WWE Smackdown TV Report
June 22, 2012
Taped 6/19 in Baltimore, Md.
Aired on Syfy
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

This week's WWE Smackdown episode opened with full pyro before Josh Mathews introduced the show and noted Mick Foley is running the show as interim GM. Michael Cole plugged Kane vs. Daniel Bryan tonight. Booker T then plugged World champ Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler in a non-title No Way Out re-match tonight.

Teddy Long's music then played and Cole sucked up to Long, who danced on-stage. Long stood on-stage and celebrated the fact that John Laurinaitis has been fired. He said the interim GM for tonight is Mick Foley. Suddenly, Big Show's music interrupted to bring out an unhappy giant on-stage. Show walked right past Long and made his way into the ring as the announcers noted Show is set for life with a big, fat contract. Cole also continued the protection of Show by saying he dominated John Cena at No Way Out before other wrestlers aided Cena to victory.

In the ring, Show said he doesn't care that Laurinaitis got fired. He said he didn't care about Big Johnny, and he doesn't care about any of the fans. The only person he cares about himself. They jump-cut to Show addressing Cena, who Show said needed help from five cronies to beat him at No Way Out. He claimed he could crush Cena one-on-one, prompting canned boos. Moving along, Show said he's moving on because he's done with Cena. "Cena, Cena" chant from the crowd. Show said they aren't listening to him because he's moving on.

Show said he's throwing his hat into the MITB match. He said there's no one or five men who can stop him from winning MITB. He said when he cashes in the MITB contract, there's no person or champion who can stop him. Show said when he becomes WWE champion, everyone needs to realize that he will be champion as long as he wants to be. Show said he won't be champ for the guys in the locker room, not for WWE, and not for the fans, but for himself, alone. "That championship is all mine," he said.

Suddenly, Brodus Clay's music played to bring out a serious-business version of Brodus. Booker noted Clay is all-business tonight. Clay send the Funkettes around the ring before locking eyes with Show. Clay then hit the ring, but Show cut him off with knees to the head. Show then took a big headbutt from Clay, taking Show off his feet to a pop. Clay followed with right hand strikes in the corner as Show tried to cover up. Suddenly, David Otunga chopblocked Clay's injured knee from behind. Otunga had a good laugh as Clay sold in the ring.

Show slowly removed his headgear as Booker said Vince McMahon should have fired Otunga, too. Show stalked his foe, then kicked Clay in the gut a few times. Otunga continued to smile ringside before the crowd chanted, "You can't wrestle." It's not clear if it was directed toward Show or Otunga. Show ignored the chant, then slowly set up for and delivered the KO Punch to Clay. Show called out to the crowd to come get some if they were so mad about it. Show pounded his chest and said no one can stop him.

Show then left the ring as the announcers recapped the news that Show has entered his name in the hat for the MITB ladder match. WWE went to a slow-mo replay of Show's KO Punch before showing Big Show continuing to taunt the crowd from the stage. Back in the ring, Otunga looked down at a fallen Clay and said someone needs to call his momma. Otunga vowed to call Clay's momma himself and note to her that Clay has fallen and can't get up. Otunga then called out to Clay's dancers to come see how this is done. Otunga called for Clay's music, then did the Carlton dance into a Thriller dance into a bodybuilding pose to add a lot to the soup of this opening segment. Cole said Otunga should be on Booker's dancebreaking show.

Up Next: Ryback in action.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back from break, Lilian Garcia introduced two jobbers, Frank Venezia and Jared Wachtler, who were billed from Pittsburgh to get heel heat since they're in Baltimore. The jobbers tried a summer-themed promo before Ryback's music played to a canned pop. Cole heeled on the jobbers, saying they should go back to sacking groceries at HEB.

1 -- RYBACK vs. FRANK VENEZIA & JARED WACHTLER -- handicap match

Ryback waited a few moments before beginning his assault by picking apart the "stupid" men one-by-one. One of the individuals attempted a huracanrana, but Ryback easily turned it into powerbomb. Ryback then powerbombed victim #1 on top of victim #2. Ryback decided to take it home with a double Samoan Drop for the pin and the win. Cue up the crowd pop before Ryback demanded to be fed more. The crowd followed along with his "Feed me more" chant as the announcers made food references.

WINNER: Ryback at 1:44.

Backstage: Mick Foley was shown talking to Yoshi Tatsu for some awkward conversation that turned into movie talk. Vickie Guerrero then barged in and told Yoshi to go find some sushi to eat. Yoshi retorted by telling her she's an ugly, old witch. Foley then got down to business with Vickie, who announced she is running both Raw and Smackdown next week. She said if Foley doesn't behave, she will make him her assistant. Foley said he has someone else in mind, then cued up Great Khali's music to freak out Vickie. More added to the soup in this backstage segment.

Up Next: IC champion Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio in a non-title match.

[Commercial Break]

1,000th Raw Video: Daniel Bryan talked in a sit-down interview about growing up a Rockers fan. He said he watched Shawn Michaels superkick Marty Jannetty through the barber shop window, which led to Michaels vs. Jannetty for the IC Title in the early days of Raw from New York City. Bryan said he thought HBK would win, but Jannetty won. He said it made him want to tune in every Monday.

In-ring: Lilian Garcia introduced Ricardo Rodriguez, who defiantly introduced Alberto Del Rio after being embarrassed by Santino in the tuxedo match at No Way Out on Sunday. After Mathews plugged Sonic, Del Rio posed in the ring as Cole said it's an injustice that Del Rio has to work his way back to the top after being #1 contender last month. Christian then came out to a sweetened reaction as Booker sang his praises.

2 -- IC champion CHRISTIAN vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO -- non-title match

Del Rio was the aggressor early on as Cole complained about Foley sending Del Rio down the ladder of World Title contenders after he missed his title match at No Way Out due to concussion. Christian then cleared Del Rio to the floor before landing a plancha. Smackdown went to break with both men selling on the floor.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Mathews said Del Rio is "firmly in control" following action during the break. Del Rio was working over Christian's left shoulder, looking to set up for the cross arm-breaker. Del Rio continued the assault before Christian crawled to the ropes for a reprieve. Del Rio took too long climbing the ropes moments later, which allowed Christian to catch him with a top-rope huracanrana for a nearfall. Christian followed with a slap to the face, then went up top for a cross-body, but Del Rio avoided. Del Rio tried to follow with an enziguiri, but Christian ducked, then hit a Tornado DDT for a two count. Christian followed with a second-rope missile dropkick for a two count as Ricardo freaked out ringside.

Christian called for the end and teased the Killswitch, but Del Rio slipped out and dropped Christian with an arm-snap for a two count. Del Rio tried to follow with a second-rope sentaun, but Christian avoided. The IC champ wanted the Spear next, but Del Rio intercepted with a superkick. Del Rio wanted the breaker, but Christian countered into a pendulum kick. Ricardo tried to get involved as Christian climbed up top, but Christian scared him away. The distraction allowed Del Rio to hit an enziguiri, then Del Rio flowed into the cross arm-breaker for a tap-out win.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 10:57. Very good TV match with some nice counters and reversals building to the finish. One of Del Rio's better matches in some time, and Christian helped bring it out of him. (**1/2)

Post-match: Mathews said it's only a matter of time before Del Rio is #1 contender to the World Title again. Cody Rhodes then hit the ringside area and stormed the ring to attack Christian from behind. Rhodes took advantage of Del Rio's work by slapping on an armbar, but Christian powered to his feet, only to take a knee to the gut. Rhodes then rammed Christian into the ringpost before shouting down at him that he's stealing his time. "I am Smackdown!" Rhodes shouted before his music played.

Still to come: Sheamus vs. Ziggler non-title.

[Commercial Break]

Back on the show, the announcers recapped Rhodes jumping Christian after his match in the previous segment. Cole said Rhodes is jealous that Christian is still IC champ instead of him, and hasn't gotten over Christian beating him twice in IC Title matches. The announcers then turned their attention to the WWE Title situation, where A.J. continues to be the centerpiece. Mathews dropped some hyperbole that it's the most bizarre thing WWE has ever seen.

In-ring: After a video recap of the WWE Title situation, Kane's pyro shot off before he emerged for the top-of-the-second hour main event against Daniel Bryan. After Kane hit the ring to blast off more pyro, they cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back on Smackdown, Kane was waiting for Daniel Bryan, but Lilian Garcia introduced A.J. as special guest timekeeper for this match. Kane was reactionless as Booker wondered if this is Foley's idea of a joke. Kane sold perplexion as A.J. sat down ringside before D-Bryan made his way out for the match, which drew a frown from A.J. The announcers wondered if Bryan is to blame for A.J. going crazy.

[Q5 -- second hour]

3 -- KANE vs. DANIEL BRYAN

Bryan knocked Kane to the outside early on as Cole debated with Booker whether Bryan is to blame for A.J. going crazy because he may have just wanted to move on, which happens in relationships. Back in the ring, Bryan continued to work on Kane as A.J. prepared to strike the ringbell during nearfalls, which is good timekeeping because a match could end at any time. Bryan followed with Yes! kicks before Kane caught his leg to block a fourth attempt. Bryan sidestepped Kane in the corner, though, and nailed a kick to the gut. Bryan tried a top-rope move, but they had a miscommunication on whether Kane should counter. They reset the spot on the other side of the ring and Bryan landed a missile dropkick for a nearfall.

Kane suddenly came back with strikes before nailing a big boot off the ropes. A.J. smiled as momentum shifted to Kane, who called for the chokeslam, but Bryan slipped out and cut off Kane at the knees. Bryan followed with a kick strike to the head for a two count. He then went up top and attempted a diving headbutt, but Kane grabbed him around the throat to block. Kane attempted a chokeslam, but Bryan countered into a submission hold. Kane tried to escape, but Bryan maintained the hold. Kane began to fade as Bryan shouted at him to tap out.

Bryan then flowed into the Yes! Lock center-ring. Kane waved his arm in the air as Bryan maintained the hold. Kane sort of began swimming with his arm, almost as if he were tapping, and A.J. accidentally (or not?) rang the bell. The ref waved off the finish, but Bryan thought he won. Bryan then ran into a chokeslam, and Kane made a cover for the win, which drew the bell from A.J. Afterward, Cole said it appears A.J. accidentally rang the bell for Bryan, Mathews said he's not sure it was an accident, and Booker said he doesn't know what's going on. A.J. then skipped off, content with her work for the evening, as Kane acted perplexed in the ring.

WINNER: Kane at 7:18. Another solid TV match. Kane and Bryan work well together, which is expected when it's almost impossible for Bryan to have a bad match. (**)

Backstage: Mick Foley was shown walking down the hallway. He will apparently address the audience next.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back from break, Lilian Garcia introduced Mick Foley, who made his way to the ring as Cole heeled on him, mainly based on his attire. Foley took the mic and thanked the audience for their response and for Laurinaitis to be so lame that he got himself fired. Suddenly, Heath Slater's music interrupted. "Yes!" Cole shouted before singing Heath's praises. In the ring, Slater said he's here to lead a protest. He noted that on Monday, Cyndi Lauper and Roddy Piper embarrassed him. He demanded Foley do something about it. Foley cut him off and noted he has an opponent tonight..."Woo Woo Woo You Know It" played, drawing groans from Cole as Zack Ryder made his way to the ring.

4 -- ZACK RYDER vs. HEATH SLATER

Cole heeled on Ryder for over-tanning as Booker plugged his YouTube program. Ryder dominated early on as Cole annoyed Booker by trying to sing like a sick bird. Slater came back with a corner drop before arguing with the ref. The argument allowed Ryder to come back with a Rough Ryder, much to Foley's approval ringside, and it was good for the win. Post-match: Foley hit the ring to celebrate with Ryder.

WINNER: Ryder at 1:13.

Last Sunday: Laurinaitis heard "You're Fired." On-camera, Cole said perhaps it's time for a change. Mathews called him out on flip-flopping before plugging Sheamus vs. Ziggler still to come tonight in the main event.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Foley and Ryder celebrated Ryder's win, then they stopped short when Damien Sandow entered the shot to canned boos. Sandow threw big words at Foley, who self-deprecated that he knows he smells. Sandow said he's talking about the poor entertainment provided in the previous segment. He told Ryder that his poor excuse for an existence has led WWE fans down a path if ignorance for too long. "No more," he said. Foley told him to have a nice day.

In-ring: The Usos came out for the next match on the show. After The Usos hit the ring, AW walked out on-stage to give a sales pitch for All World Promotions. AW talked up the Prime Time Players, who emerged ready to make their millions of dollars. They're going with matching yellow trunks tonight over their recent pink outfits.

5 -- THE USOS (JIMMY & JEY USO) vs. PRIME TIME PLAYERS (TITUS O'NEIL & DARREN YOUNG w/AW)

The Usos dominated Young early on as AW sold concern ringside. D-Young eventually made it to the corner to bring in Titus, who went to work on the Usos with power offense. "Millions of dollars. Whatcha gonna do?!" he shouted toward the crowd. The action broke down moments later before Uso came back with a Samoan Drop on Titus. AW then hopped on the ring apron to distract the ref, allowing the PTP'ers to gain an unfair advantage. Titus then hit his Clash of Titus finisher for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: PTP at 3:14.

Announcers: Mathews said he can't wait for July 3. The next live Smackdown special? No, the re-release of "No Holds Barred." After the announcers engaged in an innocuous conversation about the movie, WWE rolled the trailer for the movie starring Hulk Hogan. Back on the air, Cole said it was funny even when it wasn't supposed to be funny.

Still to come tonight: Sheamus vs. Ziggler.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage: Titus & Darren Young continued the celebration with AW before Primo and Epico, led by Rosa Mendes, popped them in the face. Refs had to restraint Primo and Epico to conclude the segment.

In-ring: U.S. champion Santino was introduced for the next segment. In the ring, Santino shouted out to Baltimore before saying it's his great pleasure and honor to celebrate the signs created tonight. Santino told the cameraman to find the best signs tonight. Santino paused on an "I (heart) Santino," then asked for the person holding the sign to show herself. The overly-excited woman, wearing a Cobra hand puppet, was helped over the guardrail into the ring to meet Santino. In the ring, the woman screamed and managed to get out "Cobra." Their cobras kissed before the woman planted a big kiss on Santino. Santino, with lipstick covering his entire mouth, fell over on the mat selling shock. Cole said he doesn't know what to say. After a replay of the liplock, Santino was shown smiling and selling shock.

Backstage: Sheamus and Ziggler were shown in separate split-screens making their way down the hallway for the main event.

Raw plug: Chris Jericho, who was advertised as the frontman of Fozzy, returns to Raw on Monday. And, after John Laurinaitis was fired, who will run Raw? It's another example of the generic Raw and Smackdown TV plugs being out of synch since WWE made it clear during this episode that Vickie will be Raw GM on Monday.

[Commercial Break. Bourne Legacy. Yes.]

Video package: WWE aired a clip from WWE champion C.M. Punk's appearance on Jimmy Fallon's NBC show Monday night.

In-ring: Dolph Ziggler made his way out for the main event, seconded by Vickie Guerrero, as Mathews plugged tickets for Night of Champions going on-sale Saturday. Sheamus's music then played to a strong reaction to bring out the World champion.

6 -- World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) -- non-title match

Ziggler "showed off" early on as Booker noted Ziggler's stock went up Sunday night at No Way Out even in defeat to Sheamus. Ziggler tried a dropkick, but Sheamus brushed him off, then kind of dropped Ziggler on his neck with a running power move. After the awkward-looking exchange, Sheamus grabbed an armbar as Vickie shouted into the ring. Ziggler then low-bridged Sheamus, who fell to the outside, before nailing a dropkick through the ropes. Ziggler tried to follow up with a running splash off the apron, but Sheamus caught Ziggler in mid-air and overhead-slammed Ziggler right into the barricade. Big impact match for Sheamus heading to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Ziggler had regained momentum during the break and was wearing down Sheamus in the ring. Sheamus came back with back-body drop sending Ziggler flying over the top rope to go splat on the floor. Sheamus then blasted Ziggler into the ring steps as Vickie screamed at him. Sheamus got her to back down, but Sheamus turned around to find a flying a Fameasser from Ziggler that sent Sheamus nose-first into the floor.

Back in the ring, Ziggler hit a neckbreaker, but Sheamus kicked out in time. Ziggler continued the assault before getting Mathews excited with a rear naked choke that looked like a sleeperhold. The majority of the crowd tried to rally behind Sheamus, who continued to take a beating from Ziggler. Sheamus then built some momentum at 9:30 before teasing the White Noise, but Ziggler countered into a roll-up for a two count. Ziggler then sprung on Sheamus with a big DDT for a two count.

Sheamus came back with a flying shoulder tackle off the top rope after clearing Ziggler to the mat. The World champ wanted more, but Ziggler crawled away to the ring apron looking for a breather. Sheamus took advantage with ten big forearm strikes to the chest as Vickie sold being unable to watch. Back in the ring, Ziggler nailed Sheamus with a knee lift, but then ran right into the Brogue Kick from Sheamus out of nowhere. Sheamus made the cover for the win, prompting Vickie to sell near-tears following another frustrating loss for her client.

Post-match: They replayed Sheamus delivering the BK out of nowhere for the finish. Mathews noted the Brogue Kick is always ready to go no matter what point during a match. Sheamus celebrated with fans ringside as Smackdown signed off with Sheamus standing tall.

WINNER: Sheamus at 12:26. Another really good TV match with a nice, clean finish. Ziggler is almost too good at what he does as a heel, and Sheamus continues to look like a dominant World champ. WWE didn't leave anything for next week, though, with no story development concerning the World Title.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Three good to very good matches on this show, but it felt like Smackdown, overall, got the table scraps of ideas from WWE Creative following a PPV and Raw. Smackdown has felt so unimportant lately because anything newsworthy concerning the brand is happening on Raw now. It's made Smackdown seem like two-hour house show with some good matches spotlighting the better wrestlers on the roster, minimal storyline development, light comedy filler, and basic undercard matches.

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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