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.