Smackdown 7: Taker Announces Mania Match

Smackdown kicked off with the bare-knuckle brawler Wade Barrett strutting down to the ring. Fresh off of his huge win over Sheamus, Barrett grabbed the microphone and began to speak. He told the crowd that he will become the next WWE Champion, and that Sheamus is merely keeping the belt warm until Barrett takes it from him at Wrestlemania.

But Barrett was interrupted by Sheamus’ music. Sheamus came out with the title draped over his shoulder wearing a Preston North End F.C. soccer jersey. Sheamus then went on to compare Barrett to the League One soccer club from Barrett’s home city in England. “Much like that third rate football club in Preston, you fella, are a third rate super star in the WWE. After Wrestlemania, I will prove to the world that you are not worthy to wear this belt.” Sheamus then took the jersey off, spit in it and dropped it on the stage before turning around and walking away.

Smackdown Week 3: Elimination Chamber Match Takes Shape

Triple-H gave Sheamus the Pedigree. Is the Celtic Warrior one of the Elimination Chamber competitors?

Smackdown opens up with the Awesome one himself, The Miz. Miz was feeling extra proud of himself having gotten the better of Booker T, not once, but twice. He then went on to say that after the beating he handed to both Orton and Booker he was ready to focus on making a run at the World Heavyweight Championship belt.

But before Miz could continue, Wade Barrett interrupted him. Barrett reminded Miz that it was him who softened up both Orton and Booker, giving Miz the cleanup work. The Miz countered, telling Barrett that he would have no problem giving Barrett a taste of what Booker and Orton got from Miz last week. “If a fight is what you want, then a fight is what you’ll get… right now!” chimed Barrett and we started his descent towards the ring.

As Barrett got to the front of the ring, Orton came running down the ramp and attacked Barrett from behind. He bounced Barrett’s head off the ring post and apron, knocking him to the floor. As he was ready to set Orton up for another attack, possibly an RKO, Miz grabbed Orton from behind and gave him the Skull-Crushing Finale. Smackdown cut to a commercial break after the attack.