WWE Super Smackdown TV Report
April 10, 2012
Live in Hampton, Va.
Aired on Syfy
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

The live Tuesday night episode of Smackdown opened with a video plug for the "Blast from the Past" theme, standard Raw intro, and Josh Mathews introducing the live show. After a clip from Daniel Bryan breaking up with A.J. last week on Smackdown, Michael Cole announced the return of Piper's Pit with Bryan as guest.

In the ring, "Mean" Gene Okerlund was introduced by Lilian Garcia. Okerlund said they're going to "blast off" with the new World Hvt. champion Sheamus. Sheamus came out to the ring as Booker T threw in his two cents on Sheamus making noise last week. Once in the ring, Sheamus recapped last week when he let the code of honor as World champion slip. He said he would like to publicly apologize to referee Chad Patton and the rest of the officials for his actions last week. "I'm sorry," he said. Sheamus paused and said he hopes everyone accepts the apology from this red-haired Irishman. He said some people learn from their mistakes the easy way and others the hard way.

Suddenly, John Laurinaitis's triumphant music played to bring out the Raw & SD GM. Laurinaitis marched to the ring and got in Sheamus's face before rolling footage from last week. On commentary, Cole added his biased spin on the events, saying the ref can only call what he sees, even though he never saw Sheamus strike the referee. Back live, Laurinaitis vowed to take some action. He told Sheamus to publicly apologize to ref Chad Patton. Sheamus noted he just did that. Laurinaitis was apparently busy, as he didn't hear it. Sheamus offered a second apology. Laurinaitis asked for a second apology to the referee roster. Sheamus said he already did, so Laurinaitis cartoonishly stuck his chin out and demanded a second apology. Laurinaitis told Sheamus to apologize to the world, too. Sheamus grinned and over-the-top apologized to everyone all over the world.

Laurinaitis said that's not good enough. As of right now, Sheamus is on permanent probation. He said if Sheamus touches a ref by accident or otherwise, then he's fired. He also said he will fine him $500,000, which Laurinaitis claimed to be the highest fine in WWE history. (Technically, yes. Triple H handed out $250k a piece to The Miz and R-Truth last year, which totaled $500k.) Oh, by the way, good luck in your match tonight. What match? Laurinaitis stumbled through an announcement of Sheamus in a match tonight against Alberto Del Rio and Daniel Bryan. And, his partner is... Mean Gene Okerlund. Okerlund protested these events before Laurinaitis stomped out of the ring.

Backstage: The camera focused on Randy Orton's t-shirt and the live crowd went nuts. After WWE showed Orton to the crowd, Cowboy Bob walked into the shot and told Randy to be careful out there with Mark Henry. Father and son hugged it out before they cut to break with Mathews cut off before he could finish his commercial lead-in.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2] Back live, Randy Orton's music played to bring out Orton to a big reaction. He's a big deal in Hampton tonight. Orton slowly made his way to the ring and posed in the ring as Cole chided Booker about getting old. Mark Henry, on a six-man TV/PPV winning streak, then emerged on-stage and slowly made his way toward the ring. The announcers plugged WWE champion C.M. Punk vs. Henry for the WWE Title next week on Raw and Booker predicted a new champ before Henry made his way into the ring to start the match.

1 -- RANDY ORTON vs. MARK HENRY

The bell sounded and Booker demanded a legal explanation for Sheamus's permanent probation. Where's Pat McNeill on the call when you need him? Henry landed an early powerslam before they cut to a shot of Cowboy Bob watching intently on a backstage monitor. Orton continued to sell the effects before the cut to break only one minute into the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Henry was wearing down Orton center-ring. The announcers then re-visited Booker's claim that Henry will capture the WWE Title next week against Punk, continuing to stack the deck against Punk. Back to this match, Henry nailed a big splash after bouncing off the ropes, but it was only good for a two count. Henry followed with a big corner splash, then another, as the announcers remained confused on what the others were saying. Henry then went for another big splash, but missed, as Booker noted he had a dream that Cole died.

Orton made a comeback with clotheslines, but he couldn't take Henry off his feet. A sweeping DDT took down Henry, though, and Orton scored a two count on a pin attempt. Orton then wanted the second-rope DDT, but Henry positioned him for the World's Strongest Slam. Orton swung out, though, teased the RKO, but Henry tossed him aside through the ropes to the floor. Nice exchange. On the floor, Orton rammed Henry into the ringpost and landed an uppercut before slipping back into the ring.

Suddenly, Kane's pyro shot off. Kane appeared on the Titantron and taunted Orton that he told him he needed to beat him at WrestleMania to become whole again. And, he did that. But, last week, Orton proved he can be every bit as savage as he can be. Kane told Orton it would be a shame if this ended like this. After all, he's having so much fun right now. Kane stooped down and revealed a KO'ed Cowboy Bob. He said it's the kind of fun the whole family can enjoy. Orton sprinted out of the ring, leaving the ring empty. No decision on this match thus far. They cut backstage to show Orton looking for Bob before finally finding him in a hallway. Kane ambushed Orton, though, and popped him in the mid-section with a lead pipe. Kane said he's a sucker for family reunions. Orton sold the effects next to a KO'ed Bob before Smackdown cut to break.

WINNER: No Decision announced when SD cut to break at 11:58. You knew there was no way there would be a finish when Henry can't lose before next week's Raw title match and when Orton needs to keep momentum as one of Smackdown's top stars, so WWE took the too-often-as-of-late lazy route of just not having a decision.

[Q3] [Commercial Break]

Back live, Mathews reset the show and noted Kane was looking for retribution just moments ago. They replayed clips of Kane using Cowboy Bob as a pawn to bring Orton backstage for a pipe attack. WWE cut to the announce table, where Booker removed his glasses to convey the serious nature of the events. Mathews said they will have an

Backstage, Tony Atlas and "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase were shown watching a monitor. Atlas said this is going to be a good old-fashioned squash match. A jobber already in the ring was identified as Benny Camer. As Camer tried talking about this being his first WWE match, Pat Patterson and Hillbilly Jim joined the Legends discussion mocking Camer. "High Voltage" Ryback then came to the ring to take on Camer.

2 -- RYBACK vs. BENNY CAMER

Ryback easily disposed of Camer, prompting laughter from Atlas backstage watching on a monitor. They went to a replay of Ryback's high-impact offense, finishing off Camer with a fallaway slam out of the Torture Rack position.

WINNER: Ryback at 0:34.

Locker Room: Heath Slater and Tyson Kidd were having a discussion. Slater said Kidd needs to ditch Justin Gabriel, since he's injured, and they can get things done tonight. Slater claimed to have a legendary manager in their corner tonight, then Slater shouted out to Honky Tonk Man. Suddenly, Jimmy Hart walked into the shot to manage them tonight against the Usos. Kidd was left stunned as hyper-active Hart and Slater ran off.

Next Monday: The new face of WWE, Brock Lesnar, has come into focus. And, he's bringing the pain on Raw. They didn't exactly advertise him in the flesh for next Monday's Raw taped overseas in London. Plus, Henry vs. Punk for the WWE Title.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, the announcers promoted the premiere of "Dream Machines" following Smackdown tonight. They noted John Cena will be appearing on an upcoming episode. Lilian Garcia then introduced Mick Foley, who came out to ringside sporting an announcer's jacket. Foley joined the commentators and slapped on the infamous magic headsets.

[Q4]

3 -- THE USOS (JIMMY & JEY USO) vs. HEATH SLATER & TYSON KIDD (w/Jimmy Hart)

As the match unfolded, the announcers discussed Foley's previous Smackdown announcing work with Jim Ross as Hart screamed and shouted into his megaphone. It was essentially a five-man announce booth early on. Foley had enough of Hart's megaphone-use, so he pulled out Mr. Socko to chase away Hart. The distraction allowed the Usos to splash Hart with a Superfly Splash for the pin and the win. Post-match: Foley entered the ring and dropped Hart with Mr. Socko. Foley then shouted into the megaphone as Cole sarcastically said that went over well.

WINNERS: Usos at 2:37.

Still to come: Sheamus & Mean Gene vs. Del Rio & Bryan in the featured match. Mathews then fed to a video replay of Bryan breaking up with A.J. last week on Smackdown. Cole said Piper is going to get to the bottom of this...and it's next.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Roddy Piper made his way to the ring for the return of Piper's Pit as Cole noted the last time the Pit was on Smackdown, "a woman had a mole bitten off her face," referring to Jillian Hall, of course. In the ring, Piper said he's missed the audience. He then noted his guest tonight goes by the name of Daniel Bryan. Piper dramatically said Bryan lost the World Title at WrestleMania in 18 seconds...and he blames it on his girlfriend. Piper then introduced a clip from last week when Bryan dumped A.J. and turned his back on her.

Back live, Piper solemnly welcomed out Daniel Bryan. Bryan emerged on-stage sporting his new "Yes! Yes! Yes!" t-shirt before bouncing down to the ring shouting, "Yes!" In the ring, Bryan proclaimed his arrival as various "Yes!" signs were spotted in the background. After Bryan's music stopped, Piper told Bryan he seems very happy for a man who lost the World Title in...eight-teen...seconds. Bryan said he just had a meeting with Mr. Laurinaitis, who granted him his rightful return match for the World Title. The crowd interrupted an "18 seconds" chant. Bryan said in this new match, Sheamus will not be able to fluke his way into a title victory. He said not only does he want to pin Sheamus, but he wants to make him tap out. And, now, he can do both. He said at Extreme Rules, it's going to be two-out-of-three falls. He said the reason for his loss, A.J., will be nowhere to be found. Apparently Del Rio doesn't get his title shot?

[Q5 -- second hour] Piper noted A.J. is in the building tonight, then he welcomed out Bryan's former girlfriend. Piper and A.J. shared a moment, then A.J. said she can't believe she's on Piper's Pit right now. A.J. said hi to Daniel and said she knows how Bryan can come off sometimes, but Daniels is really a good person deep down inside. Piper told her this is the place to leave the P.C. answers at the door. Piper said this is a guy who dumped her in front of the entire audience. A.J. looked down at the ring mat and said it's her fault. Bryan smiled slightly. A.J. said she made a mistake at WrestleMania and she's so, so sorry. But, she knows if they can just talk, they can work it out. A.J. said she can make it up to him.

Piper tried to get her to think. He said he knows A.J. is strong, as evidenced by her getting up from Big Show crushing her months ago. Piper said A.J. doesn't need to make up with Bryan. He said all he is doing is using her. Bryan interrupted and told Piper he's had enough of him dragging his name through the dirt. Bryan said if A.J. meant it that she loves him, then she would leave the ring right now. Piper told A.J. not to listen to him. Piper and Bryan went back and forth trying to get A.J. to listen to them. A.J. then slipped out of the ring and slowly made her way backstage. In the ring, Bryan smiled, then tried to leave, but Piper said he's not done with him. Piper said he sees "Yes! Yes! Yes!" on Bryan's t-shirt, but Bryan needs to hear some No's. He told him not to tell a lady to shut up. Don't yell at a lady. And, don't use a lady as a human shield to protect yourself. He said that's a coward. And, that's Bryan.

Piper went to Extreme Rules, saying that he will see Sheamus kick Bryan's head off his shoulders not once, but twice. Bryan smiled and told Piper that the fact that he is better than Sheamus will slap everyone right across the face at Extreme Rules. Bryan then slapped Piper across the face and scurried out of the ring before Piper could retaliate. "Yes!" Bryan shouted over and over again as he made his way up the entrance ramp while Piper seethed in the ring.

Tonight: Sheamus & Mean Gene vs. Del Rio & Bryan. ... Before they cut to break, WWE plugged the new Edge DVD for the first time on WWE TV with the DVD coming out today.

[Commercial Break]

4 -- BELLA TWINS & DREW MCINTYRE vs. GREAT KHALI & NATALYA & ALICIA FOX

The six men and women were assembled in the ring back from break. Drew cockily went after Khali, but then tagged out of the ring. He said he's better than this, then bailed from the ring and said he's better than this joke of a match. Suddenly, A. Fox executed a suplex on Bella #1 for the pin and the win. Afterward, the announcers stressed Khali's effort in the match as the faces celebrated on the way out of the ring.

When the face trio reached the stage, Mae Young's music played to bring out Young. Young delivered a kick to Khali's knee, dropping Khali down to one knee. Mae then planted a kiss on Khali after chopping him down to size. Everyone danced to conclude the come-down segment.

WINNERS: Fox & Natalya & Khali at 0:56.

[Q6] [Commercial Break]

Pre-tape: Back from break, Damien Sandow was shown in a dark-lit room. Sandow stressed his role as a beacon of light fixing society's problems. He said social media users are constantly bombarded by random, useless tweets that fill up their minds and dull their senses. He said he will fix that.

Earlier Tonight: Kane attacked Cowboy Bob to set up Randy Orton for an ambush. Back to the announce table, Mathews said they've received word that Cowboy suffered abdominal injuries and they suspect Orton has similar injuries. Mathews then fed to the Raw Rebound focusing on Brock Lesnar-John Cena developments from Monday night. Back live, Cole plugged Lesnar vs. Cena at Extreme Rules.

Locker Room: Okerlund, in a Sheamus t-shirt, told Sheamus that he doesn't like their chances tonight. Sheamus smiled and said he's not going to lie because they're probably not going to win. But, how often do you get to team with Mean Gene? He said he's just excited to team tonight and if they survive tonight, the first pint is on him. Well, that's always encouraging coming from the World champion.

[Commercial Break]

[Q7] Back live, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan's music played to bring out Duggan for a singles match. After Lilian Garcia announced Duggan, Cole said this is a genuine fossil they've dug up for the show. After Duggan did his U-S-A routine, Hunico then came out with Camacho for the xenophobia match of the night. On the way to the ring, Hunico said no one cares about these legends or old-timers. He said he is the future of WWE.

5 -- JIM DUGGAN vs. HUNICO (w/Camacho)

Duggan quickly jabbed Hunico in the face to knock him to the outside. Suddenly, Duggan waved to the back, bringing out Sgt. Slaughter to back him up. Ringside, Slaughter neutralized Camacho as the ref continued to apply a ten count. Hunico then slipped back into the ring and Duggan popped him with the 2x4, drawing a DQ. Post-match: Slaughter slapped on a Cobra Clutch as the crowd chanted, "U-S-A." Duggan and Slaughter then celebrated their loss in the ring. Cue up Cole's old jokes to wrap up the bit.

WINNER: Hunico via DQ at 1:01.

Still to come tonight: Sheamus & Mean Gene vs. Bryan & Del Rio.

[Commercial Break]

Back live, Cody Rhodes was already on the way to the ring. Rhodes called this entire show a waste of time. Aren't heels supposed to lie? Rhodes said he wants to turn his attention to the future, where he becomes IC champion again, where Big Show doesn't land a lucky punch, and where the Legends don't steal TV time once again. Suddenly, Dusty Rhodes's music played to bring out Dusty to confront his son. Dusty, sporting jeans and a flannel shirt, took his time making his way to the ring to make sure he got plenty of shine. Cole said he's dressed the same way he's been dressed for 40 years.

In the ring, Dusty walked past Cody to retrieve a mic as Cody told him this doesn't concern him. Dusty, whose forehead is not HD-friendly, said it actually does concern him. Dusty said Cody came into WWE as the most decorated young star since Shawn Michaels and now Cody wants to poke a grizzly bear, Big Show. Cody cut him off and said, with perfect tone, that Dusty is embarrassing him. Cody said they can talk about this in the back, then he started to leave the ring, but Big Show's music interrupted. A smiling Big Show bounced out on-stage and did Dusty's voice and promo. Show told Cody that he knows Cody must be tired of watching himself getting KO'ed at WrestleMania, so, tonight, he's going to show the real Cody Rhodes.

Video rolled from Cody's "Dashing" days when Cody demonstrated his lip-gloss routine. Back live, Cody bit his lips and sold embarrassment before turning toward his dad. Cody contemplated his next move, then Big Show told Cody that that right there is embarrassing. Show saluted the crowd, then left to the back. Back in the ring, Cody demanded Dusty do something about this. Cody then held his mouth to sell conflicted emotions before marching down the ring steps toward the back. Dusty's music played and Dusty set up for a dance routine as Cody watched with embarrassment ringside.

Backstage: Sheamus and Mean Gene were shown walking down the hallway. Mean Gene sold a near-heart attack to indicate his concern before the main event tag match.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back live, Daniel Bryan was already in the ring for the main event tag match. Ricardo Rodriguez then gave the formal ring intro for Alberto Del Rio, who emerged in his Car of the Week to join D-Bryan. For the babyfaces, Howard Finkel came out on-stage to introduce Okerlund, drawing jabs from Cole. New World Hvt. champion Sheamus came out next to join Okerlund. Before the bell sounded, Mathews noted Del Rio will receive his World Title shot against Sheamus "soon after" Extreme Rules if Sheamus remains champ following his title defense against Bryan.

6 -- World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS & "MEAN" GENE OKERLUND vs. DANIEL BRYAN & ALBERTO DEL RIO

The heels quickly ganged up on Sheamus, with Bryan delivering rapid-fire kick strikes to the body before Sheamus cut him off with a sledgehammer. Sheamus then dumped Del Rio over the top rope to the floor, but missed with a Brogue Kick on Bryan. Bryan then dropkicked Sheamus to the outside, where Del Rio smashed Sheamus with a running kick. Cole told Okerlund to start getting ready because Sheamus is going to need to make a tag. Suddenly, the heels cornered Okerlund in the ring, then Ricardo entered the ring to taunt Okerlund.

Suddenly, Roddy Piper's music played to bring out all of the scheduled Legends for the show. Cole wondered who opened up the door to the retirement home. All of the Legends assembled around the ring as Piper confronted D-Bryan on the ring apron. Piper told Bryan to turn around, then Bryan ate a Brogue Kick from Sheamus. Sheamus with the pin for the win.

WINNERS: Sheamus & Okerlund at 3:24.

Post-match: Fink ran to the ring, drawing comments from Cole, then the able-bodied Legends took turns giving Ricardo finishers. Cole said they must be close to being over because there's a curfew at the retirement home. Mathews called it a feel-good moment to close the show. After a replay of the finish, Mathews noted Bryan vs. Sheamus for the World Title occurs in a few weeks at Extreme Rules. The Legends and Sheamus continued to celebrate in the ring before Michael Cole entered the ring. Cole said he knows they need to head back to the retirement home, but he thinks they should do a photo-op. The Legends took exception and gave Cole noogies as the crowd sat silently. Cole was then knocked out by Patterson, and Sheamus kicked the trash out of the ring, leaving Cole face-first on the floor. (Will Sheamus be fined for lightly pushing Cole out of the ring?) The Legends and Sheamus got their curtain call in the ring to close the show right at the top of the hour.

FINAL THOGUHTS: If you're watching this on a DVR after the fact, you can probably watch this show in about 15 minutes for the two or three segments that actually mattered.

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "Smackdown Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on Smackdown, email pwtorch@gmail.com using our Feedback form.

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