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WWE Smackdown Report
PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 2/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Big Show & Khali vs. Barrett & Rhodes

Feb 17, 2012 - 9:00:53 PM
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WWE Smackdown review
Feb. 17, 2012
Taped 2/14/12 in Fresno, Calif.
Aired on SYFY
By Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist (Twitter: @gregmparks)



- The show began with a video package of Orton vs. Big Show, making it seem like some epic encounter, when in reality, it was pretty much a throw-away segment on a loaded show.

- To the arena, or more specifically, backstage at the arena. Randy Orton was sitting silently in Teddy Long’s office, Long by his side. “Randy” chants from the crowd. It looked like Orton had just received some bad news. Long said it’s out of his hands, and out of Orton’s hands too. Long said Orton may be dressed to compete, but he can’t because of a concussion. He said Daniel Bryan may get his but it won’t be from Orton. Long said that security is on the other side of the door waiting to escort Orton out of the building, because he knows how Orton is. And he doesn’t blame him. Long said Orton can’t compete tonight or in the Elimination Chamber. Orton stood up, paused, then walked out.

- Smackdown Open.

- Inside the arena, fireworks shot off and the camera panned the crowd (including a newer angle, catching fans close-up in what looked like a higher section of the arena). Josh Mathews opened by wondering who would replace Orton just 48 hours away from Elimination Chamber.

- Big Show’s music hit and he walked out, full of energy.

1 – BIG SHOW & THE GREAT KHALI vs. CODY RHODES & WADE BARRETT

Michael Cole said Orton was concussed due to the belt shot from Bryan on Raw this week. Khali and Barrett started the match for their respective teams. Khali with a chop to the chest and Barrett tagged Rhodes in. Rhodes didn’t seem thrilled about having to get into the match. Rhodes tried a chop to the chest himself, which had no effect. Forearm to the head of Rhodes. Chop to the chest of Rhodes. Barrett then tagged himself in, showing a fair amount of guts. Rhodes created a diversion, allowing Barrett to take Khali down. Cole speculated that Daniel Bryan is in the Big Show’s head. Rhodes had some success against Khali, but was thrown off by a choke. Barrett and Show tagged in, allowing Show to hit some of his pet moves. Spear to Barrett, then Rhodes was dumped over the top. Chokelsam for Barret for the clean win.

WINNERS: Show and Khali, at 3:34. Surprising result that, to the casual viewer, doesn’t speak well for Rhodes or Barrett come Sunday.

After the match, Khali got in Show’s face (wasn’t sure if he wanted to celebrate or if he was arguing), so Show gave him the WMD.

- Long was talking to someone on the phone explaining Orton’s situation and the quandary he was stuck in. Mark Henry walked in, which surprised Long. Henry demanded to be put in the Chamber. Wait, wasn’t Henry begging to be taken out of the Chamber a few weeks ago when he was suspended? Henry said Long needs him as Heavyweight Champion. Big Show then walked in and said he did Long a favor in that tag match, so now he better get a favor – Daniel Bryan in a match tonight. Henry interrupted and told Show to take his heavy breathing and drooling somewhere else. Show gave Henry a WMD. Show tossed around some furniture and punched a TV, demanding Long give him what he wants.

[Commercial Break]

- Super Smackdown Live will be this coming Tuesday.

- They replayed Show’s attack on Long’s office.

- Long was talking to security about asking Show to leave the arena once he calms down. Security didn’t seem thrilled about having to toss Show out, so Long said they might need to call for backup.

2 – TED DIBIASE vs. HUNICO

During DiBiase’s entrance, they showed him beating Hunico last week with a broken wrist. As usual, Hunico worked the mic on the way to the ring, saying DiBiase stole a victory from him last week, and when someone steals from him, he takes it back. Booker seemed incredulous that this feud is based solely on Hunico and Camacho not being invited to a DiBiase Posse party. For once, I agree with him. High-impact action early on in the match, but Hunico slowed things down with an arm-bar. Face-buster by DiBiase, who had a cast on his injured wrist. Hunico went to the top rope, but DiBiase dropkicked him in mid-air. He came down hard on the wrist though. Camacho, with the ref distracted, brought DiBiase’s arm across the top rope, then Hunico rolled up DiBiase, grabbed the tights, and picked up the win.

WINNER: Hunico, at 1:48. I’m surprised they haven’t inserted Camacho into a match with DiBiase yet, just to switch things up in this feud (and knowing WWE’s penchant for using associates to take beatings for the man they second).

- Daniel Bryan is reportedly on his way to the arena.

[Commercial Break]

- The exterior of the Save Mart Center in Fresno was shown.

- Mathews tossed it to a video package of the Triple H- Shawn Michaels segment from Raw.

- The Usos got a long entrance, including their dance on the top of the stage. Epico & Primo came out to oppose them, with Rosa Mendes at their side. I guess the champs have batted around and already and are back at the top of the order. Match is next.

[Commercial Break]

3 – THE USOS vs. PRIMO & EPICO

The bell rang to start the match right after the commercial. Headbutt by Jimmy, then Jey tagged in. Some double-teaming by the Usos for two. A distraction by Epico allowed Primo to take over on offense in the neutral corner. Back leg sweep, the Primo suplexed Epico in and onto Jimmy. Primo with a dropkick, then a cartwheel in celebration. Hope Dolph Ziggler isn’t watching. Booker said he hated Cole, and Cole told him he’s not allowed to say that word. The announcing was especially awful for the bulk of this match. Primo missed a corner dropkick and got hung upon the turnbuckle. Both men were able to make tags, with Jey getting the better of Epico. Corner butt splash missed, but Epico was taken down with a Samoan Drop for a very near-fall. Tag to Primo but Jey avoided the Backstabber. Superkick by Jey, tag to Jimmy, who went for a top rope splash but Primo got the knees up. Backstabber for the win.

WINNERS: Primo & Epico, at 4:47. The champions are a little smoother than the Usos, who are still a tad sloppy in there. But a good match nonetheless with guys who are trying hard to impress.

- Cole said that Show has voluntarily left the arena. Backstage, Daniel Bryan was walking, so he has arrived.

[Commercial Break]

- Lilian Garcia introduced Daniel Bryan, who came out to the ring. Bryan addressed the booing crowd, saying people must’ve seen what he did on Raw. He said it was finally time for him to show everybody what he’s about. He cued up a package on the Titantron, showing him interfering and hitting Orton and Show with the title. If he had been on time for the show, he’d know that the crowd has already seen this. Bryan gloated about Orton and Show being escorted out of the building, saying that if either of them had any guts, they’d be facing him in the ring right now. He accused them, and everyone else, of being afraid of him. He said they’re afraid of tapping out, afraid of making them look ridiculous by beating them once again. He claimed that he just keeps on winning.

Bryan said none of the fans ever thought he’d be Champion and nobody had faith in him or his ability – but he proved them all wrong. He promised to prove everyone wrong again by winning at the Chamber. He acknowledged that odds are against him, but said he’s been fighting the odds his entire life. He said he would’ve been Orton tonight in the advertised main event, just like he’ll win in the Elimination Chamber. Bryan paused for the “you suck” chants, then asked Lilian Garcia to announce him as the winner due to forfeit. Lilian hesitated so Bryan went to ringside and called her “sweetheart.” Garcia finally relented and made the announcement, to which Bryan celebrated in the ring. Teddy Long’s music interrupted and he came out. He said Bryan still has to compete tonight, and he found a volunteer for Bryan to face: Sheamus. The match is next.

[Commercial Break]

4 – DANIEL BRYAN vs. SHEAMUS

If I had to bet money, I’d say Sheamus wins by count-out when Bryan takes his title and leaves. Like the previous match, this one started right after the break. Shoulder knock-down by Sheamus, then a clothesline to Bryan. Bryan ran into a back elbow, and a cover got two. Cole admitted he was starting to come around on Daniel Bryan, mostly due to his ability to hold onto the Championship. Bryan kicked at Sheamus, then dodged a short-arm clothesline. Mathews mentioned the Wrestlemania implications this match has. Forearm shots to the chest of Bryan, who fell to ringside. Bryan took his title, put it over his shoulder, and began to walk out. Sheamus cut him off and ran him right over before he could leave. Oh, so close! Bryan went back into the ring and baseball slid Sheamus’ feet. Flying knee to Sheamus’ head by Bryan. Sheamus got back into the ring at a count of five. More kicks from Bryan, then a diving dropkick. Sheamus was half in and half out of the ring. Bryan eventually pulled him back in for a pin, but only got two. Sheamus punched at Bryan, but Bryan picked the ankle to take Sheamus down. Running dropkick in the corner to a seated Sheamus. Bryan kicked at Sheamus, but Sheamus punched him back. They went back-and-forth with that until Sheamus got to his feet and connected on his signature moves. Bryan attempted a LeBell lock, but Sheamus wasn’t having it. He set up for the Celtic Cross, but Bryan snuck out the back. Sheamus clobbered Bryan in the corner, but was separated by the referee. Bryan slapped Sheamus, so Sheamus went back into the corner for more. Another separation, and this time Bryan spit at Sheamus. He continued to provoke the big man, demanding more. Sheamus tossed aside referee Charles Robinson, drawing a DQ, and allowing Bryan to high-tail it out of the ring.

WINNER: Bryan, via DQ, at 6:44. Well, it was a different finish at least, and played on Sheamus’ temper.

- Wade Barrett and Cody Rhodes both entered Long’s office separately to ask who will replace Orton in the Elimination Chamber. Long said anyone in the arena tonight is eligible to take Orton’s spot, as he’s opening things up to any Superstar from Raw, Smackdown, Superstars, or NXT who is present. They’ll all participate in a Wild Card Battle Royal, the winner taking Orton’s spot. Rhodes complained about the possibility of a no-name being in the Chamber. Shouldn’t he be happy if something like that happened? It would increase his chances of winning; then again, according to WWE math, that no-name would have the same chance as Rhodes.

[Commercial Break]

5 – JINDER MAHAL vs. EZEKIEL JACKSON

Mahal again had a plexiglass case to put his headgear in at ringside. Mathews speculated about the possibility of Drew McIntyre winning the Battle Royal. Actually, that would’ve made sense. Running clothesline in the corner by Jackson, then another, and a side slam. Mahal took Jackson down and set up for the Camel Clutch. He applied it in the middle of the ring, but Jackson was able to get his arms free. Mahal then turned it into a rear chin-lock. Jackson was supposed to stand up with Mahal on his back, but Mahal slipped out, so he jumped on Jackson’s back so Jackson could back him into the corner. Oy. Jackson couldn’t capitalize and Mahal applied the Camel Clutch again for the submission win.

WINNER: Mahal, via submission, at 2:07. Good win for Mahal, but the match was about what you’d expect between these two.

- They overlayed clips of Jimmy Snuka doing the Superfly Splash with his daughter, Tamina, doing the same move. Next, Alicia Fox and Tamina take on Beth Phoenix and Natalya.

[Commercial Break]

6 – ALICIA FOX & TAMINA SNUKA vs. NATALYA & “GLAMAZON” BETH PHOENIX

Beth applied a full nelson to Fox, who got out of it and kicked Beth in the head. Natalya tagged herself in and jogged around the ring. Kip up by Nattie after Fox held onto the ropes on a roll-up attempt. Fox flipped Nattie over then slapped her in the butt. Fox gave chase after Natalya left the ring, but Nattie slid back in and slammed Fox’s head into the mat when she tried to come back in. Beth kicked Fox in the head for good measure while the ref wasn’t looking. Fox was tied up in center ring, but managed to escape. Natalya set up for the Sharpshooter and applied it successfully. As she did, the ref all of a sudden held his nose and backed away, intimating that Natalya farted. Nattie asked what he was doing, allowing Fox to make the tag to Tamina. She put Nattie with a Samoan Drop, then connected with a Superfly Splash for the win.

WINNERS: Tamina & Fox, at 2:52. With Natalya in a match, I thought we’d get a reprieve from the farting thing for a week.

Beth tried to come in and blindside Snuka, but she superkicked Beth. She went up for a splash, but Beth rolled out of the ring.

- Long was in his office on the phone again, talking about the Battle Royal. Johnny Ace walked up with David Otunga and said he’s been watching from his executive skybox. He questioned Long’s decision to allow anyone into the Battle Royal, saying the Elimination Chamber is about star power. Ace wanted to enter his own man who would bring some excitement to the match, and possibly go on to win at the Chamber…David Otunga. Otunga shook Long’s hand, but Long said lawyer types generally have stank on them - and Otunga has it bad. Ace just smiled, thanked Teddy, and whisked Otunga out of the office.

- Up next. we’ll see what happened to Zack Ryder on Raw.

[Commercial Break]

- Cole thanked Nickelback for “This Means War,” the official Elimination Chamber theme.

- The Raw Rebound aired, focusing on the Cena-Ryder-Eve-Kane story.

- The announcers discussed the Elimination Chamber PPV. The way Cole described how an Ambulance Match works made it sound like he was talking about a physical challenge on Double Dare.

- The locker room began to empty as the Wild Card Battle Royal is next. Santino led them to the ring by power walking.

[Commercial Break]

7 – ELIMINATION CHAMBER WILD CARD BATTLE ROYAL – WINNER GETS A SPOT IN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ELIMINATION CHAMBER MATCH ON SUNDAY

Lots of bodies were in the ring out of break. David Otunga received a special entrance, joined by Johnny Ace. We’ve got: Otunga, Camacho, Hunico, the Usos, Primo, Epico, Drew McIntyre, Curt Hawkins, Heath Slater, Michael McGillicutty, Tyler Reks, Zeke Jackson, Yoshi Tatsu, Percy Watson, Darren Young, Santino, Ted DiBiase, Alex Riley, Titus O’Neil, Tyson Kidd, Derrick Bateman, Justin Gabriel, Jinder Mahal, Johnny Curtis. Talk about scraping the bottom of the barrel.

The match began and McIntyre went after someone aggressively. Bateman was out at :44 via Otunga, by breaking Bateman’s grip on the top rope. Gabriel and Hawkins were going at it. Watson tossed at 1:28, again, thanks to Otunga. O’Neill was out at 1:57 by Jackson, and one of the Usos, Jey, out at 2:02 by way of McIntyre. Santino held on as Otunga tried to toss him. McIntyre press slammed Kidd out at 2:33, and onto the eliminated Uso. Huncio and Tatsu battled in a corner as Slater was stuck on the apron. Mahal kicked him out at 3:17. DiBiase and Young both held onto the ropes to stave off elimination, but DiBiase kicked Young out at 3:44. Hunico eliminated Tatsu at 3:55. Camacho was dropkicked off the apron and out by DiBiase at 4:18. Santino appeared to be avoiding any kind of contact. Gabriel monkey-flipped McGillicutty out at 4:40. They took a break at 4:52 of the match.

[Commercial Break]

Back 8:50 in. DiBiase tried to push Mahal out, to no avail. Santino attempted to flip Reks out. Hawkins was eliminated at 9:31 by Gabriel. Riley out via Primo and Epico at 10:04. The tag champs were teaming up at this point. Johnny Curtis and Reks were thrown into each other and out by Primo and Epico at 10:42. Jimmy Uso out at 11:04 via the champs, the Epico tossed by Primo seconds later, at 11:08. DiBiase eliminated by Hunico at 11:33, then DiBiase pulled him out at 11:43 as Hunico tried to kick him once more. Primo and Gabriel traded near-misses in an impressive sequence. Both men found themselves on the apron and a side-kick by Gabriel took Primo out at 12:40. Jackson clotheslined Gabriel from behind to go out at 12:48. Jackson got revenge on Mahal by throwing him out at 13:04. It was down to Santino, Jackson, McIntyre and Otunga. Marella went for the Cobra, but Otunga and McIntyre attacked. Running…punch in the corner? That was by Zeke. McIntyre got to shine late, but as he gloated, Santino dumped him at 13:58. Jackson out at 14:26 thanks to Marella. Crowd really got behind Santino here. Otunga peppered Santino with rights. Marella came back with a hip-toss, but missed a headbutt. Otunga trash-talked Santino and gave him an ugly neck-breaker. Otunga posed for the crowd. He went to toss Santino, but Marella reversed it and the momentum took Otunga out.

WINNER: Marella, at 16:09.

Mathews of course said Marella has a one-in-six chance of winning on Sunday. The crowd loved it. Cole, not so much. They replayed Otunga’s elimination a few times. Santino played the trombone and blew kisses to the crowd as the show went off the air.


What do you think? If you saw this show, we invite you to send your thoughts. Send your name, hometown, a 0-10 score rating the quality of the show, your picks for best and worst segments, and then a brief paragraph of thoughts on the show that we can publish in the Reader Reax segment later tonight or tomorrow. Send to pwtorch@gmail.com.

Greg Parks has been covering WWE Smackdown for PWTorch.com since January of 2007. Follow him on Twitter @gregmparks for live Tweeting during Raw, Impact, and PPVs, as well as other bits of wisdom. Comments, questions and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_man9784@yahoo.com.


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