Randy Orton

Randy OrtonRandy Orton

Aka: Randy Orton

Real Name: Randal Keith "Randy" Orton

Born In: Knoxville, TN

Finishing Maneuver: R.K.O.

Pro Wrestling Debut: 2000

Promotions Wrestled In: Ohio Valley Wrestling, World Wrestling Entertainment

Titles Held: 2 Time OVW Hardcore Champion, 3 Time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, WWE World Tag Team Champion, 6 Time WWE Champion, WWE Intercontinental Champion, Triple Crown Champion

Current Status: Active; World Wrestling Entertainment

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Title This: WWE Smackdown Reaction 5-25

Saturday, May 26, 2012

WWE SmackdownOpening Segment:

Eve comes out and says that she is in charge tonight. She wants Sheamus to apologize and also will name a new number one contender for No Way Out. Alberto Del Rio comes out and says he will make Johnny proud and win the world championship. Randy Orton comes out and says the fans should make the decision. The crowd cheers him and Kane comes out and says Smackdown tonight is episode #666, so that should tell her he should get the shot. She books all three in a match later tonight, with the winner getting to face Sheamus.

What I Liked:

I enjoyed the power Eve possessed. I feel like this is a great character for her to use, one who is not a GM but steps in when need be. You do not want to over expose Laurinaitis on both shows every single week, so this is smart for him to get a little break. All three men do a good job stating their cases without wasting too much TV time. I felt like it gave it more meaning that Kane came out as well, especially since he has been not utilized as much recently. Good microphone work between everyone in the ring to kick off the show.

What I Disliked:

Does anyone think Kane will win? It is a nice thought, but not believable. He has not really done much as of late besides be involved with Bryan and Punk's feud. He lost to Orton at Extreme Rules, and have not won a big match since. His case is the weakest of all.

Grade: B+

Christian def. Hunico

What I Liked:

Solid action in the ring between both guys, especially Christian who is adding little pieces to his offense to remain fresh. The match was entertaining given the lack of story. Hunico is a really solid talent who executes and hits his moves without flaw. I loved the reversal from Christian to counter a backbreaker into his Killswitch. Good reversals and turning points in the match.

What I Disliked:

My gripe with Christian remains the same. Why are they wasting two shows with opponents who are never taken seriously? Yes, we get Cody Rhodes to come out and state his case of winning the title back, but it is not progressing Christian's return to have him face lower card heels. I would much rather give him opponents that we can invest time into. Sandow would benefit from this with Christian, or even a guy like McIntyre. Add more guys in the mix to make it a different feel for Christian and his title run.

Grade: C+


Darren Young and Titus O'Neil def The Uso's

What I Liked:

Well, it looks like they are going to take their time and invest in these young guys. They are working as a tag team and doing it well so far. The suplex that O'Neil does with Young is something that has been done before, but never gets old. The match started with them on the defensive, which is a different switch. I want them to face really good competition now because it is time to progress and not be stuck in the same spot.

What I Disliked:

They still are young, but the best way to get them over is NOT by beating The Uso's. Jimmy and Jey are good talent, but have not gotten over with the crowd. By beating them, it does not do anything to make the others legit. The crowd will not care if they beat guys who they do not give 2 cents about. This is a glaring problem that needs to be fixed. Other than that, the match was average with a few nice moves from both teams.

Grade: B

Ryback def. Brian Edwards and Kevin Bendl

What I Liked:

Another week and another squash. This time, I was impressed how he finished off both guys. He is really good, and finally can step away from the Indy wrestlers. This has to be the final time we see him beat skinny and unproven guys.

What I Disliked:

I am patient, but it needs to stop. Ryback needs real competition to be taken seriously now. We get it, we understand. This is not Goldberg, even though they have some similarities. This is a guy who needs to be booked differently now. They have nothing to gain creatively for him to be stuck in this same spot for 2 months.

Grade: C

Santino Marella def. Ricardo Rodriguez

What I Liked:

Nothing really. I laugh at Santino, but he makes the US Title a joke.

What I Disliked:

A wasted segment. What the hell is the point? This is a complete waste of time and really makes no sense to have either guy on Smackdown. Ricardo should stick with what he does best, and that is introduce Del Rio. Come on, who really thought this came off well?

Grade: F


SheamusSheamus def. Jack Swagger

What I Liked:

This was a great match for both guys. Very similar in strength and size, Sheamus and Swagger worked a great match. The physicality was there, as well as Swagger getting some much needed offense. I love the fact that Sheamus has an opponent like Swagger who used to be a World Champion over some bum that you never think could beat him. They gave this match a lot of time to work, and it payed off. Great chemistry and timing from both guys, with no real mistakes. The ending was great when Sheamus was able to use his agility to reverse a Gutwrench Powerbomb and hit the Brogue Kick.

What I Disliked:

Does Vickie Guerrero need to introduce Swagger every time he comes out? The crowd already gets heat for him and Dolph. I am sick of it.

Grade: A-

Damien Sandow def. Yoshi Tatsu

What I Liked:

Sandow gets his first match, even if it is against an opponent like Tatsu. He only hit three moves, but it was more how he handled himself in the ring. He can flip the switch in an instant from his character to an aggressive fighter, and then back to his character. I loved the facial expressions, the quick moves, and the overall look of him. He has potential, and hopefully he is not wasted and used like every other debuting heel.

What I Disliked:

I would rather see him fight longer and someone better, but I will let it go for now. Hopefully, they do not stick him in a meaningless feud. Make an impact by having him go big. He needs someone worth while to fight on Smackdown.

Grade: C+


Big ShowIn Ring Segment:

What I Liked:

The Big Show says the same thing again from Raw. I thought it was a smart booking decision, especially if they want to keep Show at the top. He is a Smackdown guy, and this show did not have Cena or Laurinaitis. I would prefer this over a video package just recapping. This gets the crowds more invested and give them more of a chance.

What I Disliked:

Why didn't he say something different? It basically was all the same. He is a good actor, but needs to stay in his comfort zone when talking.

Grade: B

Alberto Del Rio def. Kane and Randy Orton

What I Liked:

I loved what Daniel Bryan did before the match, attacking Kane. You get to see him, get to see something more with Bryan than the usual cowardly acts. This felt and looked really good. This is also a way for Kane to lose and not look really weak. Del Rio works at a great pace and can fight with anyone. Him and Orton did a great job with many move reversals, as well as Del Rio being able to carry the offensive attacks. He does a great job focusing his kicking on weakened body parts. He has excellent intelligence in the ring, and makes it more realistic. Orton was able to hit his offense on Del Rio and Kane, and really grabbed the crowd's attention. Del Rio pulled a classic heel move by stealing the pin from Orton. Great stuff from all guys here, even Kane who was already handicapped.

What I Disliked:

Sheamus did not need to attack Del Rio. Does he always need to stand tall at the end of Smackdown's.

Grade: A-

Smackdown Grade: B

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