Smackdown 6: Title matches taking shape; Outlaws split?

Smackdown kicked off with a match to get the fans warmed up, and it was a brilliant match at that. X-Pac, who is trying desperately to get his hands on Justin Gabriel for the US Title, took on a fired Randy Orton. Last week, Orton beat Brodus Clay in less than a minute, and X-Pac had to be sure he didn’t suffer the same fate.

The bell rung and Orton again sauntered over to X-Pac. Instead of shoving Orton like what Clay did last week, X-Pac spat in the face of Orton. The now enraged Orton was taken off his game and X-Pac countered an Orton running attack, taking the Apex Predator down and putting him in an arm lock.

X-Pac continued to work on the arm of Orton, hoping to weaken his ability to land the RKO at any time. Orton broke out of a second arm lock, fighting back on X-Pac. He threw X-Pac into the ropes and hit him a vintage scoop slam. X-Pac tried to roll to the ropes but Orton hit him with a DDT, setting up an RKO. X-Pac got up slowly and walked right into the RKO and was pinned by Orton.

After the break, Sheamus came down to the ring with his championship belt and a microphone. “I know you are all wondering why I attacked Wade Barrett last week,” he began. “It’s very simple at that. I refuse to not be taken seriously as the champion. I am capable of doing very bad things to people at the drop of a hat… or should I say, a kick to the face.” Sheamus continued on about why he chose Barrett, basically saying he wanted to send a message to the back of the locker room and make an example out of someone.

Smackdown 5: Taker Continues to Harass Triple H; Mankind Ditches Hardcore Belt

John Cena got the best of HHH with a little help from a distraction by Undertaker

Smackdown kicked off with a fuming Triple H. He was surprised that Undertaker would show his face after he lost to Triple H at the Rumble, and was upset the Undertaker would stoop so low when he cost Triple H his title. Triple H then proceeded to challenge Undertaker to a match at Wrestle Mania, stating “if the Undertaker wants to take away my belt, then I will take away his streak.”

Things on Smackdown kicked off with a match between two veterans, Godfather and Christian. Ho Train in tow, the Godfather started out the match in classic style, offering up the services of one of his beautiful ladies to Christian. Christian, who is looking to shake the cold spell he has been in, took the high road and wanted to fight. After the ladies left, the two tied up with Godfather getting the early advantage on Christian. Series of shoulder blocks and clotheslines kept Christian off his feet.

Christian countered with a toe drag, getting on top of Godfather and keeping the big man down. But when Christian climbed to the top ropes to attempt a high-flying attack, Godfather threw his knees up to counter. He then twisted Christian’s arm and gave him a swift kick to the jaw before setting up the pimp drop and the pin.

Smackdown Week 4: Kingston, Mysterio Beat Outlaws; Chamber Match Set

Rey Mysterio and Kofi Kingston pull off a double team move in their match with the Outlaws.

Our final episode of Smackdown heading into the Elimination Chamber opened with the New Age Outlaws. Road Dogg threatened to continue their assault on the roster unless they get a match with Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio for the tag team belts. They force Commissioner Roose’s hand by showing videos of them attacking Kofi, Sin Cara and Mysterio.

Roose comes out and reluctantly grants the Outlaws their wish. “But if you lose, if you lay another hand on someone you’re not in a match with, I will see to it that I make your life in the WWE an absolute living hell” Roose reassured them. “And if you lay a hand on either one of your opponents tonight, you will lose your shot.”

The first match was for the Diva’s championship, and it was Beth Phoenix defending her title against Eve, who won a title shot last week on Smackdown. The winner will face Trish Stratus at the Elimination Chamber on Sunday. Phoenix controlled the beginning of the match, much like last week. She threw Eve around the ring like a rag doll. As she set up Eve for the Glam Slam, Eve again tried to escape the hold but Phoenix connect this time, pinning Eve and retaining her belt.

After the match, Roose is shown backstage talking to Kofi and Rey, telling them he doesn’t want them going anywhere before their match tonight against the Outlaws. “Dude, relax. They won’t be dumb enough to hurt attack us if they want those belts back,” Kofi told his boss, and the duo leaves the room.

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.

Smackdown Week 2: Outlaws Fight Back

The Outlaws are on a mission to make their commissioner’s life miserable.

Smackdown got underway with the commissioner coming down to the ring. Roose tweeted before the show that he had an announcement to make, and that announcement was that Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio would be crowned the number one contenders for the tag belts at Elimination Chamber.

But before Roose could finish, the Outlaws interrupted him. Road Dogg said that no one screws over the Outlaws, especially the man in charge. He then threatened Roose that the Outlaws will make Roose’s life on Smackdown a living hell. Roose interjected with a laugh, telling Road Dogg he’ll have to wait on his plans as he has a match with Zack Ryder up next.

The first match went fast. Road Dogg, who had built up aggression heading into the match, dominated Zack Ryder the whole way. It ended when Road Dogg followed up his Shake, Rattle & Roll with a pump handle slam to win in convincing fashion.

Smackdown Week 1: Orton, Barrett Begin Feud; Commish Screws Outlaws

Randy Orton RKO’s Wade Barrett through the announce table on Smackdown.

Smackdown opened up with a fuming Road Dogg storming down the ramp with Billy Gunn on his tail upset with the commissioner’s decision at the Rumble to not only hold onto the titles, but to bar the Outlaws from having a chance at winning the titles at Elimination Chamber.

Road Dogg’s rant was cut short by Roose, who told the Outlaws that he would cut the two delinquents a deal. If they could defeat a tag team of his choosing that night, they would have their shot to represent Smackdown for the Tag Team titles. “Who in that locker room is worthy to compete with the eight-time Tag Team champions?” quipped Road Dogg. Roose answered, “these guys,” and Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio walked out to Roose’s side on the stage.

Swagger Wins Rumble; HHH, Punk Champions

The Royal Rumble turned out to be one for the ages, bringing intense action from start to finish.

Legends made their mark, new champions were crowned, and paths were paved for a couple of young stars. And in a weird turn of events, the Tag Team match ended in a disqualification, leaving its fate up in the air.

But the biggest surprise of the night came during the Rumble as the unlikely winner was Jack Swagger.

The Royal Rumble proved to be another thrilling main event. Edge and Kofi Kingston started the match for their respective brands with neither lasting very long in the Rumble.

The final six came down to late entrants Sheamus, Swagger,
Randy Orton, Wade Barrett, Big Show and Alberto Del Rio. Sheamus and
Barrett were taken out by Orton after lengthy battles with each. Swagger
hit a dropkick that knocked the Big Show out and he was left with Orton and Del Rio.

While Orton was distracted with Del Rio, Swagger dumped him out of the ring. It was then down to Swagger and Del Rio. After a few minutes of back and forth, Swagger hit a clothesline on Del Rio to eliminate him and win the Royal Rumble.

Royal Rumble 2013 Preview

Could the Rock win the Rumble?

Hardcore Championship: Mankind vs Rob Van Dam
Extreme Rules

Mankind couldn’t let go of the fact that the Hardcore Championship disappeared from circulation. That is why on the Smackdown prior to the Royal Rumble, Mankind walked to the squared-circle with a briefcase in hand. In that briefcase was the old tattered belt that he had hanging on his wall at home. Mankind offered a challenge to anyone in the back, legend or current star, to come out and pry it from his hands. Rob Van Dam answered the call. But before they were going to fight, Smackdown commissioner Roose told the two they would settle it at the Royal Rumble.

Diva Championship: Beth Phoenix vs Trish Stratus

Beth Phoenix, mad that she was forced to drop her belt, went on a tirade talking about how she was disrespected and was the greatest Diva Champion of all time. But she was interrupted by Trish Stratus, who was looking to backup her legacy by charging the ring and attacking Phoenix. Commissioner Real Deal broke up the cat fight, telling the two ladies they will fight for the belt at the Rumble.