Smackdown's first episode of 2012 (Ep 658)

In the first Smackdown of the new year, Like WWE RAW, we had to events to look forward to. However they added at the beginning of show that we would get an update on Randy Orton's injury. For those who don't know Wade Barrett and Randy Orton had a falls count anywhere match, in which Wade threw Randy down a flight of stairs injuring him, however as it was backstage, no one saw how Randy Orton landed, so his injury could be storylined. Smackdown began with quick highlights of the match, with come close up shots of Randy Orton laid out on the floor. That is what annoys me, cameramen never seem to help people, they just keep on filming, ooh a man is hanging from a cliff by his bow tie, where's my camera. They never seem interested in helping.

The first match would be the decider between Cody Rhodes and Booker T, each had a victory over one another, and tonights match would be for not only bragging rights nut for the Intercontinental championship. As Cody was entering the ring, they showed footage of his brother, Goldust, dressed in his civilian gear. Cody delivered his signature springboard kick to the face. The bell rang and the match began, Booker and Rhodes locked up, but the veteran Booker showed his experience, knocking Cody Rhodes down, they locked up again, and Booker pushed Rhodes towards the corner delivering a knee to his abdominal. Booker then sent cody into the ropes and hit him with a back elbow on the rebound, this only got him a 2 count. After picking Cody, Booker was pushed to the ropes, where Cody took control of the match focusing on the left arm booker with various holds, Booker broke the hold and both men exchanged knife edge chops, Booker gained the advantage until Cody was against the ropes whipped him and hit a big back body drop, he picked him up and delivered an arm whip kick to the head. Booker was in complete control. Booker whiped Cody out of the ring, which Cody pulled himself back in. Booker then hit a clothesline on Cody sending him out the ring. Cody took advantage of the time Booker took to get out of the ring, and delivered a gut kick followed by a guillotine drop on the barrier, Cole announced that they would be going to a commercial, Cody then hit a running knee attack while Booker was laying against the barrier. When the match returned Booker had regained the advantage hitting a big kick to the jaw of Cody. After dragging cody to the ropes, Booker hit another knife edge chop followed by a punch, before whipping Cody to the oposite corner. Cody hit a back elbow counter, climbed to the top rope and hit an attempt at a moonsault on Booker. This was a 2 count. Cody clenched his knee signifying he may have damaged his knee or was it an act. He bounced of the ropes and delivered a boot to the face of Booker. He then unloaded stomps on Booker before applying an inverse full nelson. Booker channeled the crowd and hit a few clotheslines which ended in a 2 count, Booker followed up with a spinebuster. Cody kicked out. Bookerr was planning to end it with a scissors kick, Rhodes dodged this, Booker attempted the Book end, but was blocked again, Rhodes tried to land his springboard kick but this was avoided, Booker delivered a gut kick and kit a scissors kick. This ended in a 2 count. Cody went into the corner, Booker seemed to be all over Cody reversing him, landing a gut kick and went for a third scissor kick, but this missed. Booker attempted to hit a lariat after whiping Cody into the ropes, Cody avoided this, and delivered his springboard kick, earning the win over Booker and retaining his title.

After the match, Booker seemed upset at the result. Come on Book, cheer up, having a heel champion makes more money. My opinion of the match, was split. The start of the match was very good after commercials, the matched didn't seem to lose pace. However after Booker hit his second scissors kick, he seemed extremely tired. The end was what I expected, Don't get me wrong, but what good would Booker T be as Champion? Also there are no heel champions. D-Bry, CM Punk, Air Boom and Ryder are all face, they need to keep at least one heel. Booker T competed very well there seemed to be no slip ups.

The following match would be a from the vault if you watched it on TV. Chris Jericho vs Rey Mysterio from 2009. I don't feel I will be going over this. This was placed so that WWE can promote Chris Jericho, however I was startled why they chose a period from when Jericho was a heel. and they chose Match Footage from when Jericho lost. Do you know why? (Post a comment)

Cody then was walking after his match around the backstage, until Dustin (Goldust) in his civilain attire, no paint. He confronted Cody, He congratulated him on his match. Cody appeared to not accept, and stated that he had nothing of use to say to Cody last week, and has nothing of use to say to Cody now. Cody also stated that it was no secret that Cody was better than his brother, and that he might be more of a success than his father, Dusty Rhodes. He then asked his brother if he considered putting on the ridiculous gold paint and having one more run, He told his brother to remember that he was a joke, but he wasn't a laughingstock, but that can change real quick, just ask Booker T. Cody the smirked and walked away. Cody is probably the best heel on Smackdown at this present time, excluding Mark Henry.

Another backstage skit was Theodore Long was talking to Zack Rider about last weeks RAW involving him and Kane and then to Zack moving on from being Teddy's assistant, Zack said he had a replacement. Drew McIntyre then entered,  Teddy asked Zack if he was serious, Zack then said that Santino was his replacement. Santino then made a remark about Drew losing the previous week, and was eligable to being fired. A match was made between them, if Santino won, he would become Teddy's assistant, and if Drew won, Teddy would consider not firing Drew this week then Aksana came in and basically flirted with Teddy.

Another backstage skit followed this involving AJ and Alicia Fox, talkiing about D-Bry and his match with Big Show and D-Bry's ego.Alicia wished him luck, and left D-Bry said that after he won, He and AJ would go out to celebrate.

The next match was an over the top rope battle royal, to promote the Royal Rumble but nonetheless. Hornswaggle entered first, this provided  a highlight of a confrontation between Heath Slater and Hornswaggle, Sheamus stuck up for the little guy, saying that Slater was more like a R kelly kinda of guy, I believe I can fly, and threw him over the top rope and to the floor. Hornswaggle's opponent was Heath Slater. Hornswaggle began stomping on Slater's foot, then proceeded to pull Slater's tughts down. Slater threw Hornswaggle to the floor, and squasged his head against the bottom turnbuckle. Slater then lifted Hornswaggle to the top rope and attempted to push him out. Hornswaggle batted him away and attempted a crossbody. Slater caught Hornswaggle and attmpted to eliminate him. Hornswaggle stood on the apron and pulled on Slaters hair until he came over the top rope and losed. Slater celebration was cut short with a kick to the gut, Justin Gabriel rushed to the ring, hitting Slater with a big shoulder followed by and STO and finishing him with a 450 splash, he then reassured Hornswaggle and raised his hand in victory.

In my opinion, Hornswaggle, as funny as he may be, beating a superstar who could easily win shows me that they aren't even bothering covering up the scripted fights anymore.

TeDibiase was sent to take on Hunico, who entered with Kamacho on a custom made bike. Eddie Guerrero entered withh lowriders, that was cool, a bike, two grown men, on a bike, nothing wrong about that is there, in fact it is common for to grown men to ride a bicycle together (!). They locked up, and displayed some good old fashioned cruiser-weight division wrestling throuoght the match, until Dibiase countered a head scissors into a flap jack. This advantage was short lived when Hunico ramp Dibiase's left arm into the middle turnbuckle. Hunico then procedded to hit numerous grabbles on the arm, until Dibiase powered out of a hold, followed up with a dropkick which lead into a atomic dorp, this was followed up by a dropkick and a powerful clothesline, turning Hunico inside out. Dibiase went for his finisher dream street, which was countered with an arm breaker across the shoulder. Hunico threw Dibiase into the corner, while holding his left arm, Dibiase hit his head, Hunico then pulled Dibiase to the floor, put his right leg across Dibiase's back, to which Dibiase bent his arms over, in some sort of handcuffed style Hunico the stepped over Dibiase, which turned Dibiase over onto his back with his shoulders to the mat, Hunico grabbed the legs of Dibiase elevating him into a unique pinning perdicament, that I thought would fail, and guess what it didn't DiBiase lost.Hunico then rode the bike out .
I thought this was a brilliant match, with a great ending, however I was looking forward to the World heavyweight Championship Match. This match brought back the old days of the cruiser-weights, and because of this I have some new found respect for Hunico.

Wade Barrett came to the ring after a backstage skit of him talking to two security personnel, I assume about his actions last week. He said he was going to give a medical update himself. He then showed the same footage of the falls count anywhere. He announced that Randy had a hermiated disk in his lower back, I can tell you from experience in no way shape or form will Randy Orton be back anytime soon if the injury is real, as I have a famiily member who has suffered this, and they have never recovered from it. Wade Barrett said that Orton is finished career wise. He said that he may try come back, but he won't be the same, The Viper is extinct. He then said that that Randy and his fans won't be watching the hometown hero eliminate 29 other superstars, but he and they will have to watch him win the Rumble. Sheamus interupted him and got a huge reaction. Sheamus began talking about his uncle talking about fantasies and how Wade will have problems in the Rumble, and Sheamus would be the biggest one. Sheamus then said that his uncle was kicked in the head by a mule at age 8, this was the reason for his fantasy stories,he asked what was Wade's excuse for acting like a horses arse. They sized each other up. Jinder mahal then came down to the ring, while Wade exited the ring. Mahal then slapped Sheamus, which he paid for when Sheamus pounded on him, Wade came in and dragged Wade to a corner, which Sheamus fought out of, he hit a clothesline on Jinder and set up Wade for the Celtic Cross, Jinder saved Wade, but met another clothesline, Wade then hit the Winds of change on Sheamus. He exited the ring, while Jinder Mahal came back in to apply the camels clutch on Sheamus.

My opinion on this First if Randy has suffered this injury, and it isn't storylined, he will not be in action for a while, a good 3-5 years. But When Wade said that the Royal Rumble would be held in Randy Orton's hometown, that got me suspicious, numerous superstars return at the rimble at number 30 and win the rumble, two examples Edge and John Cena. Second I believe that Wade is going to win, as it is going to be a Smackdown superstar to win, as RAW have Rock vs Cena for the WWE championship at Wrestlemania, and tonight we have two face superstars competing for the title. Thirdly if you read my RAW review, you will get this, Sheamus why oh why didn't you use the water bottle. R-Truth has knocked Miz dizzy with it twice, you saw his jaw with an ice pack on WWE.com.

Next they showed footage of TLC, Big Show beating Mark Henry to win the title, then Mark Henry assualted and knocked out the Big Show, D-Bry then cashed his money in the bank breifcase to win the title.

Next up was the wager match made earlier that night Santino Marella vs Drew McIntyre. Before the match I expected Drew would lose. McIntyre tried to land a few clotheslines all which missed, Santino hit a puch combination before being whipped into the corner, Santino jumped up, to jump over Drew who was running towards him, Drew landed a dropkick to the abdominal. Drew then took advantage, by chocking Santino against the second rope, Drew set up Santino for the future shock, whoch was reversed into a roll up by Santino but was only a 2 count, McIntyre delivered a big clothesline to Santino for that reversal. Drew lifted Santino onto the top turnbuckle and climbed to the second rope, Santino caused Santino caused Drew to slip and hit his head against the top turnbuckle. Santino did his Cobra taunt and got the three count. Santino celebrated while Drew pleaded with the referee to reverse the decision.

I knew I was right, that is all.

Backstage Drew was approached by Teddy Long, He said that cannot count, Santino must have greased the rope, I would never mess up like that, I wouldn't lose to Santino. Teddy said that all he saw was another lose, and that was strike two, next week if there was a strike three, Drew maybe out, i.e fired. Santino then came still celebrating his victory, saying that he amd Teddy were going to make sweet music.

I actually don't see where this will go, as this is making Drew popular, like MVP was on an incredibly losiing streak, this made him popular.

In the ring, what I call the mexican MnM or PeR (Primo, Epico, Rosa) They cut to an interview which Rosa stated in Spanish: It;s obvious that Primo and Epico are very talented, and with me, I garantee that everything will come up the colour Rosa (meaning her name rather than the colour Pink) for them, My boys will capture Airboom (meaning Primo and Epico will soon win the tag team titles from Air Boom). Air Boom came down to the ring, finally syncing up their timing for the jumping fireworks. The bell rang and again I saw some amazing cruiser-weight action from Epico and Evan Bourne, Evan began to gain the upperhand, and tagged to his partner Kofi, Kofi hit a bog dropkick but only got a two count, he then got hung up after a drop toe hold by Epico, Primo then delivered a boot while Epico had the referee's back turned. PeR tagged in primo and then tagged back to Epico.after each delivered a few stomps to the chest of Kofi. Epico grounded Kofi with a headlock, but Kofi pumped out and hit a springboard dross body afer being whipped into the corner, and countered with a back elbow. Both competitors made a tag, Primo rushed in and Bourne hit a ring in dropkick, followed by a high kick which was proceeded by a hurracarana and followed by another kick, Bourne then delivered a jump elbow to Epico, who was on the apron, he then hit the floor,Bourne hot a jumping knee, after picking Primo up, Primo countered into a back suplex, which Bourne rolled out of, and hit a jumping back spin kick  followed by a clothesline in the corner, he climbed to the top rope and hit a double knee drop, which was a 2 count, as Epico broke this up, Kofi then hit a running forearm sending Epico out but onto his feet, this is usually followed by an outside dive, however Rosa stood infront of Epico shouting no. Kofi said to her to move, she refused, he turned to the ref, Epico pulled him down and through the rope to the floor, Evan was distracted by this but turned around to deliver a knee to the skull of Primo, he then ascended the top rop and hit the airbourne, However Epico moved Primo out of the way, Bourne missed Airbourne, Primo covered for the 3 count. Rosa then raised Primo and Epico's arm in victory and danced.

Well Airboom have got their opponents, but there aren't enough tag teams iin WWE, this needs to be improved, other wise just abandon the titles. I can't remember seeing Air Boom for ages, only saw them at TLC. Anyone know (Post a comment) At least the heel team have a great win, Rosa dancing, thats an incentive.

Matt striker then was backstage interviewing his guest the Big Show. Matt asked the Big Show what his confidence was like going into this title match. Big Show replied that he never underestimates his opponents, but his confidence level is bery high, D-Bry won his championship with me unconcious, I've regained my concious tonight I am looking forward to regaining the title. D-Bry is a good wrestler. At this point Danuel Bryan interupted him saying that he as a good wrestler and one day he will be a great wrestler. You (saying this to Big Show) came out the womb as the worlds as the worlds largest athelete, if I had your size with my ability it wouldn't have been 9 years between championships, and I certainly wouldn't have the worlds shortest title reign. Big show the put his hand on D-Bry's shoulder. Show said, Daniel don't make me hurt you out there tonight, D-Bry then said Get your damn hand of my shoulder. Big Show left it there, asking him, so now your a tough guy? Daniel replied Off!, Big Show removed his hand, saying ok and walked away.

It looks like D-Bry will becoming heel, which is usually what happens with two faces competing for a title.

A match had been made fr nect week, Sheamus vs Jinder Mahal Who will win? (Post  A Comment) This was followed by a diva match between Natalya (With a highlight of her farther Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart. Her opponent was Tamina, daughter of Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, during her entrance, a promo of Jimmy played. Natalya took the lead by just pounding on Tamina, Natalya went to using the sharpshooter, which Tamina pushed off. Tamina then ducked a clothesline, and hit a big cross body, which left bith divas down for 4-7 seconds, Tamina then hit a samoan drop on Natalya followed up by a tribute to her father she hit the Superfly.

I do enjoy a good diva wrestling match and that's what this was, fantastic, for about 2 minutes, that's how long it lasted, boring,

Finally the match I had been waiting for,The World Heavyweight Championship Match between D-Bry and Big Show, however Mark Henry came down, to the ring to join on commentary, this gave me the inclination that Mark would sabotage Big Show's chance, which would allow D-Bry to brag about how he beat the Big Show. Mark Henry was in a foul mood and mouthed off to Michael cole, simply hilarious. D-Bry ran away from the Big Show, until Show cornered Bryan in the corner and delivered repeated Frying pan chop followed by Big Show picking D-Bry us headbutt him twice and throw him out of the ring, D-Bry got in the ring delivered kicks but was pushed back out . Henry shouted at D-Bry, Daniel get back in the ring!, and Daniel did, as Big Show was getting out, he then ran bounced of the ropes and hit a running drop kick through the ropes, knocking Big Show towards the announcetable, Mark Henry turned to Josh and Cole and shout "What ya'll jumping for" Bryan then jumped over and was caught by Show, Bryan got free and Show collided against ring post, Bryan then delivered a knee knocking show on the floor. Big Show got in at the count of 7, D-Bry then unloaded kick after kick while Henry said to cole, I swear you don't shut up. I will slap the taste right out of your mouth, to which Cole responded Yes Sir. Bryan covered Show for a count of 1, he was then pushed in the corner , hit show with a big dropkick but only git a two count, and was powered out of the ring by Show. Mark then yelled at Daniel " get back in that ring, what you taking a rest for?" Big show grabbed Bryan and "lifted" (aka Bryan jumped up) Bryan onto the apron, however Big Show was countered by a few rights from Bryan, followed by a hot shot. D-Bry then climbed the top rope and attempted a dropkick but met a med-air frying pan chop, followed up by 2 clotheslines.and a spear from Big Show to Bryan, Bryan kicked out at 2. Mark was impressed by Bryan kicking out of that. Big Shiw removed his straps for a chockslam, However Bryan reversed it into a guillatine, Big Show dropped to a knee, Big Show powered out of it, but Bryan countered into the lebell lock, Big Show endured this and seemed he was going to tap, but powered out, he then clenched his fist and went for the WMD, however D-Bry got out of the ring, Mark again telling D-Bry to get back into the ring. Bryan got in Mark's face, Mark pushed him on his back saying "get out my damn face, I'll beat your bigs young Boy" Daniel Bryan won via DQ. However Daniel was met with boos.

Well I was almost right, Mark got involved, check, D-Bry beat Big Show, check, turned heel, check, by count out, hmm 3/4. But I loved Mark Henry on commentary. So funny, Comment if you thought he was funny on commentary.

Overall I will give Smackdown a 9/10
1 (Divas match)
2 (World Heavyweight Title Match defended on Smackdown)
3 (Intercontinetal championship defended on Smackdown)
4-8 (Mark Henry on Commentary)
9 (Hell of a match between Big Show and D-Bry)