This week’s Smackdown did not do well with building up for the big pay-per-view this Sunday. Sure the ending was good, but for one of the “Big Four”, WWE lacked the momentum this year. This writer felt like she was just watching a regular episode of Smackdown with no thoughts that there would be a PPV coming up.
The show opened up with Daniel Bryan coming out to the ring to cut a promo. During the promo he invited out Dolph Ziggler, Erik Rowan, and Ryback and each one addressed the WWE Universe about their return and time spent while they were fired. Was that a stab at CM Punk from Ziggler? Members of the Authority would interrupt inform the competitors in the ring about the matches that were set for them later on in the evening. All three members of team Cena would have to win a qualifying match in order to enter the Royal Rumble this Sunday.
Dolph Ziggler - Bad News Barrett
It only makes sense that Dolph Ziggler’s first match back is against the man he lost his Intercontinental Championship to. This was a very competitive match on both man’s part. The two gave it their all as Ziggler dodged the Bull Hammer Elbow with a dropkick. Ziggler hit Barrett with a Zig Zag and got the pin fall, winning his spot in the Royal Rumble.
Rusev vs. Ryback
Next on the card was Ryback’s qualifying match. Ryback had to face the United States champion Rusev, good thing no one stated how he had to win. In what was considered the match of the night, Ryback fought off Rusev and even avoided getting put in the Accolade. The two men would then start to fight outside the ring, not realizing the referee had started a count out. Ryback stood over Rusev and pounded away at him. The referee was at nine and Ryback seemed oblivious but he managed to roll back into the ring before the referee could count to ten. Therefore Ryback won via count-out.
Rusev did not take his loss quietly as he got back in the ring to attack Ryback. Despite losing, Rusev still has to make the statement that he’s a brute force from Mother Russia. This wasn’t wise for Rusev as Ryback fought back, leaving Rusev to retreat before getting Shellshocked. Since the loss came via count-out and not pin Rusev is still undefeated.
Brie Bella vs. Naomi
For the Divas this Thursday night it was Brie Bella in a singles match against Naomi with Nikki at ringside and both Natalya and Paige as guest commentators. Let’s face it, the focus of this match was the on the announcement table. Paige and Natalya talked about their relationship towards one another, “We’re not really friends. We’re not frienemies. We just have a common enemy.” Given Natalya’s attitude, we shouldn’t put a label on them just yet. Brie Bella was the victor of this match by hitting Naomi with the Bella Press and getting the pin fall.
Luke Harper vs. Erik Rowan
Next in the night’s events was Erik Rowan going up against his former Family member Luke Harper for his Royal Rumble qualifying match. Unfortunately for Rowan, he did not win his match and will not be in the Royal Rumble. The match itself could have used some work as there was one point when Rowan was setting up for a power bomb and Harper reversed it, but it looked more like a botch.
Daniel Bryan vs. Kane
Kane insisted he have J&J security at ringside for his match tonight against Daniel Bryan. The two former tag team partners faced off in a No Disqualification match, which included Bryan putting his Royal Rumble spot on the line. The match had what any No DQ match would have, outside interference, steel steps, ring post, ringside barricade, steel chair, kendo stick, and the announcement table. Kane started to put Bryan in a Chokeslam on the announce table but Daniel Bryan reverse the move and gained momentum. Bryan would win the match with a Running Knee and secure his place in the Royal Rumble main event.
As Bryan was walking up the ramp to celebrate his victory, Big Show attacked him from behind and carried him back to the ring for a four on one assault. Soon the three members of team Cena would come out to Bryan’s aid and then the rest of the locker room. Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns were the last two to approach the ring and partake in the brawl. The show ended with Ambrose, Bryan, Ziggler, Reigns, Show, Kane, and Ryback in a face off, reminding everyone that this Sunday it’s every man for himself.
