In ring segment: HHH
The show kicks off tonight with WWE COO HHH (say that three times fast). HHH surprises the WWE Universe by talking about how proud he is of the Shield. He states the mistake he made was giving them too much power. They crossed a line and now they have to pay the price. They air a video package recapping the events that closed out RAW last Monday night. After the Shield were laid out by the 11 men they faced in the main event, HHH, Batista, and Randy Orton made their way to the ring, complete with their old Evolution entrance music. Can’t help but wonder if Ric Flair was at a bar somewhere pissed that he got left out of the reunion.
HHH states he will let the Shield off the hook if they grovel at his feet. Of course they refused to take him up on that offer. In fact, this was Roman Reigns response: “Hunter, kings don’t win wars, soldiers do…” HHH’s response: “In reality, soldiers are the currency on which empires are bought and sold. “ Is this Smackdown or an episode of “Game of Thrones”? The Helmsley’s always pay their debts.
HHH announces the Shield will face Evolution at the Extreme Rules pay per view.
This is a huge match. It could serve as yet another building block for the Shield, more specifically, Roman Reigns. Rumor has it Reigns may be in line for a match at SummerSlam against HHH. That would be huge for Reigns, win, lose, or draw. One thing the “Smarks” don’t seem to understand is you don’t have to win to be made.
Singles Match: Intercontinental Champion Big E. vs. Alberto Del Rio-
Del Rio has actually managed to beat Big E. on two other occasions. For some reason he wasn’t made the number one contender. He lost to RVD in the first round of the IC title contender tournament. Even if you aren’t a big Del Rio fan, the way he is being booked makes no sense. Del Rio should be the number one contender. Big E gets the win via DQ after Del Rio goes nuts and won’t let go of the Cross Armbreaker even though Big E. made it to the ropes.
Big E. defeated Alberto Del Rio via pin DQ.
In Ring Segment: Paul Heyman
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are the two most hated people in the WWE. Who knew breaking the streak would lead to such nuclear heat for the two of them. Heyman is in the ring yelling over and over that his client (Brock Lesnar) conquered the streak. This segment went on for a good five minutes. Talk about rubbing it in.
Divas Match: Divas Champion Paige vs. Aksana
This was a rather short match. After a bit of back and forth, Paige locks on the Scorpion Crosslock. Aksana has no choice but to tap out. That move is sick.
Paige defeated Aksana via submission.
Paige looked good tonight. Those who do not look NXT have no idea what she is capable of. Give it time fans, give it time. It will be very interesting to see how she matches up with Tamina at Extreme Rules.
Mini singles match: El Torito w/Los Matadores vs. Hornswoggle w/3MB-
Seriously WWE? Seriously?
Singles Match: Alexander Rusev w/Lana vs. R-Truth w/Xavier Woods-
Yeah… This is not going to end well for Truth. Before that sentence was completed, Truth tapped out to the Accolade. Man that was fast.
Alexander Rusev defeated R-Truth via submission.
Get used to seeing Rusev destroy everyone that is put in front of him. The WWE is trying to build a monster. They will continue to, ahem, feed him more.
Singles Match: Santino w/Emma vs. Fandango w/Layla-
In other quick match Santino rolls up Fandango for the win. After the match, Santino accidentally high fives Emma with the Cobra and her arm went dead. Before you ask, yes that was in fact the most interesting thing that happened in this match.
Santino defeated Fandango via pin fall.
You know what? This has been the strangest episode of Smackdown in a long time. Tons of really quick matches and a lot of video packages. Bizarre.
Another video package for the soon to debut Adam Rose airs. The WWE should be careful. Russell Brand is going to sue them for gimmick infringement.
Singles Match: Sheamus vs. Batista-
Last time these two faced off Batista attacked Sheamus with a chair and ended up getting DQ’d. Batista takes control early. Sheamus hits a huge clothesline. Batista ends up on the apron. Sheamus starts clubbing Batista in the chest, but Batista hangs him up on the top rope. Before Batista can get back in the ring, Sheamus shoulder blocks him, which sends him tumbling to the outside. After a short commercial break, Batista drives Sheamus into the ring steps chest first. Hard hitting match so far. They are really laying into each other. Batista rolls Sheamus back in the ring. Sheamus manages to land a few punches to Batista gut. Batista tumbles towards the turnbuckle. Sheamus charges in, but Batista drop toe holds him into the turnbuckle.
Batista sets up for a Batista Bomb, but Sheamus reverses and send Batista to the outside. Sheamus ducks a clothesline from Batista and hits a few double axe handles. Sheamus hits a running knee in the corner. Then a battering ram from the outside of the ring to the inside. Batista kicks out at two. Sheamus goes for White Noise, but Batista fights out of it. Sheamus crushes Batista with the Irish Curse Backbreaker. Sheamus calls for the Brogue Kick. Batista rolls out of the ring. Sheamus chases him. Batista hits a huge spear on Sheamus. Sheamus kicks out at two. Batista finally hits the Batista Bomb for the one, two, three.
Batista defeated Sheamus via pin fall.
This episode of Smackdown didn’t do a whole lot to further many of the ongoing storylines. It seemed a bit disjointed. The biggest take always was the announcement that the Shield and Evolution will face each other at Extreme Rules. HHH promo to start the show was good, but it would have been nice to see the Shield get involved in the main event in some form or fashion. Let’s hope next week’s episode of RAW picks up a little momentum. We are getting dangerously close to Extreme Rules and we still don’t have a complete card for the show. Stay tuned folks!