WWE Smackdown review
Nov. 18, 2011
Taped 11/15/11 in Bridgeport, Conn.
Aired on SYFY
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist


- WWE Open.

- They opened backstage with Mark Henry’s hands around Daniel Bryan’s throat. “C’mon mister Money-In-The-Bank!” yelled Henry, as he choked Bryan against a backstage wall. It sounded like the Bellas were imploring Henry to stop his attack. Henry grabbed Bryan and walked toward the entranceway, then he tossed him out the side entrance into the arena. We heard the announers for the first time as the two men made their way to the ring. Bryan tried to come back with kicks, but Henry put him down hard. Henry demanded respect, then splashed Bryan. World’s Strongest Slam followed. Referees finally ran out to attempt to put a stop to this, but Henry hit another World’s Strongest Slam instead. They were finally able to roll Bryan out of the ring. Henry asked for and received a microphone. Henry said that man is in pain, and he promised there’d be more where that came from. He said Big Show felt the pain, but what he did clearly was not good enough, so Show will receive more pain. Henry promised that one of them would get carried out of Survivor Series…but it won’t be him. He once again promised to leave the pay per-view as World Champion. He left the ring and did more trash talking to a fallen Bryan, asking him if he’d had enough. Henry then walked to the back as they replayed Henry’s backstage assault (not the video game) on Bryan. They did a close-up of Henry’s mug as he continued to yell on the ramp.

- The announcers were shown at ringside as they discussed what just occurred. Josh Mathews said Show is not scheduled to compete tonight, but figured he must be compelled to respond to Henry tonight.

- Tonight, Randy Orton & Sheamus face Wade Barrett & Cody Rhodes in tag-team action.

- Sin Cara made his ring entrance. He faces Dolph Ziggler on the other side of the break.

[Commercial Break]

- Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler were already in the ring out of break. Vickie did an introduction for Ziggler. She announced that Ziggler would be in the elimination match at Survivor Series, and would also face John Morrison for the United States Championship.

1 – SIN CARA vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

Ziggler took Cara down, but he didn’t stay down for long. Back to a vertical base, Ziggler slapped Cara. Fireman’s carry take-over by Ziggler. Mathews said Zack Ryder’s petition is “the most-signed petition in Twitter history.” Does no one in WWE realize how ridiculous that sounds? Couple of leap-frogs by Cara, then Ziggler held onto the ropes to slow things down a bit. Headscissors take-over by Cara sent Ziggler to the outside. Suicide dive landed. Lots of “Sin Cara” chants during this match thus far. As Cara tried to get back into the ring, Ziggler gave him a kick to the chest to send Cara back to the arena floor. Back in the ring, big elbowdrop by Ziggler. The US Champ worked the arm of Cara, grounding the high-flying superstar. High-flying springboard wrist-lock take-down by Cara, then a kick to Ziggler’s head. Roll-up by Cara, but Ziggler reversed and rolled Cara up, held the tights, and picked up the win.

WINNER: Ziggler, at 4:27. Under the right circumstances, a re-match between these two could really be fun.

After the match, Cara and Ziggler argued in the ring. Cara took Ziggler down and worked him over. Vickie signaled for reinforcements, which brought Jack Swagger to the ring. Big clothesline on Cara. Swagger picked Cara up in a wheelbarrow and Ziggler gave him the fameasser. “That’ll make you famous!” said Mathews after that move. Mason Ryan then ran to the ring to even the odds (a bit late) and powered Ziggler up in the air and just let him drop. Swagger escaped unscathed. Ryan helped Cara up at ringside as they faded to break.

[Commercial Break]

2 – JACK SWAGGER vs. MASON RYAN

This match was joined in progress, but it looked like it was early in the contest as they were still only locking up. Mathews said Teddy Long made this match during the break. Ryan broke out of a rear waist-lock and powered Swagger into the corner. Short-arm clothesline by Ryan. He picked Swagger up, but Swagger ducked out the back and chop blocked the big man. Vader Bomb onto Ryan’s back for only two. Swagger hammered away with right hands on Ryan in the corner. Ryan was getting his arm up to defend himself though. Two splashes in the corner by Swagger, then a third. Vickie was still at ringside, but no sign of Ziggler or Cara. Suplex by Ryan, but they got to their feet at the same time. Swagger hit the ropes, then was hit with a clothesline. Running knee in the corner on Swagger, then a running big boot. Powerslam by Ryan for two. Michael Cole ran down some of the big moments in Survivor Series history. Swagger avoided a full-nelson and went for the knee again. Swagger couldn’t get the gutwrench locked in and Ryan put him in the full-nelson, then slammed him for the win.

WINNER: Ryan, 4:20 shown. Swagger did what he could with Ryan and made it watchable.

They replayed how the heels got the momentum after Ziggler vs. Cara, then how the babyfaces got it back with Ryan’s win.

- Alicia Fox and Justin Gabriel were flirting backstage. Zack Ryder walked up and asked if they’d sign his petition. Gabriel said he’d do it if he could get a Ryder t-shirt. Big Show then walked up and offered to sign it. He even shouted Ryder’s catchphrase. The other three were quiet and Show asked why. They said he must not have seen the message Henry sent to Show earlier. Gabriel said Bryan was in the trainer’s room and they haven’t seen Henry since. Show walked off camera while the camera caught the reactions of the other three.

[Commercial Break]

- The WWE ads in Times Square were shown.

- Hornswoggle and Ted DiBiase were shown playing the WWE ’12 video game backstage. Hornswoggle seemed to be handling DiBiase. Teddy Long walked up and complimented DiBiase on his wins the past few weeks and also on the DiBiase Posse. Aksana walked in to her music and said hi. DiBiase responded, but Long said she was talking to him. Ted and Hornswoggle walked off. Aksana said she heard someone was playing the new WWE video game – she said she’s quite adept at handling a joystick. Long told her to meet him back there later as he has a show to run. She kissed him and walked away. Long told himself to get himself together, lest he have another heard attack.

- Christian walked onto the stage wearing a neck-brace and walking with crutches. He talked about how he got his neck injury, then said Long didn’t take his injury claims seriously, booking him in a match against Sheamus last week. He said he could’ve run, but he stayed and fought like a man. He said he fought Sheamus all over Europe and talked of his severely injured ankle. He showed a picture on the Titan-Tron of the ankle looking bruised. He said he may be out a few months, and was thus removed from Team Barrett and Survivor Series, but he’s still going to be cheering them on. “And do you know why? Because I’m special, that’s why.” He said he inspires people and makes them better. He said he’d normally be out asking for one more match, but now, he wants just one more match…any match. Christian asked the WWE Universe if they even care that he’s injured. He said he’s a human being who has feelings. He promised severe consequences and said he’s never been more embarrassed at a collection of people than he is for the fans right now. He told them he was ashamed of them, then said good riddance and walked to the back. Entertaining antagonistic promo, but he was kind-of all over the place.

- Daniel Bryan was lying down in the trainer’s room. The trainer and AJ were in there. The trainer left to get ice while Big Show walked in. Show said this was his fault. Bryan said it wasn’t, but Show said he needed to find Henry now. He left to presumably find the World Champion.

[Commercial Break]

3 – TED DIBIASE vs. DERRICK BATEMAN

Bateman was seconded by Maxine. They did an inset interview where Bateman called themselves WWE’s power couple. I don’t know where to begin to analyze how exactly Bateman is on this show when he’s still technically competing for a contract on NXT. Not sure why they didn’t just use Johnny Curtis in this role, since he actually won a season, though you wouldn’t know it. Hip-toss by DiBiase, then a dropkick. Bateman took over thanks to a distraction of the referee by Maxine. Neck-breaker by Bateman for two. DiBiase turned things around in the corner, but it didn’t last long, as Bateman whipped DiBiase hard into the corner. DiBiase made his comeback after fighting off a rest-hold. Dream Street finished Bateman.

WINNER: DiBiase, at 2:36. DiBiase is certainly working his way up the ladder. I wish they’d build more guys up in this fashion.

- The main event is Orton & Sheamus vs. Barrett & Rhodes tonight.

[Commercial Break]

- Booker thanked Flo Rida for “Good Feeling,” the official Survivor Series theme.

- Big Show barged into Mark Henry’s locker room (or someone’s locker room) backstage, but it was empty. Show walked past Tyson Kidd and Jinder Mahal. Show asked Kidd why he was smiling and Kidd said Henry left the building earlier. Mahal then spoke his native language. When he was finished, Show asked him if he’d like to say it in English. Mahal said no and Show punched him in the head. Show asked if Kidd wanted some, and Kidd meekly walked around the fallen Mahal and down the hallway.

- They aired a replay of Henry’s earlier attack on Bryan.

- Big Show came out. He came to the ring and got a mic. He said it was too bad Henry left the building, because they could’ve had their Survivor Series match tonight. He said if he goes into Survivor Series with all the rage he has right now, he’ll end up getting himself disqualified. But he said “we” want him to become the new World Champion by beating Henry. Show said he always carries a certain piece of footage with him wherever he goes. The image of Show carrying footage around with him everywhere is a bit funny. It was a clip of Henry beating Big Show and breaking his ankle at Money in the Bank. He said that footage is to remind him to stay focused on his goal. He said he heard Mark Henry say one of them will be carried out at Survivor Series, but after all the atrocities Henry has committed, it will be Henry not walking out of the PPV. Show addressed the camera and told Henry to look at his fist really closely. He said it’s coming for Henry, then phantom punched the camera. He really got fired up and did some more fake punches at the camera while riling up the crowd. Cole continued to question what Bryan did to incite Henry earlier.

- The announcers talked about the Big Show vs. Mark Henry match.

- Kofi Kingston came out. That was a quick exit for Show. He’s facing Hunico next.

[Commercial Break]

4 – KOFI KINGSTON vs. HUNICO

Hunico grabbed a mic when he came to the ring. He spoke in Spanish at ringside. I caught “Hunico,” but that was about it. He did not translate for us gringos. Arm-drag by Kingston, but when Kingston tried a leg flip, Hunico dropkicked him. Front suplex by Hunico for two. He stretched Kingston’s leg while also working a chin-lock. Kingston got to his feet, but Kofi rolled him up for two. Kick to the mid-section of Kofi, then Hunico choked Kingston in the ropes. Hunico applied another unique potential submission move, a modified abdominal stretch with both men on the mat. More choking from Hunico. Hunico landed on his feet after Kingston moved out of the way of a springboard moonsault, but Kofi picked up the pace and hit his signature moves. Cross-body off the top but Hunico rolled through for a two-count. Hunico argued that it was three, so Kingston hit the SOS for the pinfall win.

WINNER: Kingston, at 5:01. And Kingston is off the schneid. Hunico got quite a bit of offense there.

Hunico continued to argue with the referee after the match.

- A video package on Ezekiel Jackson aired.

- Still to come, Sheamus and Orton vs. Barrett and Rhodes in a preview of the elimination match at Survivor Series.

[Commercial Break]

- They showed the exterior of the Webster Bank Arena (formerly known as the Arena at Harbor Yard, which sounds way cooler) in Bridgeport.

5 – BETH PHOENIX & NATALYA vs. AJ & KAITLYN

During Nattie and Beth’s entrance, a graphic showed that Beth will be defending the Divas Title against Eve at Survivor Series in a Lumberjil match. AJ may have gotten re-tooled music. Either that or it’s Kaitlyn’s music, which we never hear. Dropkick by Kaitlyn on Phoenix, followed up by forearms in the corner. Phoenix brought Kaitlyn chest-first over the top rope, then continued to clobber her. Double-team by Natalya and Phoenix on Kaitlyn. Natalya with some trash talk, then an abdominal stretch in the middle of the ring. Kaitlyn took Nattie down and tried to tag AJ, but Natalya prevented that. Bodyslam by Natalya, but she missed a leg-drop. AJ tagged in and flew off the top with a cross-body. Natalya avoided a sunset flip and applied the Sharpshooter. AJ tapped after Natalya sat all the way back in the move, to the point that her shoulders were actually pinned to the mat.

WINNERS: Phoenix and Natalya, at 2:53. That finish looked extremely painful. The match was decent while it lasted.

After the match, Kaitlyn’s body language expressed displeasure with AJ for having lost the fall. Oh come on, don’t break them up!

- Up next, a special look at The Rock and John Cena, teaming for the first and only time on Sunday.

[Commercial Break]

- Booker T, Cole, and Mathews discussed The Rock and John Cena teaming on Sunday.

- A replay of the main event talking segment from Raw aired, almost in its entirety. I guess that’s the hard-sell for the match and the PPV, since they generally don’t take this much time out to show a segment from Raw.

- The announcers previewed the Survivor Series card, or at least, the four main matches. Guess we know which ones WWE is counting on to draw.

- Randy Orton came out for the tag match. It’s next.

[Commercial Break]

6 – RANDY ORTON & SHEAMUS vs. WADE BARRETT & CODY RHODES

During Barrett’s entrance, they showed him picking up the win last week against Orton. I like the second remake of Cody’s original “Smoking Mirror” theme. That theme can really do no wrong; all three have been above-average. Rhodes did an inset interview that was a bit odd, basically saying he had no feelings toward Orton. As we saw on Monday, Rhodes is now without the facemask. Sheamus took Rhodes down, and Rhodes cowered a bit in the corner. He tagged Barrett and the ref’s mic was turned way up. Hard back-elbow to Barrett, then a cover for barely one. Suplex by Sheamus for another one-count. Back kick by Barrett to the mid-section of Sheamus, then an elbow. Orton came in and cleaned house, hitting his patented DDT on Barrett. Rhodes tried to come off the top rope while Orton set up for the RKO. Orton kicked Rhodes in the stomach as he came off the top, then gave him a gutwrench suplex. Big running boot by Barrett before they went to break at 3:50.

[Commercial Break]

Back at the 6:45 mark of the match. Christian joined Team Barrett at ringside. Barrett was in control of Orton, but Orton fired back at 7:23 with right hands. The men hammered away on each other, but Barrett seemed to get the upper-hand with a knee-lift. Tag in to Rhodes, who stomped on Orton’s head. Back body-drop by Orton – Rhodes managed to make the tag, but Barrett attacked Sheamus before he could tag in. Knee-drop by Barrett for a near-fall. Back-breaker by Orton at 9:41 and both men were down. Both men made tags and Sheamus took the beating to Rhodes. From the top, he hit a shoulder tackle. He then tossed Barrett out of the ring over the top rope. He lined up for the Brogue Kick, but Christian tripped him with the crutch. No DQ yet, but then Christian poked Sheamus in the gut with the crutch, which ended the match.

WINNERS: Orton and Sheamus, via disqualification, at 10:45.

Rhodes and Barrett focused on Sheamus in the ring after disposing of Orton outside of it. Rhodes got the crutch, but Sheamus Brogue kicked him before he could use it. He then jabbed Barrett with the crutch and slammed it over his back. Orton slithered into the ring, gave Barrett and RKO, then slithered back out. Celtic Cross to Rhodes. The finish was replayed – I didn’t catch Cody’s Beautiful Disaster kick on Sheamus after the crutch shot. They also replayed the big spots in the post-match. Orton and Sheamus posed on opposite turnbuckles as Mathews got one last plug in for Cena and Rock, never before, never again, before the show signed off.


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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