WWE Smackdown

Opening Segment

Sheamus starts the show talking about letting some steam off last week to Del Rio. David Otunga quickly interrupts and demands he apologize to Laurinaitis.  Sheamus makes fun of Otunga, and says he will consider apologizing if John Laurinaitis comes out on his scooter. Alberto Del Rio comes out and calls Sheamus stupid and a peasant. Del Rio, thanks to John Laurinaitis, gets to pick Sheamus' opponent for tonight. Sheamus Brogue Kicks Otunga in the face, and bends over and says sorry to him.

What I Liked:

I like how they are trying to book the anti-authority figure of Sheamus in a different way than CM Punk has been. He is more of the fighter, not talker, and continues to take advantage of his popularity on Smackdown. Sheamus and Del Rio needs something more to really make this match feel personal and important, and they have time to do it. This segment kept Laurinaitis in everyone's mind without continous exposure. Another week and another way to have him being talked about without appearing.

What I Disliked:

Do we really take David Otunga seriously? His character would work much better if he has the ability to beat anyone. They make him look so weak inside the ring that it is hard to take him seriously outside. He has a great look, but that is where it stops.

Grade: B

Sin Cara def. Heath Slater

What I Liked:

The return of Sin Cara was a successful one. They did not invest months of video packages or hype, but really brought him back at the right time. The pacing of the match was fast, as you would expect. I did not see any botches or mistakes, and liked that Cara showed "ring rust" by having Slater get some early offense on him. He looked great with his springboard cross body block and La Mistica is a really intriguing finisher that is not the typical one. He has the ability to get back in the good graces with solid in ring performances like this. It is all about consistency, and thanks to Slater, this match was very consistent and timed throughout.

What I Disliked:

This is what you expected a year ago with Sin Cara. All of the hype surrounding him hurt his overall transition into the WWE. I cannot say I disliked any part, but let's play it out and see some consistent matches before we say he is the next Rey Mysterio.

Damien Sandow def. Ezekiel Jackson

What I Liked:

Sandow comes out and calls him an ignoramus, and says he will not fight tonight. Jackson grabs him and clotheslines him in the corner. Sandow does a great job escaping from the Torture Rack and connects with aggressive knees to Jackson's abdomin. You can see the intensity Sandow brings in the snap of a finger. He gets a few strikes from Jackson, but ultimately picks up the win. Even though Jackson is irrelavant, he looks like a better victory than Yoshi Tatsu. At least he held a championship before.

What I Disliked:

When will Sandow get something meaningful? Will he continue this path until he loses, or will they let him continue to win like Brodus, Ryback, and others? I really like his character so far and has been able to connect with the crowd in a different way. I fear they are going to keep doing this for a long time with no big moment. People are beginning to see how good he is in the ring each week with small doses. Smart booking decision so far, and hopefully they can continue to push him at a steady pace.

Grade: B

-Alberto Del Rio talks to Dolph Ziggler, who wants to face Sheamus. Del Rio agrees and gives him the match for later.

Ryback def. Chris Lyons and Ryan Shelton

What I Liked:

Another squash for Ryback. He looks impressive each week with his unique offensive attacks. His finisher looks great, and his look is intimidating. He has all of the tools to be in a legit feud right now.

What I Disliked:

I like Ryback, I really do. WWE Creative needs to run with him right now and throw him in with someone of size and importance. I still feel Kane would be a great opponent. This will let Ryback show some vulnerability and change the style of his overall tactics. He needs to develop a little more than just pure dominance.

Grade: C

Sheamus def. Dolph Ziggler

What I Liked:

This was a fantastic match. What did you expect besides that? The attitude between Ziggler and Sheamus is excellent, especially when Ziggler tries to escape and get a time out. His personality shines more in the ring than anyone else. Ziggler does the little things that I appreciate. His mannerisms and emotions are fantastic. I loved how Sheamus got the early start in the match, really working on the smaller opponent with his brute strength. Shoulder blocks and clotheslines pick up the pace for Sheamus. I felt giving Ziggler a great look here will do so much for him now that a few main event spots have opened up. Ziggler countered and connected with a picture perfect DDT, one that really caught Sheamus off guard. The timing is spectacular between two guys who are still very young in their careers. After all of this great wrestling, the finish came when Swagger came out and tried to help Dolph. That did not happen, and ended up costing Dolph the match. You get a sense that Ziggler may turn face here, with Swagger being the less liked of the two. Keep this going, keep progressing more than one angle, and build towards Summerslam.

Grade: A

-CM Punk is interviewed by Matt Striker. He talks about John Laurinaitis not liking him, as well as beating Kane tonight.

Ryder and Santino def. Prime Time Players (O'Neil and Young)

What I Liked:

It looks like O'Neil and Young are getting a solid chance right now. They are still young, but getting better and better each week. They are brash, cocky, and the typical athletes that people used to dislike. They feel like they are entitled, and a good way to gain heat. I enjoyed the match, but disagreed with a few things. After the match was very smart. Big Show attacks and dominates Ryder and Santino, two very popular guys with the fans. This was a smart move and came off looking great. If you want someone to gain instant heat, have them annihilate two popular faces. Plain and simple.

What I Disliked:

Ryder and Santino have nothing to gain by picking up a cheap win. We see this rematch from a few weeks ago, but this time they lose? I really did not like the finish because you need these guys to pick up wins against all competition before heading to face Kofi and Truth. I feel like that is the ultimate goal for them, potentially at Summerslam. There really is no point for Santino to be in this match either, who should have an actual feud as the United States Champion. This was just illogical

Grade: C+

Cody Rhodes def. Tyson Kidd

What I Liked:

This was a quick match with a few nice spots. Rhodes' dropkick is one of the best in the business. Also, Kidd gets a little exposure even though he loses in quick fashion. They flip the switch from Christian who was at the announcer's table. It looks like we will get a rematch at No Way Out, and I think that is going to be a great match with a lot of athletic spots.

What I Disliked:

I like these two feuding, but it is missing something. I am not sure what is missing, but I just don't feel the intensity between the two. There is not a lot of history, and Rhodes should be going up while Christian should stay where he is at. It is hard to explain, but I really think people will not care too much about this rematch, which they should.

Grade: C+

C.M. Punk vs. Kane Ends in No Contest

What I Liked:

You knew this was not going to be a clean finish. Punk looked great in the early going, stepping away from his technicality, and working more on being aggressive and physical on an obviously stronger opponent. I love to see Kane thrive with guys like Punk and Bryan, because it shows how versatility and endurance for a big guy. The match was really solid, nothing too fantastic. You had Kane hit the big boot and Punk fight out of chokeslam attempts. There was good technicality in the middle of the match to slow down the face, which benefitted Kane more. I liked how AJ continues to be used in multiple facets. You are adding multiple layers to a feud that seemed random at first, but not makes a little more sense with how much they invest in these guys. Kane stands tall at the end of Smackdown until Laurinaitis announces he is in the WWE Championship match at No Way Out. Another way to impliment someone else, well done by the WWE.

Grade: A-

Smackdown Grade: B

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