WWE Smackdown review
December 28, 2012
Taped 12/19/12 in Rochester, N.Y.
Aired on SyFy
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist (Twitter: @gregmparks)


- WWE Open.

- The opening video package featured Sheamus and Big Show’s feud. Tonight, their feud reaches another level. Whatever that means. They also aired clips of the new Dolph Ziggler/A.J. Lee pairing, including their verbal sparring with The Miz on Miz TV last week. Ziggler takes on Miz tonight.

- Inside the Blue Cross Arena we went. After the camera briefly panned the crowd, Sheamus came to the ring. Josh Mathews and JBL were shown at ringside. Sheamus said he hoped everyone had a Merry Christmas, probably confusing many small children in the crowd. Sheamus said his Christmas was fantastic, and listed off everything he did and received as gifts. He talked about beating Big Show in the Lumber Jack Frost Match on Raw, again confusing to fans as that show hadn’t aired yet. Sheamus wanted his World Title back, so he called out Big Show and challenged him to a title match for this evening. Big Show did come out to answer the challenge.

Show entered the ring and asked if he looked like Santa Claus to the Big Show. “Yes!” chants from the fans. The two men traded barbs and Show accused Sheamus from suffering from denial. He said Sheamus’s win on Raw was a fluke victory as the champ was in his “Christmas vacation” mode. He said the title wasn’t on the line so that victory didn’t count. Show said Sheamus will never tell him against whom or when he defends his title. Sheamus called Show a coward who’s afraid to fight him. Even though the title wasn’t on the line, Show’s pride was. Show scoffed at the notion. Sheamus got upset and said he came for a fight and to vie for the title, but if he can’t get a title shot, he’s at least going to get a fight. He took off his shirt and tossed it into the crowd. Booker T.’s music hit and he stopped everyone in their tracks. He said Show is right: Big Show won at the TLC PPV. On the other hand, Sheamus won on Monday night. Show interrupted to argue his case against Sheamus (or anyone else) getting another shot at his title. Booker did say Show will be in action tonight. His plan was to bring out every WWE Superstar, including Sheamus, put their names in a tumbler, and randomly choose an opponent for the Big Show. Yeah, just like they choose playoff teams in real sports!

Booker told Teddy Long to bring out his Superstars, so they walked out. Show promised to knock out whatever opponent is selected for him. The tumbler made an appearance too…I just hope they keep it around for the Royal Rumble. Long and Eve Torres fought over who would open the tumbler for Booker. It ended up falling to the floor. A ball was selected with the name “Santino Marella.” Santino seemed shocked at this opportunity, but then celebrated in front of the rest of the roster. Show met him face-to-face in the aisle. All of a sudden, Santino wasn’t so happy. Show just laughed and walked to the back.

[Commercial Break]

1 – PRIMO vs. BRODUS CLAY

No entrance for Primo, who was flanked by Epico and Rosa Mendes. A distraction at the bell allowed Primo to begin on offense. Double overhand chop allowed Clay to take over. He turned a cross-body attempt into a bodyslam. Before he could call his momma, Epico got on the apron. He was quickly dispatched and Primo was put back down. Splash by Brodus to end things.

WINNER: Clay, at 1:13. Clay’s push seems somewhat renewed as of late.

Clay danced with the Funkettes after the match, but Rosa got in his face. Cameron and Naomi stepped in gave Rosa a double suplex and a double leg-drop. More dancing, this time with small children!

- Up next, a six-man tag match with Team Hell No & Kofi Kingston taking on Team Rhodes Scholars & Wade Barrett.

[Commercial Break]

- Santino and Sheamus were backstage. Sheamus offered to help get Santino ready for the match. He said the Brogue Kick seems to be the only thing that can take Show down. Santino said he must learn this Brogue Kick. Sheamus demonstrated for Santino, but in practice, Santino didn’t get his leg high enough so Sheamus kept up with the pep talk. Santino finally got his leg high enough but seemed to pull a muscle, in a comedic way.

2 – TEAM RHODES SCHOLARS & WADE BARRETT vs. KOFI KINGSTON & TEAM HELL NO

All of the babyfaces received entrances, but none of the heels did. Cody Rhodes and Daniel Bryan began the match. Bryan quickly tagged out after catapulting Rhodes into a big boot from Kane. Side slam by Kane on Damien Sandow. Kingston tagged in and came off the top with a double axe-handle to the arm of Sandow. Kingston shined against Barrett, but a missed Trouble in Paradise led to a mid-ring stand-off with all six wrestlers involved. They cut to break at 2:41 of the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back at 6:12 of the match. Side Russian leg-sweep by Sandow on Bryan. Tag in to Barrett, who also worked Bryan over. Hard reversal of an Irish whip by Barrett sent Bryan crashing into the buckle. Rhodes tagged in and put the boots to Bryan. Bryan took Rhodes face-first into the corner and both were down at 8:40. Kingston made the tag and cleaned house on Barrett. Big cross-body from Kingston got two, as the heels broke it up. Kane cleared the ring of Team Rhodes Scholars, but they got the better of him on the outside. Back in the ring, Barrett’s Bull Hammer was countered. Kingston rolled Barrett up, then gave Rhodes, who entered the ring, the Trouble in Paradise. Bull Hammer on Kingston for the win.

WINNERS: Team Rhodes Scholars and Barrett, at 10:03. Good for Barrett to get back on the winning side again. This was a nice TV match.

At the announce desk, Mathews made the announcement that due to a pulled hamstring, Santino will not be able to compete tonight.

- Backstage, Show gloated to Booker about not having an opponent. Booker countered that he’ll find an opponent via the tumbler again. Booker went to the tumbler as Show complained. Booker picked the name and told Show he’d find out his opposition soon enough.

[Commercial Break]

- Show and Booker were still arguing after break. Ricardo Rodriguez walked in with Longand Show laughed, as Rodriguez was the name selected. Rodriguez put up his hands like he was ready to fight, but was cowering while he did it. Show put the title over Ricardo’s shoulder and told him to announce himself as World Champion. Ricardo began to do so, with his voice shaking, but Rodriguez got KO’d by Show. “This is ridiculous Show!” shouted Booker.

3 – ZACK RYDER vs. ANTONIO CESARO

Cesaro landed a hard uppercut on Ryder in the corner. Vertical suplex for only a one-count at :27. Ryder dead-lifted Ryder off the mat for a gutwrench suplex. A faint “Let’s go Ryder” chant was heard. Bodyslam, then a jumping double-stomp by Cesaro for a two-count. Ryder broke free of a waist-lock and caught Cesaro with a middle-rope dropkick. Broski Boot missed and Cesaro responded with a European uppercut to the back of the neck. Neutralizer ended it.

WINNER: Cesaro, at 3:27. Solid win for Cesaro heading into next week’s Main Event match against Great Khali, a match that was the focus of much of the commentary

- JBL and Mathews discussed Cesaro vs. Khali next Wednesday. They transitioned to Big E. Langston’s attack on the Miz last week on Smackdown.

- A graphic aired for Miz vs. Ziggler, taking place next.

[Commercial Break]

4 – THE MIZ vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

During Miz’s entrance, they again showed Miz putting down A.J. and Ziggler from last week’s live episode of Smackdown. JBL provided some background on Langston and compared him to wrestler/power-lifters of the past such as Ken Patera and Teddy Arcidi. Ziggler and Miz had some back-and-forth to start. Miz tossed Ziggler over the top rope, but right into the arms of Langston, who caught him before he could take a bump. Back in the ring, a test of strength led to Ziggler kicking Miz in the gut, then hitting a neck-breaker. Ziggler had Miz in a bit of an octopus move, wrenching back on the arm of Miz. Miz fired back with a double-leg take-down and a flurry of punches. Miz came off the top but Ziggler nailed him with a drop-kick in mid-air. They went to break at 4:29.

[Commercial Break]

The show returned right at 8:00. Ziggler had grounded Miz, who was attempting to get back to his feet. Miz created separation with a back suplex. Miz dodged a charge and delivered a back elbow and clothesline. Neck-breaker combination by Miz for two at 9:38. Miz missed a low boot and Ziggler rolled him up for two. Corner clothesline by Miz. He had a brief stare-down with Langston as he ascended the top rope. Double axe-handle to Ziggler. Miz blew a kiss to A.J., causing A.J. to say something to Langston. Langston quickly climbed the ring steps, distracting Miz. Ziggler hit the Zig Zag for the win.

WINNER: Ziggler, at 11:19. Another big win for Ziggler, and one of perhaps Miz’s best match as a babyface thus far.

Miz got the mic after the match and said that no matter which Superstar A.J. is with at New Year’s Eve, the night will end with a bang. “Happy New Year, sweetheart,” he said, still groggy from the finish. Ziggler, who was in the aisle, re-entered the ring to defend his woman. He and Miz brawled until A.J. gave Langston the high sign, and he attacked Miz. He gave Miz the gut-buster. A.J. skipped around the ring as Langston and Ziggler stood over a fallen Miz. They replayed Langston’s moves in the attack. A.J. and Ziggler made out again.

- JBL and Mathews discussed whether or not A.J. is calling the shots in that group. As for the World Title, Mathews said Rodriguez would not be able to compete against Big Show.

- Backstage, as Booker asked the trainer about Rodriguez’s condition (with Rodriguez laying on a trainer’s table), Brad Maddox walked in to ask again for one more shot. Maddox asked if he could dig that. Booker said he’ll get one more chance, and it’ll be his last chance. And the match is next. Maddox and his ever-present cameraman left the room. Alberto Del Rio barged in, asking if Rodriguez was okay. Del Rio was upset at Big Show, so Booker gave him the World Title match for tonight. Del Rio smiled and said this one was for Rodriguez.

[Commercial Break]

- A graphic aired for Big Show vs. Alberto Del Rio in a World Title match later tonight.

- Brad Maddox came to the ring with a mic. He said his New Year’s Resolution is to become a WWE Superstar, and he’s never broken a resolution. He said that after tonight, remembering his nhame will be as easy as it gets. Not so: Sheamus came out.

5 – BRAD MADDOX vs. SHEAMUS

Maddox tried to leave, but Sheamus wasn’t having it. Shoulder tackle by Sheamus took Maddox down. Sheamus helpfully waited until Maddox got back to his feet. A rear waist-lock was shrugged off by the former World Champ. Maddox tried an arm-wringer, but Sheamus reversed and took Maddox down with a headlock. Maddox shoved Sheamus, so Sheamus chased after him. Maddox suckered him back into the ring and assaulted him with rights in the corner. Sheamus held on to the top rope on an Irish whip attempt. He then returned the beating to Maddox and clobbered him with a short-arm clothesline. Forearms to the chest by Sheamus. White Noise to Maddox, then the Brogue Kick.

WINNER: Sheamus, at 3:49. Now that this was Maddox’s “final chance”….what’s next?

- Coming up tonight, Alberto Del Rio vs. Big Show.

[Commercial Break]

- The Raw Rebound aired.

6 – THE USOS vs. THE PRIME TIME PLAYERS

The Players were just entering the ring to their music, while the Usos were already in the ring. Some double-teaming by the Usos and a cover by Jey on Darren Young for two at :37. Jey was re-directed into a Titus O’Neil boot after a blind tag. Short clothesline from O’Neil. Young accidentally caught O’Neil with a big boot, but he hit his double-knee finish on Jey for two, with the pin broken up by Jimmy. O’Neil then went on the attack. The Usos pulled a switcheroo as the ref was sending O’Neil back to his corner. That led to a small package for the win.

WINNERS: The Usos, at 2:08. The tag matches always seem to get stuck in this death slot before the main event; sort of reminds me of the X Division matches historically being slotted as an opening match on PPV.

- Alberto Del Rio vs. Big Show for the World Title is still to come.

[Commercial Break]

- More from JBL and Mathews at ringside, discussing the WWE Magazine 2012 awards. They also talked about The Shield. Another grainy, hand-held camera video aired from the three men. Dean Ambrose said they shined a big bright light on the glaring injustice in WWE. Seth Rollins said they didn’t just talk about it, and he brought up the people whom they took out. Ambrose said their mission remains the same. Rollins said 2013 will be the year they cleanse injustice from WWE. “Believe in the Shield!”

- Big Show was backstage with Matt Striker. Striker asked him for comments about facing ADR for the World Title. Show wasn’t happy that Booker was just trying to appease the WWE Universe. Show said everyone in the locker room was a loser, reject, wannabe, or nobody. That includes Del Rio. He said he’d make it a trifecta and take out Del Rio too. The match is next.

[Commercial Break]

7 – THE BIG SHOW vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO – WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

During Show’s entrance, they aired his knockout of Ricardo Rodriguez from earlier. Lilian Garcia handled formal ring introductions. Del Rio was aggressive in going after Show at the start, but Show chopped him to the mat. Del Rio headbutted Show, which was not a smart move. Show no-sold them and took Del Rio down. Back to a vertical base, Del Rio kicked at Show’s legs. Hard chop to the chest by Show. Del Rio ended up tumbling to ringside. Show whipped Del Rio into the ring steps. “Who sucks now?!?” shouted Show. Show came back into the ring and caught Del Rio in an arm-bar, squeezing his hand right into the back of Del Rio’s shoulder. “Big Show sucks” chant from the fans. Del Rio avoided an elbowdrop and tried to keep Show down with kicks. Superkick to Show for two at 4:09. Del Rio tried to turn Show for the cross arm-breaker, but Show countered and pushed Del Rio out of the ring. With Del Rio out of the ring, Show began walking to the back. From behind, Sheamus attacked, and he and Show brawled in the aisle. The bell rang, but I don’t know if it was a count-out win for Del Rio or a disqualification win for Del Rio. As Show tried to get to the back, the rest of the roster emptied and several got shots in on Show (for calling them losers and rejects). They shoved Show back into the ring. Del Rio gave him an enziguiri and Sheamus hit him with the Brogue Kick.

WINNER: Show, via DQ (presumably), at 5:22.

The rest of the roster seemed pleased at these developments. The show ended with Del Rio and Sheamus standing tall in the ring.


Did you watch Friday's Smackdown episode? Send your 0-10 score & Reax to pwtorch@gmail.com for our TV Reax feature.

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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