WWE Friday Night Smackdown
December 28, 2012
Rochester, New York
Commentators: Josh Mathews & John Bradshaw Layfield
Report by: Jason Namako of Wrestleview.com
Hello everyone and welcome to the final Smackdown recap of 2012. Filling in for Mike this week as he is feeling under the weather, get well soon Mike! So, if you all are ready, then let’s get to the show!
We see a video package highlighting the Sheamus-Big Show rivalry, as well as the new duo of Dolph Ziggler, AJ Lee & Big E. Langston before the usual intro.
Josh Matthews & John Bradshaw Layfield welcome us to the show, then Sheamus makes his way down to the ring with a mic in hand.
Sheamus says he hopes everyone had a Merry Christmas. Christmas is a special time of year and Sheamus says he spent it drinking gallons and gallons of egg nog flavored ale. Sheamus says he got a bunch of ugly sweaters and ties that will probably never leave his wardrobe. And of course, Sheamus says he got a year’s supply of sunscreen from “me ma”. But, the greatest present Sheamus says he got was defeating Big Show on RAW in a Lumberjack Frost match. And since its the New Year, Sheamus says he will make a New Year’s Resolution and that is he will become the World Heavyweight Champion once again. But, as the old saying goes, there’s no time like the present. So, Big Show, I’m calling you out, fella, how bout it, tonight here in Rochester, New York, you, me, the World Title, huh? But, if you think the beating I gave you on RAW was bad, fella, wait till you see what I give you tonight.
The music of the World Champion hits as the Big Show makes his way down to the ring. Show gets a mic, but before he can speak, he yells at the crowd not to boo him. Show says to Sheamus, do I look like Santa Claus to you? The crowd starts a “YES” chant at that question as Sheamus agrees with them, but in fairness to Santa Claus, Show is way fatter. Show says that is so cute, maybe you should make a New Year’s Resolution and go into stand-up comedy and your likelihood of being successful at it is as big as you getting a shot at my World Title. Show says Sheamus is suffering from a severe case of amnesia, or a real pathetic case of denial. I beat you when it counted and you wanna talk about your fluke victory on RAW? I was in my “Christmas Vacation” mode. The lumberjacks were wearing Santa hats, the title wasn’t on the line, that victory didn’t even count. Show says Sheamus always come up short when it counts. That’s why you, my Irish friend, will never tell me who or when I defend my World Title. I am the Big Show, I am the World’s Largest Athlete. Sheamus then says Show is also a 7-foot, 500 pound coward whose afraid to fight me. Even though the title wasn’t on the line, your pride was. Show says “Pride, Schmide?” I’m not afraid of anything. Sheamus says that he took Show to the limit on RAW and beat him, so what are you so afraid of? I came here tonight to face you and win the World Title. But, if I can’t get the title, fella, I sure as hell am going to get a fight.
Sheamus is ready to fight, but the music of the Smackdown General Manager Booker T hits as Booker makes his way out onto the ramp way. Booker says to Sheamus that Big Show is right, Big Show beat you at TLC. Show thanks Booker, then tells Sheamus to get in the back of the line, you ginger snap. Booker tells Show on the other hand, Sheamus beat you on RAW. Show cuts Booker off and says he isn’t having any part of it, when I said I was done with Sheamus, I meant it, Sheamus is not worthy at another chance at my World Title. Also, there is not one single athlete in that locker room that is worthy of a chance at my World Title, either. That locker room full of losers, wannabes, rejects. Whenever I walk through that locker room, it reeks of inferiority. Booker says he’s sorry Show feels that way because you will be in action tonight. Show says against who? Booker says he is glad Show asked because the plan tonight is I’m gonna bring out every WWE superstars, all those losers & wannabes that you call them, Show, and their names, including Sheamus, will all go into a tumbler. And whoever name is chosen will face you tonight for the World Title.
Booker brings out Teddy Long, who comes out with the WWE locker room as Show says this is ridiculous. Show says this is a lottery to see who gets knocked out because that will happen to whomever wins his shot at my World Title. Booker asks someone to help him out with the tumbler as Eve & Teddy begin to fight over who gets to pick from the tumbler. The tumbler is knocked over as Teddy picks it back up and Booker chooses a name from it.
“The winner is……………Santino Marella!”
Big Show is laughing about that choice as Santino can’t believe it. Santino does a little victory trumpeting, but then Show gets in his face. Show stares down Santino, then walks away laughing.
Commercial
Back from commercial, we are ready for our opening match as Epico, Primo & Rosa Mendes are in the ring, with Primo competing in singles action. And funk is on a roll as Brodus Clay, along with the Funkadactyls, make their way to the ring.
“The Funkasaurus” Brodus Clay w/The Funkadactyls (Cameron & Naomi) vs. Primo w/Epico & Rosa Mendes
Epico distracts Brodus from the outside and that allows Primo to nail Brodus from behind with a dropkick to the leg. Primo with shots to the leg, followed by a back club and a gut kick. Primo with a double sledge to the back and a headlock punch to the face. Brodus, however, blocks a whip attempt by holding onto the ropes, but then Primo with another gut kick. Primo with a back club, but Brodus comes back with a Mongolian Chop. Brodus with a whip, misses a clothesline, but Brodus catches Primo on a crossbody attempt, walks around with him and finally hits a powerslam. Epico gets back on the apron, but this time Brodus knocks him off and Epico crashes down to the outside. Primo tries again to nail Brodus from behind, but this time Brodus is ready as he nails Primo in the chest with the fro-hawk headbutt.
Brodus yells “CALL MY MOMMA!”, hits the ropes and connects with the Ah, Funk It! Splash for the victory.
Winner: “The Funkasaurus” Brodus Clay by pinfall (Ah, Funk It! Splash)
Brodus begins to celebrate after the match, but Rosa comes in and gets in Brodus’s face, yelling “Who do you think you are?” Brodus calls to his Funkadactyls, who nail Rosa with stereo gut kicks, followed by a double suplex and finally, stereo spilt-legged leg drops. The celebration is re-started as young members of the WWE Universe come in and dance with Brodus & The Funkadactyls.
Commercial
Back from commercial, Santino is backstage with Sheamus, who is giving Santino tips on how to perform the Brogue Kick, but Santino is eating a sub sandwich. Sheamus throws it away and tells Santino to get serious. Santino says he is sorry, Sheamus is a painter, Santino is the blank canvas, go ahead and paint a masterpiece on me, and I’m all ears. Santino says he must learn this Brogue Kick, because with this Brogue Kick and my Cobra, its pretty much guaranteed that Sheamus will never be World Champion again, just so you know. Sheamus demonstrates the kick, but Santino’s attempt is not good at all. Sheamus says Santino needs to put some torque, some emotion behind the kick and demonstrates it again. Santino tries again, but still not up to snuff. Sheamus fires him up and Santino fires up as well and tries a 3rd time, but in doing so, appears to have his hurt his leg in process as he doubles over in pain with an over the top look of anguish on his face.
Back to the ring, we are ready for our next match.
6 Man Tag: The Rhodes Scholars (Cody Rhodes & “The Intellectual Savior of the Masses” Damien Sandow) & Wade Barrett vs. WWE Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston & WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No (Daniel Bryan & “The Big Red Machine” Kane)
Bryan & Rhodes will start things off. Bryan with a hammerlock, but Rhodes with a drop toe hold to counter. Rhodes taunts Bryan, who nails him with a kick to the chest. Tag to Kane as Bryan catapults Rhodes right into a Kane big boot for a 1 count. Corner whip by Kane, but Rhodes avoids the charge. Rhodes with a back club, followed by a right hand. Tag to Sandow, who hits a gut kick. Sandow with left & right hands, followed by stomps in the corner. Kane blocks a corner whip and sends Sandow into the corner. Kane then hits a side slam for a nearfall. Tag to Kofi, who goes up top and hits a double sledge across the arm of Sandow. Kofi with a kick to the gut, but Sandow comes back with a forearm. Tag to Rhodes, who hits a right hand, then quickly tags out to Barrett, who hits a gut punch. Barrett goes for a slam, but Kofi counters into a side headlock. Barrett then whips out of the hold and hits a shoulder tackle. Kofi then with a pair of leapfrogs, followed by a leaping back elbow and finally a dropkick for a 1 count. Kofi with a front chancery, but Barrett backs him into his corner. Kofi with shots to both Rhodes Scholars, then rolls under Barrett’s clothesline attempt, but Barrett backs off when Kofi tries for Trouble in Paradise. The two trios all get into the ring and have a standoff with one another as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial as Rhodes Scholars make a wish on Bryan. Sandow with a Russian Leg Sweep, followed by the Elbow of Disdain. Tag to Barrett, who hits another gut punch. Barrett traps Bryan in the ropes and unloads with a series of knee strikes to the head. Barrett then nails Bryan with a big boot while Bryan was still trapped in the ropes for a nearfall. Barrett locks in a Camel Clutch as the crowd wills on Bryan. Bryan breaks free with elbows, but Barrett reverses a corner whips and sends Bryan bouncing off the turnbuckles back first. Tag to Rhodes, who stomps away on Bryan. Crowd chants “Cody sucks” as he takes down Bryan and locks in a head and arm lock. Crowd wills on Bryan again as he breaks free with right hands, but Rhodes shoves him into the corner. Rhodes charges, but Bryan hotshots him face first off the top turnbuckle.
Tags to Kofi & Barrett as Kofi with a springboard tomahawk chop. Kofi knocks Sandow off the apron, then ducks under a Barrett boot attempt, double legs him down and unloads with right hands. Barrett then avoids a corner charge, but Kofi avoids Barrett’s charge and hits a Pendulum Kick. Kofi heads up top and connects with the Froggy Crossbody, but Rhodes Scholars breaks up the pin attempt. This brings in Kane, who nails Rhodes Scholars both with right hands. Kane goes out after Rhodes Scholars, but they send Kane back first into the barricade. However, Bryan gets involved, taking out Sandow with the leaping knee strike off the apron. Rhodes then uses the apron as a springboard to nail Bryan with the Beautiful Disaster. Back in the ring, Barrett goes for the Bullhammer, but Kofi counters by waistlocking Barrett. Kofi with an O’Connor Roll for a nearfall, then sees Rhodes coming in and drills him with the Trouble in Paradise.
However, that distraction allows Barrett to this time hit the Bullhammer on Kofi for the victory.
Winners: The Rhodes Scholars & Wade Barrett by pinfall (Bullhammer)
Barrett motions that the Intercontinental Title will soon be his as he & Rhodes Scholars celebrate their victory.
Josh Mathews then says that Santino will not be able to compete due to a pulled hamstring from attempting to learn the Brogue Kick.
We go backstage to Smackdown General Manager Booker T, who is with The Big Show. Show says its a tough break for Santino, I really wanted him to get his shot, but I guess I got the night off tonight. Booker says that ain’t happening like that. I promised the WWE Universe a World Title match and there will still be one tonight. Booker says we will roll the tumbler again and pick another name and they will face you for the World Title tonight. Booker calls in Teddy Long, who brings in the tumbler as Show is complaining that this isn’t fair. Booker picks a name and says to Show that you will know soon enough who you’ll be facing.
Commercial
Back from commercial as we are still in Booker T’s office and the Big Show still wants to know who he is facing tonight for the World Title. Show & Booker are arguing back and forth, but then Teddy Long, who had left the office, comes back with Ricardo Rodriguez, who apparently was the name chosen out of the tumbler. Show is aghast as he points at Ricardo and says to Booker, “Him?” Show is cackling as he says that this is great and says to Ricardo that what makes Ricardo think he can beat Show for the World Title. “You wanna be World Champion, son?” “Do you?” Show then puts the World Title belt over Ricardo’s shoulder. “Does that feel good?” “Do you wanna compete against me for the World Title?” Show then says he wants Ricardo to announce himself the new World Champion in the same manner he introduces Alberto Del Rio. Ricardo at first, timidly begins to announce himself the champion, then puts more confidence into it, but in doing so, Show knocks him out cold with the WMD punch. Booker says to Show, “What’s wrong with you?” Show says “What’s wrong with me?” “Don’t play with me”. Show tells Teddy to hand him his belt as Booker says this will get Show in a lot of trouble. Show gets his belt and leaves the office while Ricardo is still knocked out cold.
Back to the ring, we go to our next match.
WWE United States Champion “The Swiss Sensation” Antonio Cesaro vs. “Long Island Iced Z” Zack Ryder
Cesaro backs Ryder into the corner and hits a gut punch, a kick to the gut and finally a European Uppercut. Cesaro with a suplex for a 1 count. Cesaro paintbrushes Ryder on the back of the head, then locks in a chinlock as the crowd chants “USA”. Ryder tries to break free, but Cesaro shoves him off the ropes and hits another gut punch. Cesaro stomps away on Ryder, then hits the deadlift side salto for a nearfall. Cesaro with a headbutt, followed by a series of gut punches and stomps in the corner. Ryder tries to make a comeback with a headbutt to the gut and a right hand, but Cesaro comes right back with a slam. Cesaro with the leaping double stomp for a nearfall. Cesaro with a reverse bearhug as the crowd wills on Ryder. Ryder again tries to break free, but again Cesaro shoves him off the ropes. However, this time Ryder comes back with a face plant. Ryder with a back elbow, then double knees as Cesaro was charging in. Ryder with a missile dropkick off the middle turnbuckle and is all fired up. Ryder charges and connects with a leaping forearm, slumping Cesaro down. Ryder with the “Woo Woo Woo”, setting up the Broski Boot, but Cesaro is able to move out of the way. Cesaro then drills Ryder with a European Uppercut to the back of the head.
Cesaro lifts up Ryder and hits the Neutralizer for the victory.
Winner: WWE United States Champion “The Swiss Sensation” Antonio Cesaro by pinfall (The Neutralizer)
Cesaro celebrates his victory as Mathews & JBL talk about Cesaro US Title match this coming week on Main Event as he defends against The Great Khali.
We go to video of last week’s Smackdown when Dolph Ziggler, AJ Lee & Big E. Langston were on Miz TV and when Miz said one thing too many to AJ, he got laid out by Big E. Langston.
Commercial
Back from commercial, we go to our next match.
Grudge Match: The Miz vs. “The Show-Off” Dolph Ziggler w/AJ Lee & Big E. Langston
Miz with a side headlock takedown, followed by a shoulder tackle off a whip and finally another side headlock takedown. Ziggler rolls out of it, but Miz with an armdrag and yet another side headlock takedown. Ziggler counters with a top wristlock, followed by a right hand. Ziggler with an elbow to the back of the head, followed by another right hand. Ziggler with a side headlock, then hits a shoulder tackle of his own off a whip. Ziggler off the ropes, but Miz with a leapfrog, followed by connecting with a one man flapjack. Ziggler is then sent over the ropes to the outside, onto Big E. Langston, but Langston just catches Ziggler without moving a muscle. Back in the ring, both men go for a knucklelock, but Ziggler with a kick to the gut. Ziggler with a neckbreaker for a nearfall. Ziggler with a snapmare, followed by a leaping elbow drop for a 1 count. Ziggler with a chinlock, then wraps his legs around Miz and pulls at Miz’s arm. Miz breaks free, then double legs Ziggler and unloads with right hands. Ziggler charges, but Miz with a shoulder to the gut from the apron. Miz heads up top, but Ziggler catches him in mid-air with a dropkick as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial as Ziggler with another leaping elbow drop for a nearfall. Ziggler goes back to the chinlock, adding in a body scissors as the crowd wills on Miz. Miz tries to break free, but Ziggler with an elbow to the top of the head. However, Miz comes back with a back suplex and both men are down. Miz avoids a corner charge by Ziggler and hits a kick to the gut. Miz with a whip, but Ziggler side steps a back drop attempt. Ziggler charges, but Miz with a back elbow. Miz with a clothesline, then catches Ziggler coming in, lifts him up and drops him back down face first. Miz then hits the Reality Check for a nearfall. Miz charges, but now its Ziggler who catches him with a back elbow. Ziggler jumps on Miz, trying for the Sleeper, but Miz breaks free. Miz with a kick to the gut, followed by a Basement DDT for a close nearfall. Miz goes for a running basement kick, but Ziggler ducks and rolls up Miz for a nearfall. Ziggler comes back with a kick to the leg, but Miz avoids a Fameasser attempt and sends Ziggler into the corner. Miz then charges and connects with the Awesome Clothesline in the corner. Miz looks at Big E., heads up top and hits the top rope double sledge. Miz blows a kiss to AJ, who gives the call to Big E., who goes up the steps after Miz, but Miz is ready for him.
However, that distraction allows Ziggler to come in from behind and hit the Zig-Zag on Miz for the victory.
Winner: “The Show-Off” Dolph Ziggler by pinfall (The Zig-Zag)
After the match, Ziggler, AJ & Big E. begin to leave, but Miz, who is still down, gets a mic and says to AJ that no matter which WWE superstar you are with at New Year’s Eve, we all know that night is gonna end with a bang. Happy New Year, sweetheart!
Ziggler comes back to the ring after Miz, but Miz nails him with the microphone. Miz & Ziggler exchange right & left hands, but AJ makes the call for Big E. to come in and he mows down Miz with a body block. Big E. then lifts up Miz and hits the Big Ending. Big E. & Ziggler stand over Miz while AJ skips around Miz’s fallen body.
We go to the trainers’ room backstage where a doctor is tending to Ricardo and Booker T wants to know if he can compete. The doctor says Ricardo will be OK, but in no way should he compete tonight. Brad Maddox and his camera man walk in as he asks Booker for one more chance, but Booker tells him to scram. Booker tries to talk to Ricardo, but again Maddox says he wants one more chance, now can you dig that, sucka? Booker says alright, Maddox will get one more chance, but it will be his last chance and his match is next. Booker again tries to talk to Ricardo, but Alberto Del Rio rushes in to check on his fallen friend. Booker tells Del Rio he’s sorry for what happened to Ricardo. Del Rio says that big, fat monster Big Show did this to Ricardo. He tells Booker the next time he sees Show, he will be like a giant piñata that Del Rio says he will open up. Booker says to Del Rio he is gonna put him in the World Title match with Show later tonight. Del Rio thanks Booker and says to Ricardo that this one is for you, amigo.
Commercial
Back from commercial, Brad Maddox comes out for his last chance at earning a WWE contract. Maddox has a mic and says my New Year’s Resolution is to become a certified WWE superstar. I have never broken a New Year’s Resolution. Maddox says he also has a resolution for all the fans. Always remember the name, Brad Maddox! After tonight, that will be as easy as it gets. Happy New Year!
“ITS A SHAME FOR FAME, LOBSTER HEAD!” as the music of Sheamus hits and he will be Maddox’s opponent.
“The Great White” Sheamus vs. Brad Maddox
Maddox goes to leave, but Sheamus wants him to compete. Maddox then with a side headlock, but Sheamus with a shoulder tackle off a whip. Maddox with a go-behind, but Sheamus easily breaks free. Maddox goes for the arm, but Sheamus with a side headlock takedown. Maddox gets to the ropes and Sheamus breaks clean. Maddox with a shove, then the chase is on. Maddox nails Sheamus coming back in and hits a series of stomps and left hands. Sheamus blocks a corner whip and unloads with back clubs, followed by a short-arm clothesline. Maddox kicks him off, but Sheamus traps him in the ropes and hits the Beats of the Bodhran. Sheamus lifts up Maddox, walks around with him and hits White Noise.
Sheamus then gets set and drills Maddox with the Brogue Kick for the victory.
Winner: “The Great White” Sheamus by pinfall (The Brogue Kick)
Sheamus celebrates his victory while Maddox has no more chances of earning a contract on Smackdown.
Commercial
Back from commercial, we go to this week’s “RAW Rebound”, looking at the Christmas Eve edition of RAW when Santa got ran over by an Alberto.
We go back to the ring for our next match.
The Prime-Time Players (“Mr. No Days Off” Darren Young & “The Big Deal” Titus O’Neil) vs. The Usos (Jey & Jimmy)
Young & Jimmy will start things off. Young with a single leg, but Jimmy kicks him off. Young with a shoulder tackle, but Jimmy with a right hand. Tag to Jey as the Usos with a double whip, double back elbow and a double elbow drop for a nearfall. Jey with an “Uso” chant, then hits a right hand. Young with a back elbow and tags in Titus, but Jey didn’t see it. Jey with a whip, but Young reverses and sends Jey right into a big boot by Titus. Titus stomps away on Jey, then hits a short-arm clothesline. Tag to Young, but Jey sends Titus into Young in the corner, countering a PTP double team. Young then ducks under a superkick by Jey, lifts him up and hits the Gutcheck, but Jimmy breaks it up. Titus goes after Jimmy, but the ref pulls him back. While this is going on, the Usos do a switcheroo as Jimmy switches with Jey.
Young goes after who he thinks is Jey, but Jimmy surprises him with an inside cradle for the victory.
Winners: The Usos by pinfall (Inside Cradle)
The Usos celebrate their win, mocking the Millions of Dollars dance as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial, we go to a video from the Shield. Ambrose says that another year comes to an end, but this wasn’t like any other year. Rollins says this will be a year that will go down in history because of the scar the Shield has left. Reigns says the Shield is just getting started. Ambrose says that we warned you, we warned everybody. We shined a big, bright light on the injustice in WWE. Rollins says we didn’t just talk about injustice, did we Ryback? We see video of the attacks on Ryback. Did we Hell No? Did we Randy? Did we Miz? We see videos of the Shield’s attacks on them. Rollins says did we just talk about injustice? Reigns says we have rectified it. Ambrose says another year ends, another year begins, but now and always, the mission remains the same. Rollins says that 2013 will be the year the Shield cleanses the disease of injustice from WWE. Ambrose says we have no friends, we have no allies, we can’t have them, we don’t want them, we don’t need them, we answer to no one. Reigns closes by saying in 2013, justice lives and to believe in the Shield.
Backstage, Matt Striker is with the Big Show and asks him about his World Title match up next with Alberto Del Rio. Show says this is completely ridiculous. Booker T feels like he has to appease the WWE Universe. I’ve had too many opponents tonight. One pulled a groin, one got knocked out. So, now I have to face Del Rio. I said everyone in the WWE locker room is either a loser, a wannabe, or a reject. Alberto Del Rio is included in that. If he wants to get knocked out like Ricardo, I’ll make tonight a trifecta.
Commercial
Back from commercial, its time for the main event.
Main Event for the World Heavyweight Title: “The World’s Largest Athlete” The Big Show (c) vs. “The Mexican Aristocrat” Alberto Del Rio
We get the pre-match intros, bell sounds and Del Rio goes right on the attack, but Show with a headbutt. Del Rio with a savate kick to the gut, followed by gut punches. However, Show with another headbutt. Show goes for the Shhh! chop, but Del Rio continues to wail away with gut punches. Del Rio with kicks in the corner, but Show comes back with a big overhand chop. Show with a back club, but Del Rio comes back with headbutts. Show then with a side headlock takedown. Del Rio pulls at Show’s face, then locks in a headscissors. Show gets free, but then Del Rio with kicks to the leg of Show. Show with another back club, followed by another big overhand chop. Del Rio continues to fight back, but Show throws him to the outside. Show goes out after him as the crowd chants “Big Show sucks”. Show whips Del Rio into the steel steps and yells at the crowd, “Who sucks now?” Back in the ring, Show locks in an armbar, but Del Rio breaks free with some more gut punches. Del Rio off the ropes, but Show mows him down with a shoulder tackle. The crowd again chants “Big Show sucks” as he walks across the chest of Del Rio. Show with a slam, then goes for an elbow drop, but Del Rio moves out of the way. Del Rio with a series of running boots to the head of Show, followed by a basement superkick to the side of the head for a nearfall as Show kicks out with authority. Del Rio with shots to the arm, then tries for the rolling cross armbreaker, but Show blocks it and sends Del Rio back out to the outside. Show leaves the ring and is walking out on the match, but Sheamus comes out and nails Show from behind.
The two brawl as the referee calls for the bell.
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: “The World’s Largest Athlete” The Big Show by disqualification (Sheamus interference)
Show takes care of Sheamus, then goes to leave again, when the locker room empties and heads out on the ramp way. The locker room attacks Show and sends him back into the ring. Del Rio measures Show and hits the corner step-up enziguri. Then, Sheamus gets set and nails Show with the Brogue Kick. The locker room likes what they see as Sheamus & Del Rio stand over Show while we go to credits.