WWE Smackdown review
April 10, 2012
Live in Hampton, Va.
Aired on SYFY
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist (Twitter: @gregmparks)


- WWE Open.

- The commercial from the past few days plugging tonight’s Blast from the Past episode of Smackdown opened the show.

- Smackdown Open.

- The usual fireworks and panning of the crowd opened the in-arena portion of the show.

- Josh Mathews threw it to a video of Daniel Bryan breaking up with AJ on Smackdown Friday night. Tonight, Daniel Bryan will be on Piper’s Pit, the first Piper’s Pit on Smackdown in six years.

- Lilian Garcia introduced “Mean” Gene Okerlund, who stood mid-ring. He welcomed fans to a “Blast from the Past” Smackdown. Okerlund said we’d blast off tonight with one of his favorites, the new World Champion, Sheamus. The Irishman walked to the ring and shook Okerlund’s hand. Sheamus was just given the mic and he said it was an honor to be in the ring with Okerlund. Okerlund stood in the corner as Sheamus talked about honor, saying what he did to a referee on the last episode of Smackdown was uncalled for. He apologized to referee Chad Patton (by name) as well as all the other WWE officials and to the fans all over the world. He said he tends to learn lessons the hard way. He was interrupted by John Laurinatis’ music, and Laurinaitis himself, who strode to the ring.

Laurinaitis rolled a video of the finish to the Sheamus match last week and the attack on the referee. Lauriniatis asked, “who do you think you are?” and “how dare you?” He said he’d take some action, that being Sheamus publicly apologizing to Chad Patton. Sheamus said that’s what he’s been doing for the last five minutes. Laurinaitis said he didn’t hear it and told Sheamus to do it again. Sheamus did so. Then Laurinaitis asked him to apologize to all the WWE referees. Again, Sheamus said he already did. And again, Sheamus apologized. Next was an apology to the world. Sheamus smirked and Laurinaitis said it wasn’t funny. Sheamus apologized and Laurinaitis said it wasn’t good enough. He put Sheamus on “permanent probation” and said the next time he touches a referee, accidental or otherwise, he’ll be fired. Laurinaitis also fined Sheamus “the largest fine in WWE history,” $500,000. Before leaving, Laurinaitis put Sheamus in a match against Daniel Bryan and Alberto Del Rio…with Okerlund as Sheamus’ tag partner. Great, now we have to sit through the heel GM going at it with the top babyface star(s) on BOTH shows.

- Randy Orton was backstage in his locker room, or what looked more like a set made to look like a locker room. Cowboy Bob Orton walked in and wished him luck for his match. Randy walked out and Bob got to mug for the camera.

[Commercial Break]

1 – RANDY ORTON vs. MARK HENRY

During Henry’s entrance, they showed a graphic plugging Henry’s WWE Championship match against CM Punk this coming Monday on Raw. Headbutt by Henry. Orton worked Henry over in the corner, but Henry powerslammed him for two. Cowboy Bob was shown watching this match on a monitor backstage. They cut to another rather abrupt break at 1:18 of the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back at about 5:18, with Orton trying to work out of a rest-hold. Henry let him out, but stayed on offense. They showed an inset during the break of Orton getting a drop toe-hold on Henry that sent Henry face-first into the ring steps. Booker T. predicted a Mark Henry win Monday night. Headbutt, bodyslam, splash by Henry, but Orton kicked out at two at 6:33. Splash in the corner from Henry. And another. Another splash missed. Orton got his feet up on a charge and tried to take Henry down with clotheslines. He took him down to one knee and Orton DDT’d Henry for two. Orton avoided the rope-assisted DDT. The two countered each other’s finishers, but Henry pushed Orton out of the ring. Henry was sent face-first into the steel ring-post outside the ring. Orton hopped into the ring, but Kane’s pyro went off at around 9:30. His music played and he came on the TitanTron. Kane talked about having to beat Orton at Wrestlemania, and doing just that. But last week, Orton proved he could be every bit the savage that Kane is. Kane said it would be a shame for this to end now…after all, he’s having so much fun. He then bent down to show Cowboy Bob knocked out on the floor. Kane said this was the kind of fun the whole family can enjoy. Orton ran backstage and the camera showed an empty ring. Where’s the ref?

WINNER: No Contest, (no bell), about 9:30. No surprise since they weren’t going to job Henry with his title shot on Monday, and Orton’s been losing a lot lately too.

The camera caught up to Orton backstage where he asked various hallway goers where Kane was. He finally found the room his dad was laid out in, but Kane attacked him with a pipe to the mid-section. “I’m a sucker for family reunions,” Kane remarked.

[Commercial Break]

- The exterior of the arena in Hampton was shown.

- They replayed part of Kane’s promo and his attack on Randy Orton from moments ago.

- The announcers were shown on camera, as they talked about what just happened. Mathews said they’d update us on Randy and Cowboy Bob when they got the opportunity.

- Tony Atlas and Ted DiBiase were watching on a monitor backstage. There was a jobber in the ring and Atlas predicted a “good ol’ fashioned squash” match. DiBiase said it’d be priceless.

2 – BENNY CAMER vs. RYBACK

Camer got the mic, and backstage again where Hillbilly Jim and Pat Patterson had joined DiBiase and Atlas. Camer said he wanted to say a few words before his first WWE match. But before he could, Ryback’s music hit and he came out. They went backstage and Atlas put his money on “the youngster.” Running clothesline nearly took Camer out of his boots. Muscle Buster-like move by Ryback for the win. The WWE Legends seemed impressed. “Feed…me…more!” Ryback yelled at the camera after the match.

WINNER: Ryback, at :33. Short, but effective showing for Ryback once again.

- Heath Slater and Tyson Kidd were talking backstage. Slater tried to talk Kidd into tagging with him since Justin Gabriel, Kidd’s normal tag partner, is injured. Slater said he found them a Hall-of-Fame manager for tonight, one that said Slater could be another Honky Tonk Man. “You took that as a compliment?” asked Kidd. Good point. Slater said the manager also knows something about the Hart Family. Jimmy Hart walked in, his usual excited self. He showed off his H.O.F ring and told the guys they have the Usos tonight. He walked off-camera with Slater, then Kidd reluctantly followed.

[Commercial Break]

- A video aired promoting the premiere of “Dream Machines,” which takes place after Smackdown. They showed clips of John Cena on the show, which airs at a later date.

- Mick Foley was introduced to the live crowd. Foley joined the commentators. Cole wasted no time sarcastically saying Foley loved his time on commentary so much that he dedicated a chapter of his book to it.

3 – HEATH SLATER & TYSON KIDD vs. THE USOS

Foley talked about working commentary with JR and said that wasn’t the most annoying voice in his headset. Slater tagged in and hit a neck-breaker for a near-fall as Hart used his megaphone in front of the announce desk. Hart kept using his megaphone right in Foley’s face. Twisting forearm by Jey Uso into the face of Slater. Running butt splash but the pin was broken up by Kidd. Jey tossed Kidd up and Jimmy gave him a Samoan Drop. Slater was in control in the ring but Foley brought out the sock to shut Hart up. Hart jumped into the ring and out the other side, distracting his charge Slater. Samoan Drop to Slater, then a splash off the top rope for the win. One of the Usos looks like he’s gained quite a bit of weight.

WINNERS: The Usos, at 2:36. If WWE were serious about using managers, Hart could still be an effective one.

After the match, Foley managed to apply Socko to Jimmy Hart.

- Sheamus & Gene Okerlund take on Daniel Bryan and Alberto Del Rio in the main event. They replayed Bryan breaking up with AJ on the show last week.

- Next, Daniel Bryan will be on Piper’s Pit.

[Commercial Break]

- Roddy Piper came to the ring for Piper’s Pit. Cole reminded viewers and the announcers that the last time Piper’s Pit was on Smackdown, a woman had a mole bitten off her face. “Roddy” chant. Piper talked about tonight’s guest and how he lost the World Title at Wrestlemania in 18 seconds. He had the video man cue up Bryan breaking up with AJ last week. Piper then introduced Bryan. He came out wearing his “Yes!” t-shirt and did his thing all the way to the ring. Lots of “yes!” signs and chants. Piper said Bryan seems happy for a man who lost the World Title in 18 seconds. Bryan said Laurinaitis granted him a return match for the World Title. “18 seconds” chant. He said he wanted to make Sheamus tap out and pin him. At Extreme Rules, he can do both, because it will be a best two-out-of-three-falls match. That’s not very “extreme.” Bryan said AJ will be nowhere to be found. Piper said he knows AJ is in the building and he likes AJ and it’s his show, so he called her out.

Piper kissed AJ’s hand once she got into the ring. She said she couldn’t believe she was on Piper’s Pit. She said hi to Daniel. Piper was surprised she’d speak to him after what they just saw. AJ said she knows how Bryan can come off sometimes but she knows deep down he’s a good person. Piper told her to leave the politically correct answers at the door on his show. He reminded her of all the things he said about her. AJ took the blame as Bryan revealed an evil smile. She said she made a mistake at Wrestlemania, and she’s sorry. She said if they could just talk, they could work it out. Piper said he’s been walking AJ since her debut and saw Big Show mow her down. AJ said she got back up so she’s tough. And it isn’t easy to be a lady in WWE, so she’s smart. Plus, she’s beautiful. Piper told AJ Bryan is using her, but Bryan broke it up and told Piper he’s had enough of him dragging his name through the dirt. Bryan told AJ that if she meant what she said about loving him, she’d leave the ring right now. Piper told her she doesn’t have to listen to him. “AJ” chants as she decided what to do. She ended up leaving. Bryan tried to leave after her, but Piper angrily said he wasn’t finished.

Piper pointed out the “yes!” on Bryan’s shirt. Piper said he’s got four kids, three daughters. So he’s going to tell Bryan a few “no’s.” You don’t tell a lady to shut up…that’s a no. You don’t yell at a lady…that’s a no. And you don’t use a lady as a human shield, because that’s a coward and that’s what Bryan is. That’s also a no. Piper said the only bright light is that at Extreme Rules, Sheamus will kick Bryan’s head off his shoulders not once, but twice, and Piper will get to see that. Bryan said the fact that he’s better than Sheamus will slap everyone across the face, including Piper. Bryan slapped Piper and left the ring before Piper could get his hands on him. Bryan did his “yes!” all the way to the back as a hot Piper was stuck in the ring. Really good job from all three involved.

- Another plug for the main event tag match.

[Commercial Break]

4 – THE GREAT KHALI & ALICIA FOX & NATALYA vs. DREW MCINTYRE & THE BELLA TWINS – MIXED TAG MATCH

No entrances for either team. McIntyre and Khali began the match. McIntyre was taken down twice and got frustrated, claiming, “I’m better than this.” He then walked out. Fox and one of the Bellas were in there. Northern Lights Suplex by Fox for the win.

WINNERS: Khali, Fox, and Natalya, at :55. Maybe finally some character development for McIntyre?

As the victors danced on the stage, Mae Young came out to dance. She then kicked Khali in the knee to bring him down to one knee and kissed him. “An old chicken makes good soup,” Booker said to end the segment.

- Del Rio and Bryan vs. Okerlund and Sheamus, tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- A backstage pre-tape aired with Damien Sandow. He discussed “sophistication,” saying it’s a lost-art. He blamed social media. He promised to be our beacon of light that we can use to guide our lives for years and years to come. “You’re welcome.”

- The announcers were shown and Cole talked about how it’s a blast from the past for Booker tonight, since Cole and Mathews are using iPads and he showed off Booker’s notepad. Mathews showed the clip from earlier of Kane standing over Bob Orton then laying out Randy. Mathews said Bob suffered abdominal injuries. They switched gears to talk about Brock Lesnar’s return to Raw.

- The Raw Rebound aired.

- A graphic for Lesnar vs. Cena at Extreme Rules was shown.

- Backstage, Okerlund expressed his doubts about the tag match tonight. He noticed Sheamus smiling and asked if Sheamus had something up his sleeve. Sheamus said they probably aren’t going to win tonight, so Okerlund asked why he was smiling. Sheamus said he wasn’t going to let Laurinaitis get to him and see him sweat. Plus, he gets to team with Okerlund, who he watched as a kid. And if they survive, the first pint will be on him. “IF we survive?” asked Okerlund. Sheamus, I believe quoting Miami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen, said they’d drink to remember or drink to forget.

[Commercial Break]

- A WWE “Don’t Try This At Home” ad aired.

5 – HACKSAW JIM DUGGAN vs. HUNICO

Camacho rode to the ring with Hunico. Hunico did some mic work saying no one cares about the old-timers. Hunico said he’s the future of WWE. Duggan nailed Hunico with punches, sending him out of the ring. Duggan came out to get him, but Camacho stood between him and Hunico. Duggan got into the ring and called someone out for backup. It was Sgt. Slaughter. Sarge tossed the 2X4 into the ring as Hunico argued with the ref. Duggan used the board on Hunico (then Camacho) for the DQ.

WINNER: Hunico, via DQ, at 1:00. That was odd.

Slaughter applied the Cobra Clutch on Hunico after the match.

- The main event tag is up soon.

[Commercial Break]

- Cody Rhodes came out. I like his t-shirt. He said tonight was a waste of time and preferred to look to the future, where he’s once again Intercontinental Champion. He accused the Legends of hogging the spotlight. But his father’s music interrupted before he could get much further. Cody said this doesn’t have anything to do with Dusty. Dusty disagreed, saying Cody came into the industry as the most naturally talented athlete since Shawn Michaels, and Cody just wanted to poke the bear. Cody said Dusty was embarrassing him and told his dad that they can talk about it in the back. Cody then left, but Big Show’s theme played. Show imitated Dusty then promised Cody he wouldn’t show him the same clip over and over again. Instead, he’ll show the REAL Cody Rhodes. It was from back when Cody was giving his fashion advice as “Dashing” Cody Rhodes. Dusty couldn’t help by smile. Show said that right there was embarrassing. Cody and Dusty argued off-mic as the crowd chanted “Dusty.” Cody then went to ringside and watched his dad dance to “American Dream.”

- Sheamus and Okerlund were walking backstage. Okerlund is playing the reluctant partner role quite well. The main event is next.

[Commercial Break]

- A reminder of the premiere of “Dream Machines,” next.

6 – DANIEL BRYAN & ALBERTO DEL RIO vs. “MEAN” GENE OKERLUND & SHEAMUS

Bryan was already in the ring. Ricardo Rodriguez introduced Del Rio, then Howard Finkel, from the ramp, intro’d Gene Okerlund. Okerlund walked out in a Sheamus t-shirt. Sheamus was then introduced by The Fink. Del Rio and Sheamus traded offense until Sheamus tried to go after Bryan. That opened the door for the heels to take over. Del Rio and Bryan traded tags to stay fresh, knowing Sheamus pretty much could not do the same. Bryan avoided Brogue Kick and dropkicked Sheamus out of the ring. Del Rio took advantage getting in a shot of his own. Okerlund got into the ring and stood between Del Rio and Bryan. Even Rodriguez got into the ring to taunt Gene. Okerlund cowered in the ring and before he could get touched, all the legends who appeared on the show came out to Piper’s music. “Talk about the Walking Dead!” said Cole. Piper got onto the apron and in Bryan’s face. This allowed Sheamus to recover and Bryan turned around into a Brogue Kick to end things.

WINNERS: Sheamus and Okerlund, at 3:22.

After the match, the legends surrounded Rodriguez in the ring, but Fink (who announced the winners) ran down. Many got shots in on Rodriguez, including Dusty, Patterson, Piper, Atlas (who slammed him and almost dropped him on his head), Slaughter, and a Sheamus Brogue Kick. Everyone celebrated after the match. The finish was replayed. Cole got into the ring and talked about the wonderful job the Legends did. He made jokes at their expense and asked for a photo-op, but they surrounded Cole. Cole begged off, but Patterson socked him in the face and Sheamus kicked him out of the ring. They signed off with everyone still celebrating in the ring.


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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