WWE Smackdown Lowdown 7/27/2012

We open Smackdown with a recap of Raw 1000 - expected, but one more reminder of  Smackdown being the B-Show, especially with a revamp to Raw's look.  Tonight, we determine the number one contender to Sheamus' title in a fatal four way match.

The show proper opens with your new Intercontinental Champion, The Miz and a recap of his victory on Raw 1000.  New haircut and some scruff has done wonders for this man to change his look.  Miz thanks Christian's peeps for voting for him to defend on Raw.  Miz readies his catchphrase and Christian heads out to put a stop to it.  Christian mocks Miz's "Awesome" catchphrase and says he wants his rematch tonight.

Match 1:  The Miz (c) vs Christian, Intercontinental Championship
Winner:  Miz via pinfall

Miz with the early headlock and shoulder block.  Miz puts Christian in the corner and hammers on him, but Christian turns it around and lands a back body drop.  Miz is thrown over the top but lands on the apron and shoulders Christian in the midsection.  Miz wants a suplex to the floor, but Christian slides out and drops him face first on the apron.  Christian with a low dropkick to the outside.  Back in the ring, Miz counters a tornado DDT attempt and knees Christian in the gut then stomps away.  Big right hand puts Christian on his back, but he fights back with rights.  Miz whips him to the corner and lands his leaping clothesline, then an axe handle from the top for two.  Miz settles into a chinlock.  Christian fights out, but Miz hits the ropes, then runs into a flapjack.  Miz rolls to the apron and backdrops Christian over the top to the floor, leading to a commercial.

Back, Miz is stomping Christian then lands a running boot to the face for a close two.  Christian fights up from another chinlock and lands rights, then a sunset flip for two.  Miz hits the backbreaker/neckbreaker combo and gets a two on his side.  Miz chokes Christian in the ropes, then rushes him in the corner, but runs into Christian's feet, and then he heads to the top rope.  Miz puts a stop to it and clubs away, then climbs up wanting a superplex.  Christian punches Miz off then tries the Frog Splash, but lands on Miz's knees, who quickly hooks the leg for two, then again to wear the challenger down.  Christian hits a right and a second rope missile drop kick from out of nowhere, leaving both men on the mat.  Christian hits a forearm, then a drop toe hold onto the middle rope, then the big jumping-to-the-floor slap.  Christian climbs up top for a cross body, getting a two count.  Miz rushes him in the opposite corner, but Christian dodges and hits the diving reverse DDT for two.  Miz throws Christian into the corner, but Christian hits the springboard sunset flip - Miz rolls through and they exchange nearfalls back and forth.  Christian lands a diving back elbow and starts clapping, wanting the Killswitch.  Miz counters and Christian backflips out of a suplex attempt, but Miz kicks the knee and hits a snap DDT for two.  Miz hops to the second rope, but Christian grabs his foot and slams him down.  Christian heads to the opposite corner, wanting a Spear this time.  Miz bails to the floor, then baits Christian back in, who runs into a boot.  Christian counters the Skull Crushing Finale into a Killswitch attempt, which Miz counters and then thumbs the eye while the ref is in the fray.  Miz schoolboys Christian and holds the tights for the win. 

 

Fun match - Much like other guys who have been gone for a month or two, he looks crisp and fresh after having some time out of the ring.  It gives people time to miss him (or miss hating him) and gives him a chance to regroup and gather himself.  Good showing from both men and a great way to open Smackdown.

Match 2:  Jinder Mahal vs Ryback
Winner:  Ryback via count out

So Ryback has fully moved on to WWE Superstars from local goofs.  I guess that's good.  And I'm all for Jinder Mahal getting wrecked.  Ryback says it's "feeding time" before the bell.  Mahal ties up with Ryback and gets driven to a corner and called stupid.  Mahal hits a knee lift and clubs to the back, but runs into the boot to the mat.  Ryback then lands a fallaway slam.  Mahal rolls to the apron, but thumbs Ryback in the eye, then shoulders him in the gut and kicks his head.  Mahal hits a knee lift to the head for a quick pin attempt.  Mahal now drops a knee, but gets tossed outside.  Quickly back in, Mahal hits a boot to the head for one.  More knee drops and an elbow drop and now Mahal wants the Camel Clutch.  Ryback immediately lifts him, calls him stupid and hits a backpack chinbreaker.  Ryback says it's his turn and slams Mahal into the mat, then hits a spinebuster.  He warms up the arm, but Mahal ducks the lariat and bails from the ring.  Ryback wants him back in the ring, but Mahal runs the clock out.

A squash match with no squash?  That's new.  Of all the people to put into a feud with Ryback, Jinder Mahal is a weird choice, but any kind of growth or change is good, so I'm all for it.  Maybe Mahal uses his wealth and hires people to fight Ryback?

Recap of Punk attacking Rock on Raw 1000 and then hitting the GTS.  Punk seemed apprehensive before and after, even though he was willing to mimic Rock's usual set up position for a big move.  Not exactly sure how this plays out, but I'm sure it will play into the "overshadowed" angle that they've mentioned on TV.  Then we get Tout responses to the action.

Daniel Bryan is looking pensive in the back and Sheamus walks in and says he knows Bryan has had a rough week.  Left at the altar, his now-ex is his new boss, taking a Rock Bottom and Charlie Sheen trash talking him.  Bryan says Rock won't be back for six months and nobody cares about Sheen.  Sheamus presents Bryan with a gift:  "How to Last More Than 18 Seconds".  Nice wedding gift, Sheamus.

Match 3:  Sheamus (World Heavyweight Champion) vs Cody Rhodes, non-title
Winner:  Sheamus via pinfall

Not quite sure why the champion faces somebody in a non-title in the middle of the show.  But Cody Rhodes matches are always welcome.  Sheamus opens up with power and puts Rhodes in the corner.  Rhodes goes behind, but gets elbowed to the mat, then bails to the floor.  Rhodes jaws at the ref, thinking the elbow was a cheap shot.  Back in, Rhodes kicks Sheamus in the gut, but ends up shouldered to the mat for one.  Sheamus wrenches the arm and Cody reverses, focusing on Sheamus' arm.  The champion lands a tilt a whirl backbreaker for two.  Rhodes fights back again, but gets elbowed to the apron.  Sheamus wants the forearms to the chest, but Rhodes elbows out and takes a lap around the ring.  This time, Sheamus stands on the apron and hammers on Rhodes' chest while he's in the ring.  Sheamus reaches down and picks Rhodes up, wanting a suplex to the floor.  Rhodes lands on the apron and shoves Sheamus into the ring post shoulder first.  Sheamus is on the floor outside and Rhodes is standing tall in the ring while the ref count.  At 9, Sheamus rolls back in.  Rhodes stomps Sheamus and Dolph Ziggler's music hits.  He slowly makes his way to the ring; so people are allowed to cash in during a match?  Wouldn't it be smarter to wait for the end?  Let's see what happens...after the commercial.

Back to action, Ziggler is poised at the ready to cash in.  Rhodes is still in control, but Sheamus turns the tide with an axe handle, then takes a dropkick right in the mush for two.  Rhodes lands a knee to the skull of Sheamus, sitting on the mat - He gets another nearfall.  Rhodes continues to wear down Sheamus on the mat.  Rhodes drops to the floor and lays into Sheamus, laying on the apron.  Rhodes rolls in for a pin, but Sheamus is out in one.  Rhodes wants a full nelson on the mat and cinches it in, but Sheamus immediately fights up and out, then throws Rhodes.  Rhodes with a kick to the knee and a right hand, but Sheamus hits a back body drop.  Sheamus continues the assault, but gets kicked in the knee.  Sheamus fights back with a tilt a whirl slam for two.  Sheamus misses a short arm clothesline and runs into a back elbow and a drop toe hold into the turnbuckle.  Rhodes climbs up top and Sheamus is way out of position for a moonsault, so h runs awkwardly under it to dodge; that could have ended REALLY badly.  Sheamus hits the Irish Curse and gets a near fall, then lifts Rhodes into a fireman's carry.  Rhodes elbows out and shoves Sheamus to the floor.  Sheamus lands one big shot and climbs to the top rope, but Cody throws him off.  Rhodes lands a Beautiful Disaster, but Sheamus kicks out in two.  Rhodes wants another, but gets caught on Sheamus' shoulders and takes White Noise.  Sheamus heads to a corner, wanting the Brough Kick.  He lands it and wins.


There's that HHH booking - The guy that is deemed infallible will always fight back, land a finisher and win clean.  I like a clean finish, but once in a while, there has to be something different.  Ziggler is teasing a cash in, but thinks better of it, waiting for a more opportune time.  Chris Jericho runs to ringside in a Dolph Ziggler shirt and throws Ziggler into the ring, leaving him prone for a Brough Kick.  Jericho smirks, happy with the result.  A program with Jericho can only be a good thing for Ziggler.  Jericho casually enters the ring as Ziggler rises and hits a Codebreaker.  Ziggler, being Ziggler, sells it like a shotgun blast, which looks amazing.  I look so forward to this program.

Match 4:  Antonio Cesaro vs Santino Marella (United States Champion), non-title
Winner:  Antonio Cesaro via pinfall

Cesaro gets the "back from commercial" entrance treatment and still has his ludicrous upbeat music to boot.  WWE is so damn slow to pull the trigger on positive changes, it's painful.  Cesaro out wrestles Marella to start, but a slap to the back of the head makes the US Champ mad.  He lands a shoulder throw and Cesaro offers a handshake.  Instead, he gives a shot to the head and then traps Santino's arms to deliver Al Snow-style headbutts.  Cesaro deadlifts Santino for a gutwrench suplex and settles into a chinlock, but Santino counters with a saito suplex.  Santino hits jabs and followes with the headbutt.  Santino gets out the Cobra, but Aksana hops on the apron to run interference.  Santino hits the hip toss, but Cesaro dodges the cobra and hotshots him on the top rope.  Cesaro follows with the Neutralizer and wins.

Ok, Cesaro just pinned a champion, so I guess that's a good thing.  Now get him new music and a proper match and I think we're all set!  Cesaro is definitely the type that WWE is always happy to push, so here's hoping for him.

A replay of Damien Sandow getting beat up by DX on Raw 1000; he's in action next.

Match 5:  Yoshi Tatsu vs Damien Sandow
Winner:  Damien Sandow

So we're going to have two matches in a row with a new guy beating someone in 2-4 minutes.  Not how you book a show.  Sandow opens aggressively and throws Tatsu to the floor, then into the barricade multiple times.  Sandow rolls Tatsu back into the ring, then lands a russian leg sweep, rolling up to his feet, followed by his "elbow of disdain".  Next he locks up Tatsu and delivers knees to the midsection and finishes with the Cross Arm Neckbreaker.

Dominant as hell, which is great, but we're over a month into these types of matches; now we need more.  We know the character, we know the mannerisms, we know the bit.  Now give us real matches so we can see what he can really do.

Sandow grabs a mic and addresses the crowd, calling them many mean things - He says that for everyone who enjoyed his beating at the hands of DX, he is their martyr.  You're welcome.

A recap video of the confrontation between HHH and Paul Heyman, featuring Stephanie McMahon and even Brock Lesnar!  Fair warning, if you have epilepsy, this video could set a seizure off.  Lots of flashing from color to black and white at the end.

Another session of Touts about Raw 1000.  I thought this was just going to be on three hour Raws...now it's on Smackdown.  Ugh.

Match 6:  Rey Mysterio vs Kane vs Daniel Bryan vs Alberto del Rio, Number One Contender's Match
Winner:  Alberto del Rio via pinfall

Big action to open, with Bryan hitting a dive on Kane and Rey hitting a senton to the floor on Alberto del Rio.  Mysterio and Bryan are in the ring and Mysterio hits another senton, but runs into a running forearm from Bryan.  Del Rio takes out Kane on the floor and Bryan gets run into ADR, allowing Mysterio to roll him up for a nearfall.  Bryan lays into Mysterio with kicks then wants a powerbomb, but Rey lands on his feet and dropkicks Bryan low.  ADR stops the 619 with a clothesline and Bryan hits a leg lariat on ADR, then walks into an uppercut from Kane.  Kane hits a side slam on  Bryan for two.  Kane heads to the top and hits the diving clothesline on Bryan.  Kane grabs Bryan by the throat and kicks ADR away, then Bryan and Mysterio try a double suplex - Kane reverses, suplexing both men, sending us to commercial.

Kane is still in charge as we return, but Alberto del Rio attacks from behind.  Bryan kicks Kane and ADR breaks up the pin.  He now lays into Bryan in the corner, who reverses a whip to the opposite corner and lands kicks into del Rio.  Bryan goes to the opposite corner, but comes up empty on the running dropkick.  Del Rio hits an enzuigiri and then rolls into the Cross Armbreaker.  Bryan is fighting it and Mysterio heads to the top rope, dropping a guillotine leg drop on ADR for two.  Mysterio follows with a low dropkick to a prone ADR in the corner and Kane reenters the picture, hitting Mysterio and sending del Rio over the top to the floor.  Kane whips Rey to the corner with authority and gets a two count.  Kane follows with his low dropkick and gets another two.  Rey fights out of a chinlock then kicks Kane in the face from the corner twice.  Mysterio tries to go over Kane, but he catches him - Rey spins out to a big DDT, but everyone is down and out.  Rey heads to the middle rope and tries a diving hurricanrana.  Kane catches him, leaving him hanging upside down, which allows ADR to dropkick him in the face, then attack Kane.  Kane wants a Chokeslam, but del Rio enzuigiri's his way out, then lands a Backstabber.  Bryan breaks up the pin and kicks ADR in the chest on the mat, but misses the headshot and ADR schoolboys him.  Bryan rolls this through into a Yeslock and ADR is about to tap; Kane grabs the hand so that he can't and then slaps the hell out of Bryan and clotheslines him over the top.

ADR puts both knees into the arm of Kane and wants the Cross Armbreaker, but Kane stands his ground and hits a Chokeslam - Rey is in to stop the count with a dropkick.  Bryan lands a knee off the apron, sending Kane over the barricade into the timekeeper's area.  Back in the ring, Rey lands a huge kick to the head of del Rio, but he just barely kicks out.  Mysterio wants the 619, but Bryan runs interference.  Rey ends up hitting 619 on both men, then climbs up top and hits the splash on Bryan.  Ricardo Rodriguez drags Mysterio out of the ring and ADR hops on Bryan, picking up the win.

Your number one contender is Alberto del Rio.  We've seen Sheamus and ADR many-a-time now; I'm about ready for something else.  The build will be towards who Dolph Ziggler cashes in on; there's no way he doesn't successfully cash in, what with Cena failing to do so.  I'm liking the current bit of Ziggler always being at the ready to cash in but something going wrong to foil his plan.  Six matches, but aside from the number one contender match, kind of a nothing show.  Cesaro and Sandow continue to win quickly, which stunts their growth as on screen characters - Even Ryback seems to be showing more growth.  Moving forward, Raw 1001 needs to be a strong episode, or the three hour show experiment could become a failure.

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Raw Wrapup 7/23/2012 - Raw 1000

Raw 1000 - This is the beginning of a new journey for WWE.  More time for young wrestlers to be showcased; more time to tell better thought out stories; more time for long, engaging matches.  Or, more time to Tout, Tweet and tell us what to like.  Fingers crossed!

A great recap of Raw through the years, from episode 1; if there's anything WWE gets right, it's video packages.  Highlights, lowlights, happy times and solemn times - Truly running the gamut.  Raw's new logo is presented with a surprisingly small amount of fan fare.  The stage, Titantron and minitrons are all new and improved as well.

Mr. McMahon enters, although we were promised DX to open the show "right at 8PM".  Vince toots his own horn for 1000 episodes; fair enough.  Vince thanks the WWE Universe, and they return the favor in kind.  Vince gives us the good old "Welcome to Monday Night Raw" and welcomes Degeneration X.  The old overlay video and music play, much to the enjoyment of the crowd and outcome HHH and HBK.  HBK plays up not remembering the old bit and being out of breath, calling for a mic.  Michaels is feeling this, but is missing something and HHH agrees.  It's definitely not the merch.  HHH asks if there used to be more of us?  The DX music hits again, bringing out The New Age Outlaws and X-Pac in a truck to the side of the stage.  With the team complete, we get the old DX salute in the ring.  Road Dogg grabs the mic and escorts us down memory lane, self-censoring "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn.  HHH, of course, wants to know if we're ready?  Gunn and Michaels both grab a mic, and HHH says Shawn could lose his smile if he doesn't get to do this part!  HHH delegates like a good corporate man and says they should do it together.  Damien Sandow's music hits to interrupt, and that can mean nothing good for this man in the next 3-4 minutes.

Sandow reminds us that he is our intellectual savior.  HBK wants to hear Sandow out.  DX is a disintegration of society.  This crass conduct should not be revered.  HBK promised to head home and ask for forgiveness.  Sandow says he understands that 5-1, he would obviously be beaten.  He says he would be a martyr here for the sophisticated.  HHH says Sandow makes a good point, but DX needs to have a team huddle.  Sandow is upset with the rudeness of the group.  DX makes a decision:  Sweet Chin Music and a Pedigree.  Gunn says his line, and Sandow is stripped of his robe and disposed of out of the ring.  Good rub for him - Sandow comes out face to face with five legends of the WWE Attitude Era and holds his own on the mic.  He absolutely is his character and plays it to the fullest.  Sandow is great to hate; all he needs is proper length matches moving forward and he should be a star.

We're treated to the new graphics for upcoming matches; very modern, very sleek.  Tonight, John Cena takes on WWE Champion CM Punk, cashing in his MITB briefcase.

Back from the first commercial break, we get Jim Ross, who has been on NXT duty with William Regal.  He will join the commentary team for the night.

Match 1:  Rey Mysterio, Sin Cara and Sheamus (World Heavyweight Champion) vs Chris Jericho, Dolph Ziggler and Alberto del Rio
Winners:  Rey Mysterio, Sin Cara and Sheamus via pinfall

Even on Raw 1000, the World Heavyweight Champion opens the show when it comes to wrestling action.  A recap of Jericho giving Ziggler the Codebreaker last week for being a wise ass shows; why would these guys be put on a team together just a week later?  Back from a commercial, Ziggler is in charge on Sin Cara, who Michael Cole calls Rey Mysterio multiple times, uncorrected.  Jericho tags in and cinches in a chin lock on Cara.  The luchador fights up and lands a roll up for two.  Cara wants a tag, but takes a low dropkick from Jericho.  Chris Jericho scoop slams Cara and does the old cocky pin, then tags in ADR, who rushes Cara with a kick in the corner.  Repeated knee drops to the back of Sin Cara, then a chin lock.  Cara gets up to his feet again, then fights out of a corner and lands a jumping tornado DDT off the second turnbuckle.  Sheamus and Jericho tag in, leading to axe handles and a knee lift out of the corner.  Sheamus wants a powerslam, but Jericho escapes and ends up taking the Irish Curse (on the second try).  Mysterio monkey flips ADR over the top rope then hits a senton to the floor.  Cara kicks Ziggler, but ends up on the floor thanks to Jericho.  Jericho wants the Walls of Jericho, then the Codebreaker, but Sheamus powers out of both, but whiffs with the Brough Kick.  Jericho wants a springboard dropkick, but Ziggler hops on the apron and clocks him one, turning on his tag partner.  Sheamus calls for the Brough Kick and connects, then pins Jericho.

Cole mixed up Cara and Mysterio throughout the entire match, but Ziggler/Jericho looks to be a program moving forward, and that's all that matters.  Jericho has put over more young talent than damn near anyone else, and this could be the launch pad for Ziggler to come into his own the way that fans have wanted him to.  As for the match itself, it was a short six man tag, focused on the Ziggler turn.  Ok-to-good match.

Apparently Ross was only out for that match, as Cole and Lawler are discussing Touts and he's nowhere to be found.  Users Tout their feelings on AJ and Bryan's impending wedding.  Tout is going to get annoying real fast.

Via Skype, Charlie Sheen checks in and says the show so far (one promo, one match) is epic.  Sheen has an absolute air of not giving a damn about what he's talking about, which is kind of the standard for him.  Definitely not adding anything at all to the show.

AJ is in the back, prepping and primping for the wedding, with Layla.  Layla questions AJ wanting to do this, which she takes exception to.  AJ says the whole place is unstable, not her, then she opens the door, showing Hacksaw Jim Duggan go HOOOOING through the halls.  Next, Rowdy Roddy Piper and R-Truth play jump rope with Little Jimmy.  Then a man in a hand suit shows up with his Mom, Mae Young.  Good lord.  Duggan walking around saying "HOOO"?  I believe that.  Piper and Truth playing with an invisible friend?  I bet they do that when there's no cameras around.  But a man in a hand suit?  No thanks.  Definitely a bit that didn't need to make its return on Raw 1000. 

A Sonic carhop skates in with slushes for Lawler and Cole - Swagger's music plays in the background.  So instead of the talent making their entrance, we get drinks delivered to the announcers.  Damn it.

Match 2:  Brodus Clay vs Jack Swagger
Winner:  Brodus Clay via pinfall

Shazam is now being advertised to get wrestlers' themes.  Brodus introduces Dude Love (here's hoping for a face of Foley for each hour tonight...).  Swagger misses attacking Brodus, who delivers a t-bone suplex and the "shee-wah" splash.  Dude Love hits the ring to dance and celebrate with Clay and he breaks out a tyedye Mr. Socko, which Swagger takes in the gullet.  Cole finally gets something right tonight:  Swagger has hit rock bottom.

HHH is in the back with Trish Stratus, who is advertising her yoga program.  Big breath in, extend to the floor.  DX comes in to catch Hunter in the act.  X-Pac hangs behind and creeps on Trish.  Fun little throw back to a simple scene from years ago that nobody ever forgot.

Daniel Bryan is in the back in a white tux, with some gents in what appear to be white scrubs - My guess as I watch and write?  Bryan will have AJ committed tonight, as a husband has the right to do.  Long shot secondary guess:  AJ's crazy estranged brother Dean Ambrose somehow debuts tonight.

The Wedding of Daniel Bryan and AJ

Jerry Lawler introduces the reverend for the ceremony - Slick.  A big call back, back to the Iron Sheik days.  Daniel Bryan enters to his music, YESing down to the ring in his all white tux.  AJ, on the other hand, comes down to the traditional Wedding March.  Slick starts the wedding spiel, to bring together "two unique and beautiful people", using AJ's last name, Lee.  The crowd "WHAT"s the good reverend as he goes along.  AJ requests that Slick move it along.  Slick asks if anyone is present that cares to speak now, or hold their peace - The crowd boos vehemently, then chants "NO".  Bryan delivers his vows, saying that despite their up and downs, he loves AJ, and always will.  He promises that once he slips the ring on, a new chapter will begin for both of them, and he'll have what he's always wanted.  Slick asks if Daniel does - YES.  Does AJ?  "Yes Yes Yes".

Slick readies to finish and AJ says to wait.  AJ wasn't saying yes to Bryan - She was saying yes to someone else.  Slick is flabbergasted.  AJ says it's another man, who made a proposal earlier tonight.  Vince McMahon's music hits, bringing the Chairman to the stage.  Vince explains; it's a business proposal.  To make Raw 1001 and beyond great, he introduces the new GM of Raw - AJ!  AJ holds her dress up and skips laps around Bryan, then leaves.

Well that was different.  Great that AJ will be kept as a regular presence on Raw, but this didn't require the wedding bit at all.  Also, it means AJ won't be wrestling much, if at all, which is a shame given the state of the Divas division right now.  Kind of glad that I was wrong on this one.  Interesting to see if this leads to a soft babyface turn for Bryan, who came out behind on this one.  If anything, this shows a faith in AJ.

Back from a commercial break, Bryan is going ballistic in the ring, screaming NO at a trio of refs.  CM Punk's music hits to interrupt the tantrum.  Punk says he didn't come out to rub this in Bryan's face...then does.  Punk says that AJ as the GM doesn't bode well for Bryan.  He can continue his tantrum; Punk is going to continue being WWE Champion and best in the world.  Bryan says Punk isn't even the best in the ring tonight.  Not only is Bryan better, he claims to be the best WWE Superstar of all time.  IF YA SMELLL...

The Rock seems to take exception to this declaration and comes out.  This might as well be called "doing a Slater" at this point.  Rock ascends the turnbuckle to soak in the millions (and millions).  Rock takes a mic and waits for a "Rocky" chant to subside.  Rock says Bryan doesn't get to say who the greatest of all time is - That's for the fans to decide.  Bryan interrupts The Rock, and The Rock interrupts that.  You don't cut The Rock off, drawing a "boots to asses" chant.  What Bryan doesn't understand is that Rock won his first WWE Title here in St. Louis.  The Rock isn't here to talk to "Frodo"; he's here to talk about the WWE Championship.  At the Royal Rumble, whoever is WWE Champion, they will defend against The Rock.  Punk says that's good news for Rock; Punk plans to be champion come the Rumble.  Tonight, Punk will beat John Cena.  Then at the Rumble, he'll beat The Rock.  The Rock says he'll be the next WWE Champion.  Bryan says "no no no".  This is supposed to be about Bryan; this was to be his night.  Bryan says that some way, some how, Rock will face Bryan.  Bryan will be the face of the WWE.  Rock says what we're looking at is the product of an Oompa Loompa and a homeless lumberjack.  The Rock says that he got a wedding gift for Bryan - Rock Bottom.

I know he's The Rock.  I know he's the biggest star ever.  But months ago, he comes back and says he's never leaving again and will seek the WWE Title.  Then he disappears for months, nary a peep to be made.  Then he comes back and he just gets a title shot?  No.  You earn title shots.  This is why titles don't matter anymore.

Match 3:  Christian (c) vs The Miz, Intercontinental Championship
Special Guest Ring Announcer: Bret "Hitman" Hart
Winner:  The Miz via pinfall (new Intercontinental Champion)

Bret says it was an honor to beat Mr. Perfect for the Intercontinental Title.  So now he introduces the IC title match.  And not an especially warm welcome for Miz.  Miz's new look continues to make him look way more credible.  Amazing what a bit of scruff can do.  Christian goes behind to open, but Miz gets a headlock.  Christian shoulder blocks Miz, then lands a second rope missile dropkick.  Miz boots Christian in the face, but gets tossed to the floor.  Christian climbs up top and hits a cross body to the floor.  Christian sells a hurt leg as Raw 1000 goes to commercial.

Back to action, Miz has a standing leg lock on Christian, who boots his way out, then lands a diving reverse DDT.  Christian follows with a forearm.  Selling the leg, Christian slides to the outside (instead of jumping over the top) for his middle rope slap.  Christian follows with a top rope cross body for two, then a middle rope diving back elbow.  Christian wants the Killswitch, but Miz avoids.  Christian lands a jumping sunset flip out of the corner for two.  Christian goes up and over Miz for another sunset flip, but Miz lands a boot to the face for a two count.  Miz goes back to work on the leg, wrapping it around the ropes in the corner.  Christian slaps Miz and lands a tornado DDT for a close two count.  Now Christian wants a spear and heads to the corner.  He runs into a boot to the gut and a spike DDT for a very near fall.  Miz goes to an opposite corner but comes up empty on his running clothesline.  Miz avoids the Killswitch again, then Christian avoids the Skull Crushing Finale, Miz blocks another Killswitch and finagles the Skull Crushing Finale to win the Intercontinental Title after Christian backflips over Miz, landing on his bad leg.

Miz says he's the Intercontinental Champion and he's...awesome.  Welcome back, Miz.

Sheen is back on Skype and plugs Anger Management, then parrots The Rock's jokes.  Again, not adding anything at all to the show, or any original material for that matter.

Back to the show, HHH is making his entrance, still in DX regalia.  His entrance is interrupted by the "Slam of the Week" - Brock Lesnar breaking his arm three months ago.  How is that the Slam of the Week?  HHH asks if the crowd is having a good time.  He's had his fun, so it's time for intense HHH time.  Hunter calls Lesnar out, to answer the challenge for Summerslam.  Lesnar's music hits and Paul Heyman heads toward the ring.  HHH calls Heyman an ass (Road Dogg didn't get to say that!); Heyman says Lesnar is in the arena.  Heyman has power of attorney to answer HHH's challenge.  Heyman reports that Lesnar's answer is "no."  HHH says he'll go to the back and get Lesnar himself if he has to.  Heyman reminds Hunter that he has two pending lawsuits, does he want to aim for a trifecta?  HHH doesn't care anymore.  Hunter says Lesnar is a coward, despite all the hype, all the hoopla?  Heyman says the name calling won't draw Lesnar out, that's childish.  Heyman says he feels bad for Hunter's kids if that's what he teaches them, which draws out mommy dearest.

Stephanie McMahon heads for the ring and tells Heyman to never speak of her children again.  Steph says that Heyman masks his failures with these lawsuits, calling in to play WCW and ECW, as well as his work at WWE.  Steph says her kids can be proud of dad and grandpa, but Heyman's kids will be ashamed because he's a parasite.  Then Steph lays in the old McMahon slap, staggering Heyman.  Heyman steps to the apron, then back in.  Heyman is livid and says that Lesnar/Helmsley is on for Summerslam.  Heyman trash talks the kids again and Steph pounces on Heyman, drawing Lesnar's music and presence.  Lesnar hits the ring and lifts HHH into the corner, who fights back.  Lesnar lays a knee to the mid section and HHH answers with one of his own.  HHH mounts a comeback and clotheslines Brock over the top rope to the floor.  Lesnar drops an F bomb which gets dumped out, then heads to the back.

Interesting to see that Heyman decides to punish HHH for Stephanie's actions with a match with Lesnar.  That's quite a bit of finagling.  We all knew the match was coming, but not necessarily how we were getting there.  Steph is still solid on the mic; quite the confident one.  HHH/Lesnar will be an out and out brawl.  Lesnar can't possibly come back this way and lose a second match in a row.

More touts with fan reactions to the goings on thus far:  A few videos here and there can be ok, but we don't need more than one session of these in any show.

Raw 1000 Moments:  "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's rivalry with Vince McMahon.  Absolutely a business-maker.  The source of some of the best moments in Raw history.

Santino and Hornswoggle come out to hand out some WWE toys, followed by Howard Finkel to announce the next match.

Match 4:  Heath Slater vs Lita
Special Guest Ring Announcer:  Howard Finkel
Winner:  Lita via pinfall

Slater says that everything that's been happening on Raw is in the past.  The only thing to remember will be his victory tonight, which will be epic.  Slater places an open challenge to any "legend" for a no dq match.  Lita's music hits and she enters.  Hair is a little less red, but the folks that remember her definitely missed her.  Slater asks if Lita really thinks she can beat him.  Lita says she has something to say; tonight, Lita hired herself some protection, in the form of the Acolyte Protection Agency.  The APA hit the ring and Slater says no, heading to the back.  Animal, Sid, Doink, DDP, Vader, Piper, Rikishi and Baklund force Slater back into the ring.  Lita hits a Twist of Fate and Bradshaw follows with a Clothesline from Hell.  Lita hits a Moonsault and wins.

Faarooq takes the mic, surveys the situation and drops a DAMN on Slater.  Not sure how people will feel about this one, as some people were expecting something along the lines of The Undertaker (which was a silly expectation, to be fair).  Slater got off easy; I was expecting a flurry of finishers from the legends crew.

Daniel Bryan is interviewed in the back, saying the night has been tainted.  Bryan has been assaulted and insulted tonight.  Bryan says that if Charlie Sheen were here, he'd slap the Yeslock on him.  I really, truly, sincerely hope this doesn't lead to some kind of program with Bryan and Sheen.  What an utter waste of effort and time.

Fozzie Bear is here to introduce us to catchphrases through the years - far too many to recount.

Zack Ryder is in the back with John Cena and Gene Okerlund, saying that Gene was behind GTV.  In comes the Rock, which means out goes Okerlund and Ryder.  Cena says he'll be the WWE Champion come the Royal Rumble.  Rock says he's looking forward to that.

Match 5:  Kane vs Jinder Mahal
Winner:  No contest

Jinder Mahal enters with Hunico, Camacho, Tyler Reks, Curt Hawkins and Drew McIntyre, saying that they are sick of the way they are treated.  They surround the ring, drawling a gong and the lights to dim.  The Undertaker emerges and slowly makes his way to the ring, bringing the lights back up.  Taker and his brother stand tall against the six men that came at Kane earlier.  Hawkins and Hunico take stereo Chokeslams.  The brothers scoop both men back up and deliver stereo Tombstone Piledrivers as well.  Taker and Kane clear the bodies from the ring and stand tall.

Charlie Sheen once more via Skype:  Sheen makes a bad shake pun and that he's not hard to find.  Sheen "isn't hiding" from Daniel Bryan.  No.  No, no, no.

Match 6:  CM Punk (c) vs John Cena, Money in the Bank cash in for WWE Championship
Winner:  John Cena via dq

At the 11:00PM hour, the main event kicks off; even with an extra hour, WWE needs overrun time.  Cena runs Punk over with a shoulder.  Cena settles on a headlock and runs Punk over again.  Cena blocks a hip toss, but ends up in a backslide for two.  Punk puts Cena in an abdominal stretch and elbows the ribs.  Cena powers out with a hip toss and teases the STF, but Punk kicks him off.  Cena muscles Punk into the corner and gets a clean break.  Punk opens up with chops on Cena, who fights back with forearms to the back.  Cena with a headlock takeover out of the corner.  Punk gets to his feet and counters the headlock with a belly to back suplex and a kick to the spine.  Punk follows with a backbreaker for a two count.  Punk transitions from the legs to a chinlock.  Cena gets to his feet and powers out, kicking Punk in the gut.  They exchange strikes back and forth, but Cena lands two diving shoulders, then tries the spinout powerbomb, but Punk flips out and lands a leg lariat, then a knee in the corner.  Cena counters the follow up bulldog into the powerbomb and calls for the Five Knuckle Shuffle; Punk kicks Cena away before he can do it, then kicks him in the skull.  Punk calls for the GTS, but Cena fights out and shoves Punk, who bumps into the ref, sending him tumbling to the floor.  Cena hits the Attitude Adjustment and gets the visual pin, but there's no ref to make the count.  Big Show storms the ring and spears Cena as he gets back in the ring, then calls for the WMD.  Punk watches from the corner and Big Show lands the big right fist to Cena's skull.  Big Show heads to the back and leaves Punk with a choice to make.

Punk gets to his feet and looks distraught over what to do.  Punk hops outside and tries to help the ref get back into the ring, still not sure on what he should do.  Punk hesitantly slides back in and finally covers Cena, who kicks out at two.  Punk lifts a limp Cena to his feet, then scoops him up for Go To Sleep, but Cena counters into the STF, center of the ring.  Big Show comes back and drops an arm across Cena's back, drawing the ref to call for the bell.  Show lays big rights into the midsection of Cena.  Punk hobbles around the ring, selling the STF.  The Rock storms the ring to take on Big Show and unloads rights and a spinebuster.  Rock wants The People's Elbow, but Punk interrupts with a clothesline.  Punk scoops The Rock up and lands a GTS.  Punk slowly makes his way to the back, not looking especially happy about what he did.

Well, as expected, that was a very packed show.  Stuff like Tout and Charlie Sheen are going to have to be weathered; they won't be going anywhere any time soon.  Miz is your new IC champs, AJ is your new GM and CM Punk may very well be your new heel.  This opens the question of what exactly the big angle will be through the summer.  According to Rock and Cena, the endgame is the two of them squaring off for the WWE Title at Wrestlemania.  Punk as the budding heel will have to lose it at some point, but at the end of Mania, Cena will have to stand tall with the belt, as The Rock won't be sticking around much beyond then.  This could mean that Rock wants his revenge on Punk in the near future and Cena will have to venture toward possibly winning the Royal Rumble to challenge at Wrestlemania.  Unless the new GM or the Board of Directors make a change, Cena has lost his Money in the Bank briefcase thanks to Big Show (Which the commentators didn't make a big deal about, at all).  Cena is the first person to use the briefcase and not become champion, but not due to his own failure, which puts a spin on it. 

It's of course fun to see the old legends, see DX reunite, etc - But that doesn't keep episode 1001 and beyond going.  Booking changes will need to be made, other people need to be given chances.  With an extra hour of television, there is zero excuse for this to not happen.  It likely won't, but there's still no excuse.  That was a lot to digest for one night.  Let us know what you thought of Raw 1000 in the comments!

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WWE Smackdown Lowdown 7/20/12

Following up from Raw, Rey Mysterio is the first thing brought out to start the crowd out on a happy note.  Rey grabs a mic and says it's been almost a year since he was injured in the very arena they're in.  He never lost hope and he's happy to be home (in spanish) with all his people, to officially say he's back.  On Raw, there was something he had to do; Alberto del Rio being in the ring made things sweeter.  Right on cue, del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez step out on the stage.  Alberto greets the chihuahua back, but says that he made a mistake picking a fight against ADR.  The people may not remember, but a year ago, it was del Rio that almost ended Mysterio's career.  ADR says he could finish the job right now, but instead, he'll give an order:  Leave his ring right now.  Rey says no way.  Alberto says that while Rey was gone, he won everything and at the moment, he wants to talk about Sheamus.  Rey rubs the loss in Alberto's face, who answers by saying that Rey's return will be short.  Alberto says that he, the next World Heavyweight Champion, will put a stop to Rey once and for all.  Dolph Ziggler comes out and says that Rey can't take comfort in that, since the next WHC will be himself.  Ziggler tells Rey to relax; he's not out here for him.  Dolph is out for Alberto.  Ziggler was going to cash in on Sheamus at Money in the Bank and blames ADR for his failure to do so.  ADR tells him to bugger off.  Rey tells them to shut up and fight if they want to.  Ziggler agrees, but says they shouldn't fight one another, drawing out Sheamus to back up Rey Mysterio.  Sheamus welcomes Mysterio back and says thy should do this fight now.  ADR bails, leaving Ziggler alone.  Sheamus hits an axe handle and Mysterio wants a 619, but Ziggler dodges out.  Well, that will be a tag match later tonight, with or without Teddy Long.

Match 1:  Primetime Players, Hunico and Camacho vs Primo/Epico and R-Truth/Kofi Kingston (Tag Team Champions), 8 man tag
Winners:  Primetime Players, Hunico and Camacho via pinfall

Back from a commercial the heels are in the ring already.  That doesn't bode well for them.  With the exception of the Usos, this is basically the entire tag division in the ring right now.  That's five viable teams - The Superstars team of Kidd/Gabriel and even the Ascension from NXT/FCW are direly needed to flesh this out.  Epico and Hunico open up with some solid lucha.  AW is miked up and immediately says Hunico should tag in the PTP.  Epico hits a hurricanrana and tags in Primo for a dropkick and a one count.  Hunico tags in Camacho who gets taken over, but quickly takes over with the power game.  Primo dodges in the opposite corner and rolls Camacho up, who kicks out.  Truth blind tags in, dances and punches Camacho, then hits his dancing leg drop for a one count.  Camacho muscles Truth into the corner, and the match breaks down with all eight men in the ring.  The Champs and the Colons clear the ring, leading into the commercial.

Back in, Kofi is in control of Camacho and lands the Boomdrop.  He readies for Trouble in Paradise, but Hunico distracts from the floor, allowing a spinebuster from Camacho for a two count.  Camacho corners Kofi and tags Hunico in for a tope and a two count.  Hunico settles into a chinlock, but Kofi quickly fights out.  Hunico tags in Titus O'Neil who delivers a rib breaker to Kofi, then casts him aside.  Titus steps on the neck of Kofi.  Kofi tries to fight against the entire corner but gets grounded and then scoop slammed for two.  Titus locks in the abdominal stretch and beats on the ribs of Kofi, then throws him to the mat.  Young tags in and promptly gets kicked in the face.  Kofi tags in Primo, who enters with a springboard chop, a back elbow, a sweep, a leg drop, an elbow drop and puts Young in the corner for a chop.  Primo hits the opposite corner and hits his version of whisper in the wind.  Everyone ends up in the ring and gets tossed to the outside; Primo climbs to the top but gets distracted by AW and tossed down by Titus into Young's knees for a modified version of his finisher.  It's good for the three count. 

PTP are celebrating and Big Show makes his entrance, grim-faced.  Truth immediately tries to stop Show, but gets tossed down.  Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise to the back of Show's head, but he gets taken out by PTP.  Show tosses Epico out and Truth punches Show, who answers with a WMD.  On to Hunico and Camacho for a double chokeslam.  Primo tries to climb out, but Show stands on his back and pulls him into the ring.  Show stands him up and delivers WMD to the side of the head.  Big Show grabs a mic and says "and?  what."  Quite the statement.  Not quite the speech.  PTP escape unscathed and Big Show takes out the rest of the tag division; maybe it was better that Kidd/Gabriel had the night off and Ascension are still in Florida.

Raw 1000 Moment with Jeremy Piven:  Jeremy guest hosts Raw.  And calls Summerslam "Summerfest".  Piven also climbs the top rope and tries to crossbody John Cena, who catches him.  Ok, that was kind of cool.

Remember, Raw is three hours starting Monday.  Three hours.  Three...hours.

A recap of Cena's Money in the Bank victory and a Tout video.  Cena stops Big Show beating the living hell out of WWE Champion CM Punk, but does not cash in; he will cash in at Raw 1000.  He then clocks Show with the briefcase.  Michael Cole makes mention that "it's been years" since a superstar made any indication of when he would cash in the briefcase; that was the entirety of Daniel Bryan's heel turn in the past year (saying he would cash in at 'Mania and doing so early).  Goddamnit Cole - You are so consistently wrong.

Match 2:  Damien Sandow vs Zack Ryder
Winner:  Damien Sandow via pinfall

Sandow stops Ryder mid entrance and berates the crowd for supporting the "brainless broski".  Ryder hits the ring quick and lays rights into Sandow, who gets space between them and sheds his robe.  Ryder hits a running forearms, but Sandow kicks his leg out from under him and stomps away.  Vicious strikes leads to Sandow laying Ryder on the apron and taking his elbow pad down to lay exposed elbows to the neck of the broski.  Sandow climbs back in and stomps away again, then lays knees to the midsection in the corner.  Sandow lands the Crossarm Neckbreaker and wins.

This was the chance to have a match over two minutes for the guy against an established wrestler that the crowd is behind and they give the old squash treatment.  Nothing but a missed opportunity.  On a positive note, Sandow showed fire in his eyes and in his aggression, but there's no reason to put Zack Ryder down to anyone in two minutes.  Nobody came out for the better with this choice:  Sandow wrestles the same match as usual and Ryder continues to look like a goof.

Christian's Peep Show:  Daniel Bryan and AJ

Christian recaps Bryan's proposal and AJ's acceptance via video, calling it bizarre.  Christian introduces his guests, who will be married on Raw.  AJ is now decked out in a Daniel Bryan shirt.  Cole says the diamond on AJ's ring is 2.5 carats.  It's like a bullshit machine that just doesn't clog.  Christian asks how the wedding planning is going, but they agree that it's going well and show a clip, which includes Bryan putting a stuffed bunny in an ankle lock.  Christian asks if Daniel Bryan is doing the right thing, and he answers, of course, "YES".  Christian asks AJ if she's forgiven Bryan..."Yes".  Christian asks if this is true love and they tandem "Yes yes yes".  Christian wants to pose questions to the peeps - Should they get married?  Crowd says no.  Does Bryan really love AJ?  Crowd says no.  Does AJ know what she's doing?  Crowd says no.  The happy couple is growing less happy as the minutes tick away.  Christian asks AJ if she knows what she's doing and she paintbrushes him in the face.  The couple go to leave and Christian says he'll let the Bridezilla slap go; Bryan is scheduled for a match tonight.  Christian says that before asking someone to marry him, he should ask about excess baggage, like psychotic ex-boyfriends.  That Bryan has to fight now.  So if at any point you kiss a person, they're your boyfriend.  WWE's understanding of emotions continues to never rise above that of a 13 year old.

Match 3:  Daniel Bryan vs Kane
Winner:  Kane via disqualification

Bryan opens up with kicks to the leg, but Kane powers him away.  Back to the leg kicks, and now clubbing blows from Kane.  Bryan slips under Kane, but runs into a big boot and Kane covers for two.  Kane locks in a bodyscissors with a chinlock and Bryan tries to elbow his way out.  Bryan gets to his feet and kicks at the head of Kane, but runs into a backbreaker, then is stretched over Kane's knee.  Bryan knees his way out, but ends up stomped in the corner by Kane.  Bryan is whipped to the opposite corner but kicks out.  To the original corner, Bryan backflips over Kane and lands a dropkick to the knee that sends Kane upside down.  Bryan lays kicks to the chest but whiffs the headshot.  Kane wants a chokeslam and Bryan escapes, then lands a dropkick in the corner and lands his kick to the head for two.  Bryan climbs to the top rope and jumps into an uppercut from Kane who coveres for two.  Kane catches Bryan for a side slam and gets another nearfall.  Kane heads to the top rope this time and tries the diving lariat, but Bryan catches the arm and wants the Yeslock.  Bryan has a hard time getting Kane to the mat and he powers out.  Bryan low bridges Kane to the outside and he almost falls on AJ, who falls down out of the way.  Bryan checks on AJ and takes a boot to the back of the head for his concern, then gets tossed into the steel stairs.  Kane throws Bryan into the barricade, then into the announce table.  Back into the ring, Kane calls for the chokeslam.  AJ cllimbs to the top rope and jumps on Kane's back, clawing at his face.  Bryan kicks at the distracted Kane's knees, but runs into a Chokeslam, while AJ is still on Kane's back.  AJ continues clawing at the face, but Kane spins her around so that she's hanging off of his front.  AJ hops down and Bryan drags her out of the ring to safety.  AJ apologizes for costing Bryan the match and he says it's ok.  They kiss at the top of the ramp.

Well all that concern he showed doesn't exactly scream "I'm going to turn on you at Raw.", now does it?  Weird situation and hard to predict, but that makes it all the more interesting!

Raw 1000 Moment with Zack Ryder:  GTV's catching superstars in the back.

Match 4:  Heath Slater vs Road Warrior Animal
Winner:  Road Warrior Animal via pinfall

A recap of Slater's deluded remembrances of his interactions with WWE legends plays.  Slater says he's happy to bring the one man band to Smackdown and that his luck is about to change.  Because he said it's going to. Uggghhhhhh WHAT A RUSH!

Animal makes his way to the ring and Slater is weary.  Slater wants to attack from behind while Animal removes the spikes, but runs into a clothesline.  Animal lays boots in the corner and Slater tries to fight back, landing rights and elbows.  Slater hits the ropes and runs into a big powerslam and a jumping elbow drop.

The crowd is happy to see Animal in the ring and Slater should be thrilled to be on TV.  This is still a fun gimmick - Can't wait to see who lays into Slater at Raw 1000.  Maybe a cavalcade of legends hands him a beating?

Vickie and Ricardo are in the back and Vickie spits out another awkwardly timed "Excuse me".  Ricardo breaks down why Vickie is jealous of ADR and she says she's a better manager - Ricardo points out that he's a ring announcer.  Vickie loses her mind and shrieks at Ricardo, then she throws a tantrum.  What in the blue hell?

Match 5:  Alberto del Rio and Dolph Ziggler vs Rey Mysterio and Sheamus (World Heavyweight Champion)
Winners:  

Oh hey a tag match main event with the four guys who opened the show - who could have seen that coming!  Vickie interrupts Ricardo to introduce the "star of this team", Mr. Money in the Bank.  ADR and Ziggler are apprehensive around each other while they await their opponents.  To hammer home to the crowd how happy they should be to see Mysterio back, the World Heavyweight Champion enters first.  Mysterio makes his entrance and is wrestling in a tank top now.

Sheamus overpowers Ziggler to start and then delivers a headlock takeover.  Ziggler takes a shoulder block, but comes back with a dropkick after a leapfrog for barely a one count.  Sheamus wants a fireman's carry and Ziggler fights out, but then runs right into the lift and a rolling fireman's carry.  Mysterio tags in and lands a springboard leg drop and forearms.  Rey fights out of the corner but runs into a big clothesline from Ziggler for one.  ADR tags in and lands a running kick to the ribs.  Rey kicks out in two then tries to slide under to tag, but gets caught; Rey slips out and tags in Sheamus, prompting Alberto to tag out to Ziggler.  Ziggler gets tossed over the top but lands on the apron, delivering forearms to the chest.  Ziggler falls to the floor and Sheamus follows.  Sheamus rolls Ziggler back in, but after a distraction from del Rio, Ziggler lands a dropkick, putting Sheamus on the floor and ADR follows up with a kick to the World Champ, leading to a commercial.

Back to the action, Sheamus is fighting out of a chinlock from Ziggler.  Sheamus tosses Ziggler across the ring and tags in Mysterio, who climbs to the top and lands a senton, then a headscissors.  Rey runs into a kick from Ziggler, who tries a sunset flip.  Rey rolls through and kicks Ziggler in the head for two.  Ziggler fights up, but gets dropkicked into the middle rope.  Rey wants 619, but del Rio kicks him in the back and Ziggler lands a Fameasser; Ziggler screams for the ref to pay attention and count, netting him two.  ADR tags back in and lands a stomp to the knee of Mysterio.  Del Rio has a chinlock on Rey, who turns and knees his way out.  Mysterio runs into a tilt a whirl backbreaker for another nearfall.  Ziggler tags back in and stomps at Rey.  Ziggler stretches Rey in the ropes and ADR lands a cheap shot kick behind the ref's back.  Ziggler with a grounded bow and arrow stretch on Rey, who fights his way out.  Ziggler snaps off a neckbreaker out of nowhere.  ADR tags in once again and punches away at Mysterio.  Mysterio crawls for a tag, but gets caught.  Del Rio pressures Rey in the corner, but gets back dropped over the corner.  Rey is slow to move toward Sheamus and ADR manages to tag Ziggler, who intercepts.  Ziggler wants a powerslam, but Rey spins out and lands a DDT.  Sheamus is desperate for a tag and we get them on both sides.  Sheamus lands axe handles to ADR and then a shoulder and knee lift.  ADR escapes a powerslam and kicks Sheamus, wanting the Cross Armbreaker.  Sheamus shoves ADR into Ziggler on the apron, who goes flying, leaving del Rio to stumble into White Noise.  Sheamus calls for the Brough Kick, but Ricardo grabs at his legs from the outside.  The ref calls for the bell and ADR lands a kick to the head of Sheamus, then locks in the Cross Armbreaker.  Four more refs hit the ring to break up the submission and ADR rolls out of the ring.

The ref brigade chases Alberto and Ricardo off while Sheamus is hurt in the ring; Ziggler contemplates cashing in his briefcase.  Ziggler hands the briefcase to the ref, but Mysterio attacks from behind, landing 619, leading to a Brough Kick.  Ziggler is thwarted again, but is still Mr. Money in the Bank.

With the exception of Heath Slater making a bonus appearance, a pretty run of the mill Smackdown with tag action galore.  I expected a bit more for the episode, as Raw 1000 is being treated like a PPV, so you would want a strong lead in.  DX will open the show for Raw 1000; Lesnar and The Rock will both appear in person as well.  We'll likely be overloaded with stuff about Tout, but the show will more than likely be good.  What's far more important is how Raw 1001 is treated; that will be the real litmus test for how well this experiment goes.  If the extra hour is mostly social media shenanigans and not more wrestling, it's really a wasted effort as far as the fans go.

If you haven't already, head on over to Inside Pulse Wrestling, where I'm doing weekly previews and rants on Ring of Honor.

If you're here, you must be a wrestling fan - If you enjoy TNA and would like to write a weekly recap and review of it for us, let us know in the comments or email us at sberkman@thegeekasylum.net

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