WWE Smackdown TV Report
April 20, 2012
Taped 4/17 in London, England
Aired on Syfy
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

This week's WWE Smackdown episode opened with Josh Mathews introducing the show nine days away from Extreme Rules. Michael Cole in his two cents that John Laurinaiits has booked a six-man tag main event of Sheamus, Orton, and Khali vs. Bryan, Henry, and Rhodes.

On cue, Daniel Bryan's music hit to bring out the former World Hvt. champion to a rousing ovation that was mixed with post-produced boos. The camera picked up "Yes! Yes! Yes!" chants, t-shirts, and signs throughout the arena as Mathews said Bryan has become even more egotistical since WrestleMania.

Once Bryan's music stopped, the boos kicked in as Bryan surveyed the crowd. "Yes," he said, which was met by "Yes!" from the crowd. Bryan went back to his first-ever Mania as World Hvt. champion. Then, 18 seconds later, it was as if his World Title reign never even happened. He said it's tough for him to talk about what happened because he didn't out-wrestle or out-fight him, but took the cowardly way out. He said Sheamus waited until someone distracted him, then kicked him in the face. Bryan said it was just like he did to Alberto Del Rio, a referee two weeks ago, and him again last week. But, at Extreme Rules, he will not be distracted. Bryan said if Sheamus so much as touches the referee for their match, he will be fired. Bryan said at Extreme Rules, they return to the city (Chicago) where he won the MITB briefcase to set up his World Title run. And, at the PPV, he will beat Sheamus not once, but twice. Bryan paused for a mixture of boos and "Yes!" chants before saying he will do what he does best: wrestle. "I will wrestle. I am going to out-wrestle Sheamus face-to-face like a real man," he said. Bryan then asked himself rhetorical questions, and the answer was supposed to be "Yes!" which led to more chants.

Suddenly, A.J. interrupted sans music. A.J., dressed to wrestle, stomped out to the ring pleading with Bryan for his time. A.J. ignored Bryan's request to leave the ring, then Sheamus mocked her that she's probably out here to distract him again. A.J. said Bryan won't listen to her, so she has to do it like this. A.J. wanted to talk about their problems, but Bryan cut her off and noted he got rid of "their" problem by dumping her. A.J. looked down at the mat before saying she knows they can work this out. Besides, she just wants to wish Bryan good luck against Sheamus at the PPV. Bryan said he wishes she had not come out here. He wishes she never met her. He wishes he never went out with her. And, actually, he wishes that she was never even born. Big boos and Booker said quietly, "Wow." Bryan smiled in A.J.'s face as A.J. fought tears, then Bryan vowed to answer one more question while he's out there. He asked rhetorically if there's any chance he would take her back, then shouted, "No!" Bryan dropped the mic and confidently walked out of the ring as A.J. sold tears in the ring. Bryan disappeared to the back and they faded to commercial with A.J. still in the ring.

[Commercial Break. A new Extreme Rules ad leading into break focused on Cena-Brock as the headline match for the PPV. If this is the direction WWE starts going by naming the PPVs "Extreme Rules: Brock-Cena," it would be a major improvement in the PPV advertising.]

Back on Smackdown, Mathews robotically called this an "intriguing" start to the show. Back in the ring, A.J. was still selling emotions as the announcers made light of her situation. Cole said A.J. should be thankful to D-Bryan, then claimed A.J. brought this upon herself. Booker said A.J. shouldn't even be out here in the ring tonight.

1 -- A.J. vs. NATALYA

The referee called for the bell as A.J. continued to stare toward the entrance ramp. Natalya then walked up to A.J. to console her, and A.J. responded by slapping her across the face before pounding Natalya into the corner. A.J. went nuts on Natalya with slaps and kicks and punches before the ref had enough and DQ'ed her. Post-match: A.J. tried to catch her breath before slipping out of the ring. Cole said she needs to get counseling. A.J. became emotional again as she reached the top of the ramp, then turned and ran to the back.

WINNER: Natalya via DQ at 0:48.

Still to come: IC champion Big Show vs. Alberto Del Rio in a non-title singles match.

[Commercial Break]

Pre-taped Message: Damien Sandow's word of the day is ignorance. He said many people, such as Smackdown viewers, are more concerned with trite, unimportant celebrity-driven information than achieving wisdom and knowledge from our vast resources.

In-ring: Back to the show, Hunico and Camacho were in the ring for competition. Brodus Clay's music then played to bring out Funkasauras for a singles match. Clay was missing something, though, and cut off his music on-stage. Clay demanded his little brother come out, then sent the Funkettes backstage before re-starting his music. Out came Hornswoggle dressed in Clay's red and white Adidas gear. "All that build-up for his goofball?" Cole asked, selling annoyance. In the ring, everyone danced while the heels talked strategy ringside.

2 -- BRODUS CLAY (w/Hornswoggle) vs. HUNICO (w/Camacho)

The bell sounded and Clay stomped toward Hunico before jiggling and shaking. Swoggle then randomly entered the ring and stood up to Hunico to do his own shake. Hunico wanted nothing to do with Swoggle, so he tossed him to the mat, prompting Clay to destroy Hunico. Clay executed a t-bone suplex, then bounced off the ropes for a flying splash to secure the win.

Post-match, Cole noted Clay has been rolling, then Swoggle climbed up top to deliver a Tadpole Splash to Hunico for the exclamation point. Booker said this is what this business is all about. What? They went to a replay of Swoggle's splash before returning to the ring for some final dancing that included Swoggle going too far on the splits.

WINNER: Clay at 1:13.

Still to come: Six-man tag main event featuring Smackdown's top stars.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Former Smackdown GM Teddy Long was looking for Aksana, but they found NXT Rookies Darren Young and Titus O'Neil, who bragged about Long being fired and not hiring them to Smackdown. John Laurinaitis then walked into the shot and noted he listens to the people, and he has hired them to the brand. O'Neil sarcastically asked "old man" Long if he thinks they're ready for prime-time now. Laurinaitis told Long he can't believe he didn't hire those guys. He then told Long he gets to wear this hat...and put a Queen's Guard hat on Long's head. Back to ringside, Cole said this is the greatest Smackdown ever.

Backstage: Back to Matt Striker, who brought in Randy Orton to take a look at Kane's destruction of the Orton Family last week on Smackdown. After the video played, Striker solemnly asked Orton how his father is doing. Orton said he will be fine...in time...but he can't say the same for Kane. Orton said at Extreme Rules, they will have a match where they can fight wherever they want to because it's Falls Count Anywhere. Orton said he will make sure Kane knows how sick and twisted he can be. Fade to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back on Smackdown, the Usos emerged on-stage to do their warm-up dance to fire up the crowd before entering the ring. Former NXT Rookies Titus O'Neil and Darren Young then came out to face the Usos. Cole actually mentioned NXT by name, noting the duo improved every week to be ready for this opportunity from Laurinaitis.

3 -- THE USOS vs. DARREN YOUNG & TITUS O'NEIL

Mathews framed this match-up as the Usos trying to hold their ground having been part of the Smackdown tag division for a while. Cole added that Laurinaitis is trying to improve SD's tag division. As the action went back and forth, Cole noted Young took O'Neil under his wing to help improve his mic work after subjecting himself to mockery from the fans. The action broke down at 3:00 before Titus sent Jey flying to the outside. Titus then tagged into the match and set up Jimmy Uso for a double-team combination. Titus made the cover for the win, surprising the announcers. Cole said the wins might not going to be pretty, but the style will be rough and tough from Titus & Young.

WINNERS: Titus & D-Young at 3:34. Fine main roster debut for Titus & Young. Meanwhile, the Usos continue to be slotted at the bottom of the tag roster.

Raw Rebound: In a voice-over, Mathews introduced this week's Raw Rebound focusing on the Chris Jericho vs. C.M. Punk feud.

Backstage: Andre shot on Big Show, who was making his way down the hallway for the top-of-the-second-hour match.

[Commercial Break]

Back on Smackdown, Cole told Mathews and Booker that he wishes they would jump off London Bridge. So, Booker told Cole last week that he had a dream that Cole died. What is with the announcers wishing death on their colleagues? Ricardo Rodriguez then introduced Alberto Del Rio, who made his way to the ring. IC champion Big Show was out next to face Del Rio at the top of the hour. Before the bell sounded, Cole formally announced Del Rio has joined the Smackdown roster per Laurinaitis.

4 -- IC champion BIG SHOW vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- non-title match

Show dominated early on, rendering Del Rio ineffective. Del Rio then ducked a clothesline and went for the standard attack going after the knee to chop down Show. Del Rio turned his attention toward Show's left shoulder to potentially set up for the cross arm-breaker. Del Rio went for his finisher moments later, but Show tossed him aside. The two men were slow to their feet, then Show ran over Del Rio with multiple strikes into a spear.

Show made his way back to his feet, then called for the Chokeslam, but Ricardo hopped on the ring apron to provide a distraction that led to Cody Rhodes sneaking in the ring for a Disaster Kick. Rhodes ran out of the ring just as quickly as he entered, then Del Rio fell on top of Show for the win. Post-match, Rhodes knocked Show out of the ring, then bailed from the ring to avoid Show's wrath. Show, with hands on hips, stormed away from ringside.

WINNER: Del Rio at 5:16. And, Show-Rhodes continues. Meanwhile, Del Rio does not look like the same guy who was main-eventing Raw last year before he was injured. The gimmick feels dated and the character is missing a spark.

Still to come: Six-man tag main event.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre were mocking a local talent already in the ring to take a beating. In the ring, lil' Danny Lerman took the mic as Slater and McIntyre continued to mock him. Ryback then came out to face Lerman as Mathews said Ryback is mowing throw opponents like Mike Tyson.

5 -- RYBACK vs. DANNY LERMAN

The bell sounded and Lerman went for weak kick strikes, but Ryback shoved him aside, then tossed him into the air for an overhead slam. Lerman sold as Slater & McIntyre placed bets backstage. Ryback then measured Lerman for a big clothesline before calling for the end. Ryback ran across the ring before delivering a running fallaway slam for the pin and the win. Post-match, Ryback yelled and screamed fragmented sentences before they replayed the action. Backstage, Slater and McIntyre debated whether Ryback is an idiot.

WINNER: Ryback at 1:13.

Still to come: Six-man tag main event. ... Next: Brock Lesnar's "controversial" sit-down interview from Raw.

[Commercial Break]

Announcers: Back on the show, Cole plugged WrestleMania business before Booker called it the best production he's seen. Mathews then fed to Lesnar's sit-down interview from Raw discussing his return to WWE, knocking John Cena, and setting up the Extreme Rules PPV main event. Back on Smackdown, Cole plugged their contract signing on Raw.

Backstage: Long was dressed as a Queen's Guard, then William Regal stepped into the show and mocked Long's inability to talk and move. Regal slapped Long on the shoulder, then walked off. Aksana's music then played to bring out Aksana and a debuting Claudio Castagnoli. Aksana introduced Claudio, who wants to become a WWE star. Aksana admired Claudio's strength, then asked Long if he would make a great WWE star. Claudio said when Aksana told him her boyfriend has an important job in WWE, this isn't what he had in mind. Aksana said he used to have an important job, then knocked on Laurinaitis's door. Laurinaitis spotted Aksana and Claudio, then welcomed them into his office. Laurinaitis then whispered in Long's ear that he must have really enjoyed meeting Aksana's "good friend, Antonio." Long continued to stand still, continuing to take his humiliation in-stride.

In-ring: Daniel Bryan made his way to the ring as Cole shouted, "Yes!" over and over as Mathews tried to set up the six-man tag main event.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back from break, Mark Henry had already made his way to the ring to join D-Bryan. Cody Rhodes then received a full ring introduction to join Bryan and Henry in the ring. Once the heels assembled in the ring, Sheamus's music played to bring out the World Hvt. champion. Sheamus. Randy Orton was out next for the faces and Mathews noted Orton-Kane is set for Extreme Rules. Out last was Great Khali, who made his way out on-stage before slowly coming to the ring. Khali tried entering the ring, but Rhodes came out of nowhere to take out Khali at the left knee. The faces checked on Khali, then a trainer checked on Khali, who sold a knee injury. Booker, with no compassion in his voice, told him to suck it up.

The entire crew of refs eventually assembled ringside to check on Khali as Rhodes celebrated in the ring. Rhodes then bounced the ropes a la Ric Flair before Khali was dragged away from ringside. The announcers speculated on whether this would be a handicap match, but instant comeuppance for Rhodes came in the form of Big Show's music playing, which turned Rhodes's smile upside-down. Show emerged on-stage, checked on Khali, and made his way to the ring as Rhodes protested to the referee. Cole said Show can't just walk out here and insert himself into a match. Booker just laughed as the six men in the ring prepared for the match.

[Commercial Break]

6 -- World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS & IC champion BIG SHOW & RANDY ORTON vs. DANIEL BRYAN & MARK HENRY & CODY RHODES

The match started during the break and the show resumed with Orton working over Rhodes as Cole continued to complain about Show joining the face team. Mathews explained that the heels took out Khali before the match, so Show was allowed to replace Khali. The match settled into the heels working over Sheamus as Cole endorsed D-Bryan, saying they've learned that he can be a pitbull in the ring. Rhodes then lost control of the match, bringing in Orton to tee off on Rhodes. Orton wanted his second-rope DDT and connected. Orton then went to That Place and stalked Rhodes for the RKO, but D-Bryan ran into the ring, only to take a powerslam. Henry cut off Orton, though, and the heels resumed control leading to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Orton was trying to rip Orton's head off in a neck vice. Orton tried fighting back, but Henry shoved him to the mat, trash-talked, and tagged in Bryan, who delivered strikes as the somewhat-muted crowd chanted, "Yes!" in the background. Bryan then clobbered Orton in the corner with a leg whip before climbing up top for a diving headbutt that did not connect. Both men sold on the mat before Orton made his way to the corner to tag in Big Show. Henry also tagged in and the two big men collided center-ring. Show got the better of Henry early on before butt-splashing Henry. Rhodes attacked Show from behind, though, allowing Henry to clothesline Show to the mat. Henry had enough and tagged in Rhodes, who went to work on Show.

The heels tried to pick up where Del Rio left off in the top-of-the-second-hour match by focusing on Show's lower body, including Rhodes applying a figure-four leglock center-ring. Rhodes then reached up and tagged Henry, who entered the ring with a big splash on Show. But, it was only good for a two count. Henry had enough, so he tagged in D-Bryan, who tried a pin, but Show press-slammed D-Bryan clear out of the ring. Bryan was late re-entering, allowing Show to tag in Sheamus, who went to town on Bryan.

At 16:00, Rhodes found himself on the outside, where Show KO'ed him with the WMD. After that emphatic end to Rhodes's night, Sheamus and Henry battled inside the ring. Sheamus then dropped Henry with the Brogue Kick, and reached over to Orton for a tag. Meanwhile, Show KO punched Henry, who fell backward into Orton, who dropped Henry with the RKO. Orton with the cover on Henry for the win.

Post-match: The faces celebrated in the ring before WWE replayed the final 60 seconds of the match with the faces hitting their finishers leading to Orton's pin on Henry. Back in the ring, the face trio posed in the ring as Mathews plugged Extreme Rules coming up in nine days. Cole gave a final plug for the three-hour Raw on Monday for Cena and Lesnar in the same ring at the same time.

WINNERS: Team Orton at 16:56. Solid six-man tag match with the heels working well during their time to shine before the faces got the final word. Typical Smackdown main event for a "feel-good Friday night moment" since Smackdown didn't have a sense of urgency tonight with the PPV not until next week.

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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