orton managed to throw Barrett into a bunch of random boxes and the like in the hallway. AS the fought down the hallway, some men and women fleed the scene. An elevator opened up and Barrett tried to hid in their amongst a bunch of other people. Orton pushed them all out and went after Barrett as the elevator door shut. The fight continued thanks to the magic of the elevator camera. The cameraman finally caught up to them as they got off the elevator in an office area. They went through a door into a large stairwell. The camera didn’t make it through the door before we saw, from a distance, Orton fall down the stairs. The camera went through the door and closed in on Orton laying at the bottom of a decent-sized staircase. Barrett left through another door as Orton writhed in pain. They went off the air with no decision rendered (and I didn’t see the copyright logo, either).

WINNER: No Contest (no bell), around 13:24.


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. 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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