SmackTalk 18.01.13

How many times can WWE present the same bunch of situations in more or less the same way? That seems to be what the promotion's writing team are trying to discover with SmackDown. It's becoming a thoroughly predictable show.
 
Case in point: this week's episode featured a six man tag team match putting tag team champions Team Hell No and Randy "I've got a beard and I'm not afraid to use it" Orton against Wade Barrett and The Rhodes Scholars. We've seen variations on this bout for well over a month now, with the Scholars, Kane and Bryan providing the regular backbone of the bouts. Wade Barrett’s joined them at least once before. It makes for dull programming.

The reason WWE’s booking these six man tags is sound enough. It’s to keep the feud between Team Hell No and the Rhodes Scholars bubbling away. It’s not a bad way of keeping things going it’s not a particularly good way either.

More variety with the singles guys could help but what would be even better would be for the two tag teams to be booked in in-ring promo segments. All four are perfectly good enough to make such a segment work. With RAW still chugging away with its bloated three hour run time it’s not as though there’s no place to fit something like that into the schedule.

The same problem is occurring with hints at Randy Orton’s heel turn. This week’s SmackDown got two little additions to that upcoming event. The first was the group hug he endured after his six man tag win. The second was a verbal disagreement backstage with Sheamus.

A slow approach to someone turning heel is a good thing. I’m not complaining about WWE foreshadowing the turn and presenting compelling and logical reasons for ‘The Viper’ to go bad. What I am against, however, is every TV show they promote adding to the story. It feels forced.

It wasn’t all negative though. Alberto Del Rio did a great job working a more fan friendly style and encouraging fans to back him. The interaction between he and Dolph Ziggler in the tag team main event were particularly enjoyable too.

Intro video

Tweet 1: I'm going to watch SmackDown. Join me!

Tweet 2: Tonight on SmackDown.... The Rock. Again.
Tweet 3: And... Alberto Del Rio holding a belt. Can you bear the excitement? Can you?!

Fiesta Del Rio

Tweet 4: Fiesta Del Rio. Is that a car?

Tweet 5: SmackDown should start like this every week.
Tweet 6: Albertoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Delllllllllllllllllll Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiooooooooooooooooooo!!
Tweet 7: Something I've noticed about ADR: his hair never gets any longer or shorter. He's been on TV for two years and he's never had a haircut.
Tweet 8: Will Del Rio's Latin hero gimmick make him a heel in Canada? I hope so.

Ricardo is rocking that bow tie!

Tweet 9: Ziggler needs to take better care of that briefcase.
Tweet 10: Big Show's not wearing a hoodie. He's got a tent stapled to his head.
Tweet 11: Sheamus isn't walk in a straight line. I'm taking that as a sign that he's drunk.
Tweet 12: Del Rio's a face now so Sheamus has forgiven him for attempting to crush his skull with a car bonnet. #WWEbabyfacearmy
Tweet 13: I'm beginning to think Booker's have a match with Big Show sometime fairly soon. I can't imagine it will be pleasant.
Tweet 14: A tag team match being made by the SmackDown GM? #revolutionary
Tweet 15: That segment was excruciatingly bad.

Antonio Cesaro v Kofi Kingston

Tweet 16: Antonio Cesaro. Heeeey!!

Tweet 17: #flagheat
Tweet 18: Nice spot to get into the Neutralizer there. What's happened to Kofi's push?
Tweet 19: The most he can hope for right now is to be booked to do a handstand in the Rumble. Oh wait... that happened last year.

The Great Khali v Tensai

Tweet 20: Khali can't even walk convincingly!!

Tweet 21: What point did Big E prove, Josh? He proved he could beat a midget. He's a powerful man!
Tweet 22: How is Tensai v Khali like watching two Transformers fight?

Randy Orton and Team Hell No backstage

Tweet 23: Randy Orton is interested in pain. Lots of pain.

Tweet 24: Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton hugging? I don't think SmackDown can get much better than that.
Tweet 25: Daniel Bryan has the best entrance of the current WWE roster.

No?

Tweet 26: Josh has just claimed that the winner of the Royal Rumble match will "headline WrestleMania." That's not happened for years.
Tweet 27: That was a pretty quick six man. They could easily have done another five minutes. I suppose they need to make space for a Ryback squash.
Tweet 28: The group hug. Another step on the road to Randy Orton's heel turn.
Tweet 29: So when they said Rock would be on the show they actually meant they'd repeat his appearance from Monday's RAW? #cheap

The Miz v Primo (or Epico…)

Tweet 30: Forget what I said about Daniel Bryan's entrance. I think Rosa's is better.

Tweet 31: So who is Miz facing? Primo? I think Josh just said Primo.
Tweet 32: If they're going to push Miz as the new Flair he needs to be given championships. That's what will make the shtick stick.
Tweet 33: I think Primo just had a longer match than Orton, Bryan, Kane, Barrett and the Rhodes Scholars.
Tweet 34: And since when do people tap out to the figure four? Is this 1976?

Kaitlyn v Aksana

Tweet 35: Eve's left the company so there's no pay off to the months of storyline time devoted to her feud with Teddy Long.

Tweet 36: How do you get your new Divas champion over? Put her in the ring with a limited worker who wrestles once a month.
Tweet 37: And there we go. Kaitlyn wins. How thoroughly predictable. I'm looking forward to Layla's inevitable heel turn.
Tweet 38: Nice Hall of Fame video for Mick Foley.

The Shield video promo

Tweet 39: Remember when Dean Ambrose was going to get called up for a singles feud with Mick Foley? That idea’s been recycled into The Shield push.
Tweet 40: Why did The Shield leave their camera lying on the ground? It'll get stolen.

Big Show and Dolph Ziggler v Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio

Tweet 41: No televised entrance for Dolph. We know who the stars are...

Tweet 42: FELLAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!
Tweet 43: Albertooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Dellllllllllllll Riiiiiiioooooo!!
Tweet 44: El champ is really embracing this Latin hero gimmick. I like the red, white and green gear. Nice touch.
Tweet 45: How do you know Del Rio is definitely a babyface? He's wearing white boots. #goodguyswearwhite
Tweet 46: I think ADR just did the most unconfident moonsault I've ever seen. I liked the backward roll recover though. Nicely done.
Tweet 47: Big Show is a stupid ring name. He should change it to Papa Rhino.

Papa Rhino

Tweet 48: Well... his boots are mostly white.
Tweet 49: Well... they have white on them.
Tweet 50: When is Papa Rhino going to buy new ring gear? He's had that camo singlet for years now. Change to something neon...
Tweet 51: To say Sheamus loves "being in the heat of battle" may be taking things a little far.
Tweet 52: Big Show jumping off the second rope reminds me of a Thwomp. Y'know, from the Mario games.
Tweet 53: ADR throws water over Big Show. WHY? And why did Ricardo have a bucket oover water at ringside?
Tweet 54: Papa Rhino walks out in disgust after having water thrown on him.
Tweet 55: The babyfaces win via count out. It is perhaps the stupidest match finish of all time.

Anti-Authority

Why is it that every wrestling promotion under the sun (well, the ones in North America at any rate) feels the need to clog up valuable minutes of air time with authority figures? WWE is the prime culprit. This year we've seen AJ Lee become the GM of RAW only to be fired a few months later for "inappropriate relations" with a talent, Booker T appointed as the new SmackDown boss with his assistants (Teddy Long and Eve) bickering and one-upping each other continually, and, of course, the entire John Laurinaitis saga. The latter was a holdover from one of last year's central stories.
 
While authority figure storylines are a WWE speciality they're not the only ones at it. Over the last few years TNA has become a pustule of unsightly continuity plots with match-making power tossed around seemingly at random between Sting, Eric Bischoff, Hulk Hogan and Dixie Carter. Not content to simply rotate established names through an existing job a new role was also created: GM of the Knockouts division. Designed exclusively as a way to get Brooke 'Hogan' Bollea onto television it's a move that hasn't improved Impact at all.
 
Even Ring of Honor, the company all about emphasising in-ring competition and downplaying frivolous stories (supposedly), has seen an above average amount of time dedicated to match-makers this year. Executive Producer Jim Cornette was the main rival of world champion Kevin Steen before being written off TV (because of his real life dismissal from the booking squad) to be replaced by Nigel McGuinness.
 
In 2012 there is no need for these figures to be featured so prominently. Yet they are. Their prominence is a holdover from the days of the Attitude Era, where the Mr McMahon character first gained notoriety and become a money draw. People had filled similar roles before, but never had they gotten over so well. Vince was so fantastically good at the heel owner shtick that the promotion’s writing team (which was installed during the Era’s latter years) became used to writing with such a character.

The man who started the trend

Authority figures have become a crutch to the WWE writers. They rely on them for easy storytelling and eliciting the desired reaction (usually boos or cheers) easily from fans. It’s a habit that needs to stop. Wrestling shows do not need weekly appearances from General Managers, Executive Producers, Managing Consultants, commissioners or any similar fictitious role.

That’s not to say that these roles should be done away with completely. There’s always a need for authority figures in wrestling. A GM, commissioner or owner is someone who can explain the storylines and book the matches on screen. It’s a good way of getting retired or limited performers (or over non-workers) onto television. They just shouldn’t be on every week talking for twenty minutes.

TNA, WWE and ROH are all just as guilty as one another when it comes to this. All three need to decrease the amount of time dedicated to these performers and start focusing on signing and pushing new acts whom they will be able to rely upon in the years to come. People won’t buy a pay-per-view to see matches being made. They’ll buy a pay-per-view to watch matches being wrestled.

SmackTalk 18.12.12

Live shows tend to bring out the best in WWE's writing team and in-ring crew. Tuesday's SmackDown, which aired (almost-) live in North America and will be on in its usual Friday night slot in Britain, was a good example of that.
 
The episode kicked off with an instalment of Miz TV. While I'm not the biggest fan of 'The Awesome One's' "chat show" I thought it was good this week because it had a point to it. That point was to establish the new heel unit of Dolph Ziggler, AJ Lee and Big E Langston.
 
AJ was given time to explain her actions at TLC and the previous evening's RAW and Dolph was made to look like a man of the cusp of stardom (which he is). Ms Lee's reason for turning on John Cena was that he had toyed with her heart. For his part 'The Show Off' had discovered how passionate AJ could be on Monday night and basically wanted more of the same.
 
Big E stood there looking vacant. When he was required to intimidate Miz he did so adequately. You can't ask for more than that. Well you can but it won't do any good.
 
This three person combo has a tremendous amount of potential. Ziggler should be World champion within a few months and AJ looks like she can be very effective as a heel. There are a lot of things WWE could do with the two of them together and adding Langston as an enforcer is a nice move. It's a good way of introducing him to the roster.

A unit with bags of potential

 
The opening match saw Damien Sandow defeat Sin Cara. The Shield appeared in the crowd during the bout, distracting Cara and allowing 'The Intellectual Saviour' to sneak in his Terminus neck breaker for the win.
 
After the match Rollins, Ambrose and Reigns slid into the ring and knocked the masked man around. This included Rollins leaping off the top rope and hit a knee drop on Cara's leg. They also tossed a Rey Mysterio mask onto the mat. This was intended to show that they had injured Rey backstage.
 
That's Mysterio and Sin Cara off television for a few weeks then. I expect they'll be back at or before the Royal Rumble.
 
After Santino dropped the formerly fearsome Tensai in a comedy outing Kofi Kingston teamed with Team Hell No to take on Wade Barrett and The Prime Time Players. I'm beginning to like the PTPs, mainly because Titus O'Neil has improved a great deal over the last six months and is now a pretty entertaining act. He's carrying Darren Young.
 
The finish (which looked botched) saw the Players go for a double shoulder tackle only for 'The Big Deal' to be yanked out of the ring. That left D-Young alone with Kane. One choke slam later we had a winning team.
 
Hour two kicked off with reigning WWE champion CM Punk coming to the ring to complain about John Cena winning the Superstar of the Year Slammy. He threw in a cheap heat remark by insulting a Pittsburgh hockey team too. That's a champ, that is.
 
Ryback eventually interrupted Punk and announced that he will get his guaranteed WWE title match on January 7^th, that first RAW of 2013. I don't expect 'Big Hungry' to win that match. Not unless something goes drastically wrong with Punk's recovery from knee surgery.
 
Antonio Cesaro entered the arena for his scheduled rematch with 'The Human Wrecking Ball'. The two had clashed on RAW in a short match. This was much better. It went longer and was easily Ryback's most enjoyable offering for months. We have Cesaro to thank for that. 'The Swiss Superman' took the inevitable loss after getting hit with Shellshock.
 
Backstage AJ attacked Kaitlyn for no logical reason. They brawled. I missed Joey Styles' screams of "Cat fight!" No mention was made of the teased romance between Kaitlyn and Dolph Ziggler on NXT season three.
 
Kaitlyn then made her way to the ring for a better than expected clash with Divas champ Eve Torres. A replay of the altercation between AJ and Kaitlyn aired, which was strange considering it had only happened about thirty seconds earlier. Kaitlyn won by disqualification after the champion grabbed the official's leg and wouldn't let go.
 
We were then treated to another backstage segment featuring AJ. She told Ziggler that Kaitlyn had attacked her because of jealousy. 'The Sole Survivor' seemed concerned. Big E remained silent and stared into space. Big Show rocked up and warned Ziggler not to try a cash in. It was typical WWE filler.
 
Brodus Clay easily toppled Brad Maddox in match number six. He was jumped by The Shield after the match. No babyfaces made the save. 'The Funkasaurus' must be one unpopular dinosaur.
 
Finally John Cena and Sheamus defeated Big Show and Dolph Ziggler in the main event tag match. It was another bout that resulted in a DQ: AJ ordered Big E to attack Cena mid-match. Before that the match was, at best, spotty. That was to be expected with Cena, Show and 'The Celtic Warrior' involved.
 
After the bout the heels celebrated. Ziggler posed on a turnbuckle. AJ squated over 'The CeNation Leader'. Langston showed no emotion. It was a good ending to an enjoyable two hours of wrestling, and a valiant attempt at establishing the new heel unit as a powerful force.

Intro video

Tweet 1: 24 hours later, Dave watched SmackDown.

Tweet 2: Cole acknowledging all the call-ups are from NXT will soon become tiresome. Sometimes it's enough that they're just new roster members.

Miz TV, featuring Dolph Ziggler, AJ lee and Big E Langston

Tweet 3: Commercial free. Why?

Tweet 4: Miz TV. Bigger why?
Tweet 5: Based on this entrance Big E Langston's new moniker should be 'Automaton'.
Tweet 6: Just noticed Cole's on commentary. From bad to worse...
Tweet 7: This is a commercial free clips show, is it?
Tweet 8: "John Cena broke my heart" - AJ Lee, obliterating kayfabe
Tweet 9: Langston's finisher is ridiculous.

Booker T and Teddy Long backstage

Tweet 10: Booker T and Teddy Long. The storyline we've ALL been missing!

Tweet 11: Teddy likes his superstars to have social media followings.
Tweet 12: I can't wait for the Teddy Long heel turn. It's going to be amazing.

Damien Sandow v Sin Cara

Tweet 13: Speaking of amazing... #Sandowpop

Tweet 14: Sandow's been accompanied by Magnum TA.
Tweet 15: Mysterio's music but no Mysterio. How... MYSTERIOus!! #pun
Tweet 16: Who's under the Sin cara mask? Some say it's Funaki. Some say Gillberg. Others say it's Essa Rios. Most don't care.
Tweet 17: "Looked like dirt on his face" - Michael Cole on Prince's moustache
Tweet 18: Look at Sin Cara trying to work the crowd. What a cretin.
Tweet 19: Here's the nWo... Whoops, I meant The Shield. They're behind Mysterio's disappearance. And now (hopefully) they're going to batter Cara.
Tweet 20: Nobody told Sin Cara wrestling's a work. He really thinks he's hurt.

Santino v Tensai

Tweet 21: A match based around kayfabe heat from a Slammy award segment? I'M IN!

Tweet 22: Tensai versus Santino will be the best WWE match of the week.
Tweet 23: JBL mangled his recap of Tensai's time in Japan. Deliberate? Probs.
Tweet 24: When Bloom returned to WWE he forgot that US fans, unlike their Japanese counterparts, aren't impressed by fat white blokes who work stiff.
Tweet 25: In April Tensai was given a win over John Cena. He just lost to Santino on SmackDown. Let's take a moment to reflect on that.

Kofi Kingston, Daniel Bryan and Kane backstage

Tweet 26: I think what WWE are trying to prove with this backstage is that Slammy Awards mean more than the ROH world championship.

The Prime Time Players and Wade Barrett v Kofi Kingston and Team Hell No

Tweet 27: BARRETT RING COAT ALERT!!

Tweet 28: Kofi, still being announced from Ghana there. He's from New England.
Tweet 29: No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No!

This guy wants a Slammy

Tweet 30: Instead of wittering on about the Boogeyman why don't the commentary team talk more about the New Age Outlaws?
Tweet 31: This six man tag is competent. There is little to comment on.
Tweet 32: The finish looked bungled but otherwise that was a good match. Would've been a good time to put Barrett over Kofi to set up a rematch.

John Cena and Sheamus backstage

Tweet 33: Bizarre backstage segment in which Sheamus tries to explain Father Ted to Cena. WHAT?!

Tweet 34: Cena says Big E may be stronger than - gasp! - Mark Henry!

CM Punk promo

Tweet 35: Punk's not wearing his own merch. Isn't that violating the company's dress code?

Tweet 36: No, my mistake. He's wearing a yellow GTS hat.
Tweet 37: Punk is going all out to make people hate him. This is brilliant.
Tweet 38: "Who tied your shoes this morning? I'm sure it wasn't you" - CM Punk to a fan at ringside
Tweet 39: Punk, another former ROH champion, is also upset at his lack of a Slammy Award. Kevin Steen's ultimate career goal is to win one too.
Tweet 40: "I am a real man. I am the gold standard" - CM Punk, maybe hinting that he's going to lift a gimmick from William Regal or Shelton Benjamin

The end of this rivalry is in sight

Ryback v Antonio Cesaro

Tweet 41: Ryback thinks he'll win the WWE title on the January 7 RAW. He won't. If WWE were going to put the belt on him it would've happened by now.

Tweet 42: Antonio Cesaro. Heeeey!!
Tweet 43: Cesaro, a former ROH tag champion, wishes he'd won the Slammy for newcomer of the year. Believe me yet?
Tweet 44: Ryback with a Mark Henry-esque splash there.
Tweet 45: C'mon, this is WWE. As if a babyface isn't going to answer a ten count.
Tweet 46: This is Ryback's best match since Hell in a Cell.
Tweet 47: 'The Swiss Superman' couldn't overcome the might of the Muscle Buster.

Kaitlyn and AJ backstage

Tweet 48: Kaitlyn and AJ add to their collection of awkwardly performed backstage segments.

Tweet 49: The audience don't seem to care. I can't blame them.
Tweet 50: The two women scrap, rolling around on the floor. It's not the same without Joey Styles shouting "Cat fight!"

Kaitlyn v Eve Torres

Tweet 51: I think Eve's my favourite Diva.

Tweet 52: Did Eve just try to hit a tumbling senton. I like her but she needs to leave that move alone.
Tweet 53: I think Eve was trying to put the ankle lock on that referee. Don't know why.

Dolph Ziggler, AJ, Big E Langston and Big Show backstage

Tweet 54: Big Show has a punch that can rip a hole in TIME. That's impressive is that.

Tweet 55: The unit of Ziggler, AJ and Big E is looking promising. I really don't want WWE to mess it up.

Brad Maddox v Brodus Clay

Tweet 56: Brad Maddox likes to say his own name. Who doesn't?! Say it aloud. It's a fun name to say. #GeorgeCostanza

Tweet 57: Maddox needs to come out to a recording of him saying his name over and over again. He should NEVER get entrance music.
Tweet 58: Brodus is wearing Taz's colours. Is he going to start throwing Funkplexes?
Tweet 59: "Vintage Teddy Long!" - Michael Cole upon seeing a shot of Teddy Long
Tweet 60: "Call my momma!" - Brodus Clay, desperately trying to prompt a reaction from the crowd
Tweet 61: Oh look, it's The Shield again.
Tweet 62: Ambrose should've given Clay a Razor's Edge.

John Cena and Sheamus v Big Show and Dolph Ziggler

Tweet 63: So is Vickie Guerrero a face now?

Tweet 64: Hey kids, never give up, 'kay? #CeNation #nonsense
Tweet 65: I hope Cena hits another FrankenCena...
Tweet 66: This match, like most Big Show matches, is painfully slow.
Tweet 67: That I'm expected to support Sheamus only makes matters worse.
Tweet 68: Fameasser! #BadAssBillyZiggler
Tweet 69: Dolph 'Bump Machine' Ziggler.
Tweet 70: Blissfully sloppy AA from Cena to Ziggler. He doesn't care about the safety of lesser Superstars.
Tweet 71: Big E attacks Cena, causing a DQ. There is no heat. The crowd literally do not care anymore. They are tired of the endless John Cena saga.
Tweet 72: Not even a kiss between Ziggler and AJ can get them to react. I think wrestling just died.
Tweet 73: The highlight of this show has been the blank expression of Langston. Nothing makes him show emotion of any sort.
Tweet 74: The show ends with the new heel unit standing over Cena. As I said earlier, I really hope WWE doesn't mess this up.

Hell in a Cell preview

No, your eyes don’t need checking. Hell in a Cell is a WWE pay-per-view that won’t feature a John Cena match. This is a rarity, one supposedly brought on by Cena’s slower than expected recovery from routine elbow surgery. I say supposedly because I’m not convinced that Cena is unable to wrestle.

Look at it like this: WWE has created a popular new star in Ryback and want to solidify him as a top card player. The best way of doing this is having him wrestle the company’s most highly regarded in-ring performer, WWE champion CM Punk. There is no better way of portraying him as the company’s number two babyface than to have him fill-in for its number one babyface.

Perhaps ‘The CeNation Leader’ is genuinely healing slowly. The rigours of being on the road for years, rehabbing various injuries every few months may have started taking a toll on his body. I’m not convinced though. Cena’s slow recovery seems a little too convenient for the rise of Ryback.

This match will be a big test for both men. For Phil ‘CM Punk’ Brooks it’s a chance to prove he truly is ‘The Best in the World’ and carry a notably limited opponent to a passable encounter. Meanwhile the Punk character needs to leave HIAC with the title in order to continue his quest for respect and progress to the match with The Rock that was set up at RAW 1000.

For ‘Big Hungry’ it’s a chance to launch himself from the doldrums of WWE’s bleak middle card zone to the pinnacle of the company. Ending CM Punk’s eleven month championship reign would solidify him as a bona fide star in one night and create a number of much-needed fresh booking options for WWE.

Taking everything into consideration I cannot see ‘The Human Wrecking Ball’ capturing the WWE championship on this particular occasion. As noted above Ryback would make an interesting (and welcome) addition to the existing main event crew but his win would set him on a collision course with ‘The Great One’. That’s not a match I can imagine WWE promoting.

 

A controversial new look for CM Punk

 

‘The Voice of the Voiceless’ has to be the favourite to head into the Rumble as the champion. While it’s possible he could lose the strap and regain it before then it would make his lengthy run a little pointless and make his battle with ‘The Brahma Bull’ feel a little less special. It would also mean giving Ryback a short championship reign, which would harm him long term.

If Ryback were to lose clean it would ruin him at this point. With the two men meeting inside the Cell booking a finish that keeps the title on Punk but also protects Ryback will be tricky to book, but not impossible. Punk could use a chair or other weapon to gain a tainted win. Presumably Heyman will be at ringside and Cena is likely to make an appearance, so they could be utilised too.

A scenario that could protect both men would be to have Ryback power Punk through the cage. That would establish the challenger’s incredible strength and create a way out (quite literally) for Punk. The match could end with the champ heading backstage and refusing to compete. Poor finish to a PPV main event yes, but it would obtain the desired result and protect the rising star.

Perhaps a better option would be for Punk’s fellow “Paul Heyman guy” Brock Lesnar to show up, break into the Cell and cost ‘Big Hungry’ the gold. That would not only be a convincing way of having Ryback lose but it would also set up a future clash between Ryback and ‘The Pain’. Handled correctly that could be a big draw for Survivor Series, Royal Rumble or WrestleMania XXIX.

However they do it I’m sure Punk will leave as champion. The quality of the match and how the finish goes down is where I’m less clear.

The company’s other world title will also be defended at Hell in a Cell, but not inside the cage. Yes, it’s the first official confrontation between Sheamus and Big Show. That ‘The World’s Largest Athlete’ has been placed into this match despite having failed to capture the WWE championship over the summer illustrates how shallow the main event bracket is.

It also illustrates that management are not as serious as they should be about elevating new stars. Wade Barrett would have been an ideal PPV opponent for ‘The Celtic Warrior’, as their recent outings on RAW and SmackDown prove.

Sheamus v Big Show could be entertaining but I’m not going to get my hopes up. Both men are okay as characters, but Sheamus works far better when facing smaller grapplers or brawlers of his own size. Big Show is a lump who would be of more use to the company as a babyface.

I don’t think Show will be leaving as champ. ‘Great White’ will overcome the “overwhelming” (listen out for that word during the broadcast) odds which have been established (Show having a more powerful finisher, for example) and topple the giant. As Sheamus has had the belt for over six months now and I’m beginning to think that a change is coming, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Dolph Ziggler cashed in his briefcase and left as the new World Heavyweight champ.

If Show struggles to his feet and immediately starts battering Sheamus after doing the job you’ll know to expect ‘The Show Off’. Making a cash-in slightly more likely is the fact that Ziggler is not booked to appear on the show. As one of the few stars WWE seems to be dedicated to helping I’m fairly sure he’ll be appearing.

The once meaningful Intercontinental championship will be defended on the show too. The title is most commonly used these days for provoking cheap pops on landmark episodes of WWE programming. See Kofi Kingston's victory over The Miz on Main Event, and 'The Awesome One's' defeat of Christian on RAW 1000.
 
Kofi only began his fourth reign a couple of weeks ago so I don't expect him to lose it so soon, especially to the man he took it from. If this bout is allocated enough time I think it could be the best technical outing on the card. Hopefully time will be on their side.

 

Kofi has headed up WWE’s tag team division for over a year. With his partnership with R-Truth now consigned to the history books now feels like a good time to award him a serious singles push again. Kingston is an ideal candidate to build the mid-card division around. Getting the title onto him is a good first step. Calling up some fresh talent would be a good second.
 
Speaking of the tag team titles: the surprisingly entertaining, not to mention over, Team Hell No will defend the WWE tag team championship against the Rhodes Scholars. Sandow and Rhodes are clearly the best choice of team to oppose Bryan and Kane. They are established antagonists and great wrestlers. Expect to see them isolate Bryan, allowing 'Goatface' to work the majority of the match for his team.
 
Will that lead to a hot tag and a Kane-gained victory or will the Scholars successfully wear Bryan down and become the new champions? Tough call. On the one hand Team Hell No are such a popular act that WWE would be foolish to make any big changes to them just yet. On the other the dysfunctional duo, being (sort of) goodies, may work better if chasing a heel tandem for the gold.
 
As they've only had the straps for a month I'm going to predict a victory for Team Hell No. Perhaps the Rhodes Scholars will get a rematch at Survivor Series. Or perhaps the Prime Time Players will get back into the title hunt.
 
The PTPs looked like the favourites to dethrone Kingston and Truth before Bryan and Kane proved a hit. That WWE spent so long building them up as a team to be reckoned with means they'll probably get their turn at some point. HIAC was originally to have seen the Players facing Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara, presumably after costing them the tournament finals on RAW. It seems as though Mysterio's undisclosed stomach problems (maybe he's got what Matt Hardy had around the time he was in TNA) have put a stop to that.

This week’s SmackDown taping saw a Divas title match added to the show. Eve will defend against Layla and Kaitlyn. The story that’s been running since Night of Champions hasn’t been in vain after all! Missed it? Basically Kaitlyn was scheduled to challenge for the pink belt at NOC but was attacked by a mystery assailant. Eve took her place, became the new champion, and has been accused of being the mystery assailant ever since.

The drama!

A title change strikes me as unlikely. I think a swerve turn from Kaitlyn is a greater possibility. The programme has been trundling towards this inevitable three-way for six weeks Something unexpected needs to happen to keep it fresh. Maybe Kaitlyn and Eve have been in cahoots all along, cooking up this deplorable scheme because they dislike Layla. I wouldn’t blame them if that were the case.

On a side note, what does it say about the pay scale in the Divas division when the champion has to work a second job as a PA?
 
The final match announced for the pay-per-view is Alberto Del Rio v Randy Orton. I have been calling for a fresh opponent for 'The Essence of Excellence' for months now and I'm pleased he finally has one. That said I'm still not especially interested in the match.
 
The feud doesn't seem to be about anything. There is no reason for ADR and 'The Viper' to clash beyond the fact that neither has anything better to do. Del Rio constantly referring to Orton as a "little snake" hasn’t helped matters. It has only served to make a boring rivalry silly too.
 
I'm hopeful that once they lock up my attitude will change. Both men are very good in the ring and if they tell an interesting enough story (which again relies on time as much as anything else) then the lack of a compelling issue between them won't really be an factor.
 
With an Orton heel turn happening at any moment I suspect he'll win to be kept strong for his renewed push as a bad guy. Should the two tangle in another singles match at Survivor Series ADR can be given his win back then. Should the office think he needs it that is.
 
There are plenty of options for last minute additions to the show. As noted above Dolph Ziggler doesn't have a match. Neither do popular acts such as Santino, Zack Ryder and Brodus Clay. Wade Barrett would benefit from an appearance too, considering his recent well received outings against World champ Sheamus. A United States title defence by Antonio Cesaro could by good too, especially if it were preceded by one of his anti-US vignettes.
 
The Hell in a Cell pay-per-view doesn't look bad on paper but, as with last year's event, it does highlight the fact that the structure is best used only when needed rather than having it on a show because marketing dictates it must be so. Ryback v Punk doesn't need the Cell in order to draw money or appeal to fans. If anything the cage will prove a hindrance. Here's hoping that the show name is retired next year and the Cell goes back to being a rare treat used to finish off only the bitterest feuds.

Predictions summary:

CM Punk to defeat Ryback
Sheamus to defeat Big Show
Team Hell No to defeat the Rhodes Scholars
Kofi Kingston to defeat The Miz
Randy Orton to defeat Alberto Del Rio

Eve to defeat Layla and Kaitlyn

SmackTalk 19.10.12

Considering the disappointingly mediocre direction SmackDown has been heading in lately I’m pleased to say that I thought this week’s episode reversed the trend. I’d call it a return to form if the poor trend had been going for longer.

What I thought this week’s show did particularly well was create interest in already established feuds. Alberto Del Rio’s tedious dispute with Randy Orton has been gracing our screens for less than a month but it feels like it’s been trundling on for around six months. Not having the two interact physically on this week’s show was a good move as it heightened anticipation for their eventual tussle and allowed them to play to their individual strengths.

For ‘The Viper’ this meant working an enjoyable bout with The Miz, allowing his opponent to look competitive before defeating him. For ADR it meant cutting a promo on Orton, proclaiming himself to be incredibly tough while avoiding a physical confrontation.

Team Hell No’s programme with the Rhodes Scholars was advanced too. The heels attacked the bickering champions after their victory over Big Show and Dolph Ziggler, indicating that they will defeat Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara on Monday’s RAW (if the match even happens at all, what with Mysterio having the flu and all). Having heels attack faces only for the faces to seek retribution later in the show is a standard trick, but that’s not to say it’s bad.

 

There's no such thing as too many pictures of Daniel Bryan

 

The show even managed to make the Big Show and Sheamus programme seem momentarily interesting. Show stood at ringside during ‘The Celtic Warrior’s’ enjoyable match with Wade Barrett. That he didn’t interfere made it clear that he doesn’t feel the need to sneak attack the champ as he’s confident in his own abilities to beat him when his chance rolls around at Hell in a Cell.

On a side note I think it’s good that WWE are booking Barrett and Sheamus against one another regularly. It may not be the World Heavyweight title feud that the former Nexus leader should have returned to but it’s better than weekly squashes of jobbers. Barrett is natural opponent for ‘Great White’ and I hope the two men get to clash on pay-per-view at some point. Barrett has earned that spot.

After the match Dolph Ziggler made another attempt to cash-in his Money in the Bank contract. It met with failure after he was KOed by ‘The World’s Largest Athlete’. This developed the Show and Sheamus feud in an interesting fashion as it allows Show to claim that he saved the world title for ‘Great White’. Unfortunately this was overlooked by Show immediately taking a microphone and saying he’d definitely take the world title at HIAC.

I remain unconvinced of that.

Miz TV, featuring Kane, Daniel Bryan, Big Show and Dolph Ziggler

Tweet 1: Soooooo... let's watch SmackDown.

Tweet 2: Nine nights from Hell in a Cell. I've never liked PPV countdowns. Dunno why.
Tweet 3: Miz TV is overplayed already.
Tweet 4: Kofi v Miz should be a Hell in a Cell match. For the laughs.
Tweet 5: Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Tweet 6: Miz is a fan of combined tag team entrances. Didn't he and JoMo used to enter separately? Am I making that up? Maybe...
Tweet 7: 'World's Toughest Vegan'. He's not actually a vegan anymore but who cares.
Tweet 8: Nice use of the Van Dam thumbs by Bryan there.
Tweet 9: Even with this ridiculous size difference Bryan could have a great match with Show. #mosttalentedmanontheroster
Tweet 10: Speaking of talented members of the roster... it's Dolph Ziggler!
Tweet 11: Here's Booker T, rocking a sweet sweater vest. He almost forgot his lines within seconds. That's some classic Book right there.
Tweet 12: Randy Orton will be jobbing out 'The Awesome One' tonight.
Tweet 13: WWE should be pleased that fans chanted "Feed me more" when waiting to find out who would face Miz. That shows Ryback's popularity.

Randy Orton v The Miz

Tweet 14: "Our first main event is next" - Josh Mathews, not understanding that the main event, whether it's big or not, is the show's final segment

Tweet 15: ADR getting the sky box gimmick there. It's a classic.
Tweet 16: Where did the Miz TV set go? Where did the four other people in the ring go? WWE needs to work on their continuity.
Tweet 17: I want to see stagehands walking up the ramp carrying couches. Is that too much to ask?
Tweet 18: Striker's attempt at selling his ribs was comical. Perhaps almost as comical as Josh ask for JBL's response to ADR's comments.
Tweet 19: Josh Mathews would fit in well on Newsround.
Tweet 20:  "Randy Orton going to the place where he hears voices in his head" - Josh Mathews, taking entrance music lyrics a little too far
Tweet 21: Wouldn't it be funny if Miz kicked out of the RKO? Yes. But it would never happen.
Tweet 22: Felt like Orton was celebrating for about five minutes there.

Teddy Long and Sheamus chat backstage

Tweet 23: Teddy Long just made a match. Someone needs to tell him he's not GM anymore.

Tweet 24: There's Eve standing in the background, looking seductively sinister... or sinisterly seductive.

Rhodes Scholars v Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd

Tweet 25: Rhodes Scholars v Gabriel and Kidd. This is a fine example of a wasted babyface tag team.

Tweet 26: I'm pleased JBL mentioned Cody's various tag team title reigns. Cole never bothered. Neither did Josh.

Booker T, Eve and Teddy Long backstage

Tweet 27: "If I didn't know any better I'd say Teddy was trying to take credit for my idea" - Eve Torres, delivering an unsubtle line unsubtly

Tweet 28: If Booker actually bothered to watch the show he's supposedly in charge of back to himself every week he'd know Eve's lying.
Tweet 29: Booker has a meeting. In the middle of SmackDown. The show he runs. Brilliant.

Big Show and Dolph Ziggler v Team Hell No

Tweet 30: Anyway... In the ring Dolph Ziggler is showboating and telling Big Show that's "his deal".

Tweet 31: Big Show is the world's largest athlete. You can see him from space.
Tweet 32: #nokicks
Tweet 33: Big Show and Dolph Ziggler should form a tag team called... wait for it... The Big Show Offs.
Tweet 34: Josh just said that Big Show is the offiicial challenger to the World Heavyweight championship. Is there an unofficial challenger?
Tweet 35: You don't see many back body drops these days.
Tweet 36: Ziggler loses again. Whaddashock! Good match though. Any time Bryan and Ziggler wrestle each other it's a good thing.
Tweet 37: The Rhodes Scholars jump Team Hell No. Guess we know who's winning the number one contenders final on Monday.
Tweet 38: Little recap of what happened between Show, Sheamus and Barrett on RAW, there. Needs more Tensai.

Antonio Cesaro v Ted DiBiase

Tweet 39: Antonio Cesaro... Heeeey!!

Tweet 40: Cesaro experiencing "Americana" is gold, Jerry! Gold!
Tweet 41: Ted Dibiase is still a babyface. Even worse he's a lazy babyface who relies on shouting "USA!" to gain support.
Tweet 42: "I know where I am" - Nigel McGuinness in response to "USA" chants

Heath Slater v Brodus Clay

Tweet 43: The Slater Freebirds getting themselves matching gear is the best career move they could have made.

Tweet 44: Drew McIntyre looks like Sean Waltman. But without a perm.
Tweet 45: Brodus Clay still gets a reaction. Astonishing.
Tweet 46: Somebody better call Heath Slater's momma...
Tweet 47: Apparently we've slipped into a parallel reality where Heath Slater can beat Brodus Clay.
Tweet 48: That's the Funkasaurus push over then.

Matt Striker interviews Wade Barrett

Tweet 49: BARRETT KLAXON!!

Tweet 50: Barrett should be wrestling Sheamus at Hell in a Cell. They have good matches and he's got more to offer WWE than Big Show.

Layla v Natalya

Tweet 51: Josh Mathews seems to know a lot about the Divas' locker room.

Tweet 52: Natalya or Layla? Who will win? It really doesn't matter...
Tweet 53: This just in: Teddy Long's middle name is Rufus!
Tweet 54: Layla wins. Natalya, one of the best female wrestlers on the roster, is not going anywhere fast.

Teddy Long accosts Kaitlyn backstage

Tweet 55: "Kailtyn, I've got something you need to see" - Teddy Long

Tweet 56: Teddy is showing Kaitlyn Eve's iPad and it's being shown on the Titantron. Wasn't Eve at ringside as that vignette started? She'd have seen.

Sheamus v Wade Barrett

Tweet 57: Lumberjack match = jobberfest

Tweet 58: BARRETT KLAXON (again)!!
Tweet 59: FELLAAAAAAAAAA!!
Tweet 60: It feels like the Attitude Era had a lot less facial hair than current WWE.
Tweet 61: Humorous name alert: Wade's dad was called Larry Barrett.
Tweet 62: I've just noticed that Sin Cara is a lumberjack. He doesn't have a clue what's going on.
Tweet 63: Chaotic little finishing sequence there. Good stuff. Better than the standard non-finish or babyface win.
Tweet 64: Show just saved the title for Sheamus. I doubt we'll get an explanation. Doesn't matter, it adds an interesting angle to Show v Sheamus.

SmackTalk 12.10.12

Every week I write a SmackTalk article and try providing both a summary of the episode and a selection of high and low points. This week I thought I’d try something different and make some predictions about where some of WWE’s current storylines (featured on the show) are heading.

First of all there’s the Big Show and Sheamus feud. ‘Great White’ will defend his World Heavyweight championship against ‘The World’s Largest Athlete’ at Hell in a Cell. At this point no extra stipulations have been announced and it seems fairly likely they’ll clash in a regular bout.

The Hell in a Cell would be overkill this early in their programme but that doesn’t mean WWE wouldn’t have them wrestle in the cage if they had no other choice. Should CM Punk end up facing Ryback, for example, then Sheamus and Show would be the natural bout to be bumped up to Hell in a Cell status. With the pay-per-view called Hell in a Cell WWE have to feature the gimmick on the show.

Their rivalry hasn’t produced any enjoyable matches or segments so far and I can’t see that changing before October 28^th. I expect them to see more segments similar to this week’s test of strength over the next few weeks. I think they will all be similarly tiresome. At this point nothing has happened to make me think Show will win the WHC and the story seems as though it’s going to be ‘The Celtic Warrior’ gradually coming to the realisation that Show is a threat to his reign.

Another Hell in a Cell prediction is that we’ll see the Rhodes Scholars entering as number one contenders. Sandow’s loss to Sin Cara on SmackDown was designed to make people think that the Scholars will lose the tournament finals on Monday night. They are by far the best candidates to square off with Kane and Bryan for the gold.

I’m hoping that Mysterio and Sin Cara are kept together as a unit for a while longer. Their planned split and ensuing dispute will mean more if they’ve been together longer.

One of the biggest slices of soap opera drama to grace SmackDown over the last month has been the ongoing question of who attacked Kaitlyn at Night of Champions. As Eve Torres benefitted most from the assault, being booked as Kaitlyn’s replacement and defeating Layla for the Divas gold, she is naturally the favourite to be revealed as the assailant.

While having a division’s lead feud hinge on something that happened backstage always strikes me as annoying I do think this is a positive direction. Ignore the talk of a blonde wig and you have a solid title feud situation: Layla wasn’t prepeared for a title defence against Eve, which gives her just cause for a rematch; Kaitlyn has proven that she can best Eve in a match, meaning that if she got a title match there would be no clear favourite (at least in theory); and Eve has risen to the top by being in the right place at the right time instead of earning championship matches, which is the right way to book a heel.

There are enough options to keep a three-way programme bubbling away until Survivor Series. The stuff with Eve riling Teddy Long and Booker increasingly favouring his PA over his senior adviser could also turn into something interesting too, though at the moment it’s pretty boring because WWE don’t seem to have decided where they want to go with it.

Finally, I think the decision to put Jinder Mahal, Drew McIntyre and Heath Slater together as a unit is a good move. I want them to be used as a strong upper mid-card heel outfit and prepped for a title feud, using the Freebird Rule, for later in the year. It’s the best way to use ‘The Chosen One’ and ‘The Punjabi Nightmare’, and it’s something that allows ‘The One Man Rock Band’ to be ridiculous.

True that’s not a prediction but I thought I’d include it anyway.

KO Punch v Brogue Kick challenge, featuring Booker T, Sheamus and Big Show

Tweet 1: SmackDown tweet time! BAM!

Tweet 2: SmackDown is Friday night's hottest show. #vintageJosh
Tweet 3: KO Punch versus Brogue Kick challenge will start SmackDown. That seems a stupid idea. It certainly doesn't make this Friday's hottest show.
Tweet 4: #Bookergrammar
Tweet 5: JBL and Josh on commentary with no Cole is probably the best decision the company's made all year.
Tweet 6: "Tonight is all about the Big Show and Sheamus" - Booker T, subtly letting us know the rest of the show is irrelevant
Tweet 7: Boxing statistics. This is going to get the ratings up.
Tweet 8: "Don't boo me. Don't boo me!" Y'all should be booing yourselves!
Tweet 9: This is ridiculous. Kicks are generally much more powerful than punches. That's why they're so popular in MMA. #stupidsegment
Tweet 10: Can Sheamus kick high enough to reach Show's chin?
Tweet 11: What we've learned here is that Show is strong enough to punch a mountain in two while Sheamus is only strong enough to make a cow explode.
Tweet 12: Tensai there, getting a push. It's too little too late.

Segments like this are what makes SmackDown Friday's hottest show

Sheamus v Tensai

Tweet 13: Tensai has the best entrance music in WWE. #fact #somefactsmaybefalse

Tweet 14: "He's a legend in Japan right now" - JBL on, um, Tensai
Tweet 15: I still think that if WWE had gotten behind Tensai make in April and May he could have been a headliner by now.
Tweet 16: JBL just referenced NOAH and NJPW. Is this an alternate reality?
Tweet 17: Sheamus picks Tensai up for White Noise with ease. Ryback could learn a thing or two from him...

Ricardo Rodriguez and Alberto Del Rio backstage

Tweet 18: SmackDown is being held at the HP Pavillion. Modern arena names make me sad.

Tweet 19: Here's a good segment idea: have ADR talk about how unafraid of Randall Orton he is.
Tweet 20: Top that segment off with Ricardo being given a show-long mission to hunt down 'The Viper'. It's a surefire ratings smash hit!
Tweet 21: So Ricardo hears what is meant to be a snake noise and is worried it's Randy Orton? Yeah, because Orton's famed for his snake impressions.
Tweet 22: Oh wait. It's just Santino. #hilarity

Team CoBro v Jinder Mahal and Heath Slater

Tweet 23: SLATER COWBELL!

Tweet 24: I like Slater's new tights. It'll be another year and a half before he wears something else...
Tweet 25: Slater promos = ratings
Tweet 26: Team CoBro. #scans
Tweet 27: I love the paper, rock, scissors gimmick to decide which member of a tag team starts a match. Very New Age Outlaws. #Billyalwayswon
Tweet 28: The Slater Freebirds need matching gear.
Tweet 29: Slater's weird cutter-DDT finisher should be called the Cowbell Buster.

I think we all know the highlight here is Jinder Mahal's expression

Dolph Ziggler v Kane

Tweet 30: Ziggler takes to Tout to challenge Kane to a match. Remember a time when that would've happened in a backstage interview?

Tweet 31: Ziggler v Kane. I'd rather see Ziggler v Bryan. #bestintheworld
Tweet 32: I preferred Ziggler's pink T-shirt. It featured the colour teal. #isthatateal
Tweet 33: Ziggler's getting the ridiculous bumps in early. He just flew across the ring after being punched.
Tweet 34: Ziggler skinning the cat needs to be done at least half a dozen times in next year's Rumble. At least.
Tweet 35: FAMEASSER!! #BadAssBillyZiggler
Tweet 36: That was a decent match. Ziggler getting DQed is rare. He's usually just jobbed out. Maybe that title win's getting close...

Daniel Bryan and Kane confrontation, featuring Matt Striker

Tweet 37: Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!

Tweet 38: Guess who's in the ring...
Tweet 39: "I saved you!" - Daniel Bryan to Kane
Tweet 40: No Lock to Striker!! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Tweet 41: "I never liked Matt Striker" - JBL, with a comment which is probably true
Tweet 42: "That's not an announcer, that's Matt Striker" – JBL

Ricardo Rodriguez continues hunting for Randy Orton

Tweet 43: Why is Ricardo asking people questions in Spanish when it's been confirmed he speaks English?

Tweet 44: "I'm coiled... to strike!" - a Randy Orton toy

Big Show v Kofi Kingston

Tweet 45: Miz and Kofi are feuding for the IC title? Good move, writing team!

Tweet 46: Big Show v Kofi Kingston. Something tells me this match will be less than thrilling.
Tweet 47: Why doesn't Show use the choke slam anymore?
Tweet 48: Also, where's Ryback?
Tweet 49: How long until Main Event becomes a Superstars level job show?

Daniel Bryan talks to Alberto Del Rio

Tweet 50: I hope this vignette is setting up a Bryan v ADR bout. Bryan has some slick verbal skills.

Layla, Kaitlyn, Eve, Booker T and Teddy Long backstage

Tweet 51: Layla and Kaitlyn are STILL wittering on about the injustice of Kaitlyn not having the Divas title match she deserved.

Tweet 52: And here's Eve. Lovely Eve. I can't wait until Teddy gets written out of storylines.
Tweet 53: Layla needs to keep her mouth shut. She sounds like an East End fishwife.

Damien Sandow v Sin Cara

Tweet 54: SANDOW POP!!

Tweet 55: Sin Cara is wearing that white outfit he got injured in last year. But never mind that, here's his special lighting effect!
Tweet 56: 'The Sovereign of Civility' is probably the greatest new moniker of 2012.
Tweet 57: Cody Rhodes is sent backstage. Ringside gets a little less dashing.
Tweet 58: Sin Cara just beat Damien Sandow, a decision designed to make us think the Rhodes Scholars will lose on Monday. I think they'll win.

Alberto Del Rio v Daniel Bryan

Tweet 59: Albertooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Delllllllllllllllll Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiooooooooooooooo!!

Tweet 60: Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Tweet 61: YEEEEEEEEES!!
Tweet 62: Loving Bryan destroying signs. #niceSandmanTshirtasshole

Daniel Bryan is the tag team champions!

Tweet 63: I want Dr Shelby to be used more often.
Tweet 64: This is the best Del Rio match I've seen for months. Thank you, Daniel Bryan.
Tweet 65: Randy Orton hasn't been sighted yet. Guess that means he's on run-in duty.
Tweet 66: Cross arm breaker in the ropes is a great little spot. That needs to be booked more often. It could be like Tajiri's Tarantula, y'know?
Tweet 67: ADR wins via submission. Nah, don't book one of your most over babyfaces strong. Why on Earth would you want to do that.
Tweet 68: "Randy Orton will not show up tonight" - Alberto Del Rio, moments before a Randy Orton appearance
Tweet 69: Orton just appeared lying down in the ring. #unintentionalLOLfactor
Tweet 70: ADR's taking a table bump is he?
Tweet 71: Ah, Ricardo interfered to help Del Rio escap. So RR is taking a table bump. Should be a highlight of the show. Ricardo takes great bumps.
Tweet 72: Table didn't break. Rodriguez now has a broken neck and a job with no pension. Thanks, Randy. #Thandy