WWE Smackdown TV results
November 23, 2012
Taped 11/19 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor


The Miz TV opening segment

This week's Smackdown episode opened with a video intro plugging the last melodramatic developments with A.J. Lee, Vickie Guerrero, and John Cena that has nothing to do with wrestling. The video included clips of Cena and A.J. making out on Raw. Surely, C.M. Punk will be thrilled with his WWE Title run getting second billing via recap of the Punk vs. Ryback title feud. And, Smackdown's top feud of Big Show vs. Sheamus received third billing.

Arena: The Miz's music was playing inside the building. Miz introduced Miz TV to some cheers before noting he gets the biggest stars on his show. This week, he has a ton of questions for his guest...John Cena.

Cena limped out on-stage selling his left knee injury before half-running to the ring. Cena limped around the couch before sitting down, then got up and removed a director's chair before sitting down again. In the ring, Cena said this is...well...awesome. Miz then circled the couch and said Cena is usually known for what he does in the ring, but now he's involved in tabloid tales with A.J. Lee, Vickie, and Dolph. Miz then fed to video from Raw when Cena made out A.J.

Back on Miz TV, Miz asked Cena how the kiss was. This brought Cena to his feet, which caused Miz to back down. Miz then asked Cena how his knee is before going to a replay of Cena "injuring" his knee running out of the ring trying to chase down Ziggler. Cena responded that his knee is fine, just limited, and he can still compete here in WWE. Cena asked where the tough questions are.

Miz said he thinks Cena isn't really telling the whole truth about the injury, but he gets it that Cena didn't really "do it" with A.J. when she was Raw GM. But, now, the sparks are flying. Cena said he just got tired of accusations, so he ended it and gave them (Vickie and Dolph) what they wanted. Cena did say he liked it. And, A.J. is a pretty darn good kisser. "Reaaaaaaly?" Miz asked with a grunt. Miz said that is absolutely fantastic. He asked Cena if they are now more than just friends.

A.J. Lee's music interrupted before Cena could answer the question, then A.J. skipped into the ring. Miz sarcastically told A.J. that tough questions come with the territory of this show, then tried to interrupt the side conversation between A.J. and Cena. Miz, sounding like Brother Love, asked the crowd if they think the two are "in llllllllllove." Cena told Miz to shut up, then Dolph Ziggler's music interrupted.

Ziggler came out on-stage to debate whether Cena has feelings for A.J. Lee. When did wrestling turn into a high school play? Ziggler tried to put the blame for Cena's problems on A.J., then said if he were Cena, he would hate A.J.'s guts. Where's why. Ziggler introduced another clip from Raw - this one of A.J. barging into the men's locker room to confront Ziggler, which led to Cena making the save, only to get further "injured" by Ziggler.

Back to Miz TV, where A.J. was frowning. Ziggler said that's giving WWE fans something to talk about. Suddenly, Vickie Guerrero's voice interrupted. Vickie told Cena that his little girlfriend needs to control her impulses. She then accused A.J. of being a sad, pitiful, and weak woman. On the other hand, Ziggler knows how to kiss someone who is confident, authoritative, decisive, and passionate.

"Liar!" Cena shouted from inside the ring. Cena said Ziggler kissed Vickie and they cannot medically prove that she is a woman. Vickie shot back at Cena, then Ziggler said if she were to kiss A.J., it would bring out the real woman in A.J. Ziggler continued that Cena and A.J. deserve each other because they are two weak loses.

"No, no, Dolph, you two deserve each other," Cena said. He said one enjoys eating a lot of nuts and the other is trying to find his. Cena's music played on that note to abruptly end the skit. Cena then helped A.J. out of the ring while Dolph and Vickie scowled on-stage.

Tonight: Kofi Kingston vs. Damien Sandow for the IC Title.

Suddenly, Ryback's music played after Josh Mathews plugged the IC Title match tonight. Ryback marched out on-stage, then marched to the ring looking for a Friday night snack. Mathews said he faces one-half of the Prime Time Players next.

[Commercial Break]

1 -- RYBACK vs. DARREN YOUNG (w/Titus O'Neil)

Titus joined Ryback and JBL on commentary for this bout. Titus noted D-Young is very upset after what happened on Raw, so he likes his chances. Ryback quickly big-booted D-Young in the gut before slamming him face-first into the mat. D-Young rolled out of the ring, then Titus blew his whistle in Ryback's face. So, Ryback back-elbowed Young in the face. He noted to Titus that he hits hard, prompting Titus to claim this man needs medication.

Back in the ring, Ryback continued to dismantle Young. JBL brought up the NXT Invaders possibly scouting Ryback tonight, then D-Young took a giant clothesline. Titus said he still thinks he has a chance. Ryback then scooped up Young and dropped him with Shell Shock. "Lord have mercy," Titus said under his breath. Ryback pinned Young for the win.

Post-match: Titus took the mic as JBL told him not to do that. Titus entered the ring and blew his whistle at Ryback, which drew a big boot from Ryback. Ryback then lifted up Titus and dropped the big man with Shell Shock. "One of the worst decisions I've ever seen," JBL dryly stated. After a replay of Ryback's destruction, the announcers plugged the Punk vs. Ryback title feud.

WINNER: Ryback at 2:12.

Still to come tonight: Randy Orton vs. Dolph Ziggler in a re-match of the final encounter in the Team Foley vs. Team Ziggler Survivor Series match on Sunday.

Up Next: U.S. champ Antonio Cesaro vs. R-Truth in another Survivor Series repeat.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Back from break, R-Truth was on his way to the ring. After Truth entered the ring and played to the crowd, the U.S. champion Cesaro made his way out on-stage. As Cesaro walked to the ring, Cesaro cut a promo on fat Americans who had too much to eat on Thanksgiving. Fortunately, the fans have him as U.S. champion.

2 -- U.S. champion ANTONIO CESARO vs. R-TRUTH -- non-title match

Cesaro dominated early on as the announcers debated whether any American can beat Cesaro. Truth then came back with a leg whip, followed by a back body drop. Truth suddenly scored a quick three count to give Truth a win over the U.S. champ. Mathews said Truth has found a weakness in the U.S. champ.

WINNER: Truth at 1:32. That was an abrupt ending. And, the feud continues.

Backstage: Sheamus was shown walking down the hallway. Smackdown GM Booker T walked up to Sheamus and told him not to enter the locker room because Sheamus does not have control of himself right now after what happened at Survivor Series. Booker told Sheamus that he's not competing tonight, then made a re-match at TLC of Sheamus vs. Big Show in a chairs match. Booker added that Sheamus can sit in his suite, bring some friends, and have a few pints. As for Show, Booker said the World champ is competing in a handicap match against Team Hell No tonight. Sheamus liked the sound of Show's punishment for getting himself DQ'ed at Survivor Series and walked off.

Backstage: Sin Cara was shown walking down the hallway. He's in action next.

[Commercial Break]

Still to come: Kofi vs. Sandow for the IC Title.

In-ring: Sin Cara, sans Rey Mysterio, came out for the next match before Tony Chimel introduced Ricardo Rodriguez, who introduced Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio emerged off-stage in his Vehicle of the Week, then entered the ring to face Cara.

3 -- SIN CARA vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO

Mood lighting for this singles bout. Cara quickly side-stepped an overly-aggressive Del Rio, who fell to the outside. Cara then splashed both Del Rio and Rodriguez on the outside. Back in the ring, Cara arm-dragged Del Rio across the ring. But, Del Rio came back with a toss into the ringpost. After Cara spilled to the outside, Del Rio posed in the ring as Smackdown cut to break at 1:30.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break at 5:00, Del Rio was in control keeping Cara on the mat. Del Rio followed with multiple kicks to the back before siting down on Cara's back with a neckwrench submission. Cara reached his feet, though, and snapped off a huracanrana for a two count. But, Del Rio cut him off and followed with a snap suplex for a two count. Del Rio then tried to remove Cara's mask, revealing his chin. This fired up Cara, who delivered an enziguiri into a springboard splash for a close nearfall.

The two men recovered before Cara delivered a handspring elbow smash. Cara then climbed to the top turnbuckle, but was too slow going for a move, which allowed Del Rio to suplex him off the top rope. Del Rio then flowed into the cross arm-breaker for a submission victory.

WINNER: Del Rio via submission at 9:48. Solid match. As we talked about the Livecast today, Sin Cara is taking baby steps in the right direction looking more clean and polished in a WWE ring. Meanwhile, Del Rio looked good controlling the match.

Locker Room: Daniel Bryan walked up to Kane to discuss their tag situation against Big Show tonight. Bryan reminded Kane that he beat Big Show for the World Title in 45 seconds. Kane then noted he was tag champion with Big Show years ago, and even then he was a whiny baby. Kane told Bryan they should form a team because of that and call themselves Team No Show. Bryan then calmly asked Kane if this is because he didn't invite him to his house for Thanksgiving. "Maybe," Kane muttered. Bryan said he wouldn't have liked it anyways since they had vegan turkey. Kane said ick and questioned what's the point. Bryan then offered to invite him over for Christmas if they win. Kane asked if he can beat up Santa Claus, and Bryan said it's a deal.

In-ring: World Hvt. champion Big Show marched out to the ring not showing the effects of multiple chair shots from Sheamus at Survivor Series. Show then entered the ring, displayed his World Title belt for the crowd, and Smackdown went to break.

[Commercial Break]

[Second Hour]

In-ring: Daniel Bryan came out first for the tag champs, followed by Kane. Mathews noted the motivation here is that Kane will get to beat up Santa Claus if they win this match tonight. Mathews then corrected JBL on a Chicago Bears '85 reference before the bell sounded.

4 -- World Hvt. champion BIG SHOW vs. WWE tag champions DANIEL BRYAN & KANE -- non-title handicap match

Show started off against Bryan, who accepted a big chop to the chest. WWE then cut to the skybox where Sheamus and William Regal were shown intently watching this bout. Back below in the ring, Show back-kicked Bryan as Kane watched from the ring apron. Bryan had enough and delivered multiple kicks to the thigh, but Show had enough of that and shoved Bryan across the ring. Show then yanked Bryan's left arm across the top rope before taunting Kane.

Show decided to climb to the second rope, smiled, and came off the second rope with a big elbow attempt, but Bryan rolled out of the way. Up in the skybox, Sheamus had a good laugh at Show's expense. Back in the ring, Bryan opted not to tag in Kane, and instead delivered big kicks to Show's gut before dropping him on his back with a kick to the head. But, Show press-slammed out of a pin attempt. Show tried to come back with a chokeslam, but Bryan countered with a front-face submission. Show escaped, then Bryan tried a sleeperhold while sitting on Show's back, but Show countered by falling backwards to the mat, crunching Bryan.

Bryan had a chance to tag in Kane and finally did 6:15 into the match. Kane exploded on Show with a corner attack before delivering a running dropkick to the knees. Kane followed with a dropkick, but Show escaped a pin attempt. Kane then climbed up-top to deliver a flying clothesline. Kane wanted the chokeslam, but Show blocked, only to take a DDT. Kane then teased the chokeslam again, but Bryan tagged himself in. Bryan tried to slap on the No! Lock as Kane took a walk to the back, but Show escaped. Show then dropped Bryan with a chokeslam and it was good for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Show at 8:01.

Post-match: Kane stopped on the stage and turned around to survey the damage done to his tag partner. Kane then walked back to the ring and checked on Bryan as Big Show looked toward Sheamus in the skybox and held up the World Title belt. Kane and Show then had a big mid-ring struggle, which Bryan helped Kane by kicking Show in the leg. Kane then smashed Show, who decided he had enough and bailed from the ring.

On-stage, Big Show took the mic and looked toward Sheamus in the skybox. Show congratulated Sheamus on getting a chairs match, but then warned Sheamus that he'll have a chair, too. Sheamus ignored Show's threat and ranted about Show not being able to affect him if he hit him with 50 chair shots.

Still to come: Kofi vs. Sandow for the IC Title.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Wade Barrett came out to the ring to join commentary on the IC Title match up next. Kofi Kingston came out next to defend the Intercontinental Title, then engaged Barrett in a staredown before Damien Sandow's music played. As Sandow came out to the ring, WWE showed a Tout from Cody Rhodes with his shoulder wrapped. Rhodes went to the Aces & Eights dartboard to indicate they still have their sights set on Kane, who "injured" Rhodes on Main Event last week.

5 -- IC champion KOFI KINGSTON vs. DAMIEN SANDOW -- Intercontinental Title match

Sandow knocked Kofi to the outside in front of Barrett at the announce table leading to an early break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break at 4:10, Sandow was still in control. Sandow dropped the Elbow of Disdain as Barrett and JBL ganged up on Mathews on commentary, then Sandow resumed his attack. Barrett noted he was enjoying watching Sandow pick apart Kofi in-case Kofi retains and he gets a title shot against the wounded champ.

Kofi broke free of Sandow's attack, then hit a springboard cros-body splash, but Sandow escaped a pin attempt. Kofi followed with an SOS for a nearfall. He then set up for the Boom Drop and connected. Kofi wanted to follow with Trouble in Paradise, and actually connected after setting it up. Kofi covered Sandow and it was good for the win.

WINNER: Kingston at 8:58 to retain the IC Title.

Post-match: Barrett stood on the announce table and sarcastically congratulated Kofi on his victory. He said his next title defense will be his last because he'll be victimized by the Barrett Barrage. Kofi then lowered the ropes to tell Barrett to come get some in the ropes, but Barrett noted his time will come.

Still to come: Orton vs. Ziggler in the main event.

[Commercial Break]

Raw Rebound: C.M. Punk's title celebration of one year as champ, Ryback interrupting, and then NXT Invaders taking out Ryback. On commentary, Mathews fed to some fan Touts reacting to the segment. Back on the commentary, JBL noted the trio attacked Santino and Tyson Kidd prior to Main Event earlier this week. Cole then plugged Michael Cole's exclusive interview with Rollins, Ambrose, and Reigns this Monday on Raw.

In-ring: Dolph Ziggler's music played to bring out the MITB possessor for the main event.

[Commercial Break]

In-ring: Randy Orton made his way to the ring for the main event. The announcers then discussed Ziggler beating Orton to be the Sole Survivor at the PPV, Ziggler taking out Cena on Raw, and Ziggler beating The Miz Wednesday on Main Event. JBL said Ziggler can make this a career week with a victory over Orton.

6 -- DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. RANDY ORTON

Orton controlled early on, looking to take out his frustrations on Ziggler. Ziggler used that to his advantage to frustrate Orton, then deliver repeated offense in the corner. But, Orton came back with a dropkick for a two count. Ziggler tried to ran away on the outside, but Orton slammed him across the guardrail to control the match leading to break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break at 6:00, Orton was in control back in the ring. Orton put a boot in Ziggler's face, then slingshot Ziggler throat-first across the bottom rope. Orton tried to follow up, but Ziggler rammed him into the announce table. Ziggler then hit a dropkick and sold a left knee injury. Ziggler slipped back into the ring to recover, then waited for Orton to re-enter, where he continued the attack.

Orton teased a comeback at 10:00, but Ziggler cut him off with a leaping DDT for a two count. Ziggler tried to follow-up with a top-rope move, but Orton blocked and nailed a superplex that wowed the crowd, but was only good for a two count. Orton then stalked Zigger and delivered multiple clotheslines as JBL said a pro wrestler or sports-entertainer would be drawn up to look like Orton. Which is it - a basketball player or halftime show juggler? Orton then stalked Ziggler for the RKO, but Ziggler somehow snuck underneath Orton, rolled him up, and scored a quick three count. "What a week!" JBL declared as Ziggler celebrated his win on the outside.

WINNER: Ziggler at 12:34. Solid singles match. It just feels like a repeat when Orton wrestled 2/3 Falls on Raw and Ziggler wrestled two main events in the last three days.

Post-match: Alberto Del Rio hit the ring to try to sneak-attack Orton, apparently continuing their never-ending feud. On the stage, Ziggler tried to hightail it out of the arena, but John Cena hit the stage and dropped Ziggler from behind. Cena then slapped on the STF and Ziggler cried out in pain as refs tried to get Cena to break the hold. Smackdown went off the air with Ziggler's face turning blue as Cena maintained the hold.

Overall, it looks like TLC is setting up for Show vs. Sheamus, Cena vs. Ziggler, another round of Del Rio vs. Orton, a potential Cesaro vs. Truth U.S. Title re-match, a potential Kofi vs. Barrett IC Title match, and whatever main event is created out of the Punk/Shield-Ryback issue leading to Punk-Rock at the Royal Rumble in January.

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