Pulse Wrestling Report: WWE Smackdown! 08.12.2011 — SummerSlam, Randy Orton, Triple H

Reviews, Shows, Top Story, TV Shows

Let’s cut the chit-chat and just dive right in!

We kick off the show with none other than Triple H. Boy, he sure does look dapper in that sharp suit. The first item of business…Punk and Cena. Really? This is Smackdown, Trips. “The pressure that comes with this job is off the chart, and quite frankly…I’m loving it!” He shifts gears to Smackdown, promising to make it an incredible and exciting show.

We will see Cody Rhodes take on Big Zeke for the title, as well as Money in the Bank winner vs Money in the Bank winner…del Rio and Bryan! But wait…we’ll also see Randy Orton against…Khali? I’m going to have a field day with that one.

As soon as Trips mentions Christian, the champ enters and interrupts. The banter between the two is predictable, yet still entertaining. Christian moves on to his announcement…he’s suing the WWE! Why? He has documentation stating that Randy’s anger issues are out of control, and that places Christian in danger. Trips informs Christian that the match will indeed happen, and Christian is furious! He then goes on to verbally bitch slap Christian, rolling some legal jargon into a nice little ball and throwing it in the champ’s face. Christian reacts with some high-pitched screaming, and Trips calmly retorts before exiting.

A pretty solid way to start!

Wait, it’s not over. Christian cuts off the music, and claims that he gets the last say. He vows to beat Randy at SummerSlam, and welcomes his opponent for the evening…Sheamus.

Commercial.

Here we go! Christian tries to stay away, but fails as Sheamus lands some solid hits, but Christian is able to shake it off, at least hitting some offense but Sheamus is quicker. Both men are outside the ring, Christian over Sheamus’s shoulder but Christian fights out and sends Sheamus into the steel post. Back in, Christian uses the ropes to assault Sheamus’s arm. Sheamus fights back for a moment, but is reintroduced to the steel post as Christian dodges him. Just like that, BIG backbreaker to Christian, allowing some recouping time for Sheamus. They trade offense, until finally, Christian climbs to the top rope, tries for a Crossbody…misses. Sheamus tries to set up for his finisher, but is avoided. Christian tangled up in the ropes, and Sheamus gives Christian’s forehead a close-up of his knee. Some bellowing from the pale man, goes for the Brogue kick but Christian rolls out, grabs his belt, intending to leave but Sheamus won’t let it happen. And both are back in. Goes for High Cross again, Christian wiggles out and bolts. Ref is counting, but he won’t come back in, and the match ends.

Commercial.

Beth Phoenix and Natalya enter, with AJ and Kaitlyn already in the ring. Well, I love 75% of these girls.

Kaitlyn and Nattie first. Kaitlyn attempts to strike first, but Nattie laughs at her. Tagging in Beth, the women slam her hard. AJ tags in quickly, and runs the ropes like shit before trying for a sunset flip, which Beth turns into the Glam Slam. The match is done, but Beth and Nattie aren’t. Kaitlyn is put in the Sharpshooter as Beth lies there, laughing at her. I must say, this is making the Divas division more interesting! You know, except for AJ.

Commercial.

A quick plug for Sin Cara, and then we cut to Zack Ryder and Teddy Long chatting. Cody and Teddy appear, thanking Zack for the match this evening. Teddy shoos them away, and Aksana approaches. “Teddy Long…why you long, Teddy? Is it because you’re long for Aksana?” LOVE IT. “Teddy, I know how to ride stick shift.”

Quick video displaying Mark Henry’s wrath, and his attraction to chairs.

Oh hey look, it’s Johnny Curtis. And oh hey look again, Mark Henry joins him. He informs Curtis that his debut match would be against him.

And here comes Sin Cara…sort of.

Commercial.

Tyson Kidd appears in the ring, and we’re off! Quick counter and Kidd is outside the ring. Cara leaps to the top rope, balances and hits a huge Crossbody that only barely misses. But just like that, Kidd is back in control…but not for long. Cara is putting on a stellar chain of moves, Kidd on the top rope as Cara climbs, but is knocked down. Another chain, and Cara finishes Kidd off easily.

I would like to say that this match is worth watching. I had to remind myself to write about it. It was ultimately too short, but I enjoyed it. Good job, man in the Sin Cara mask.

Commercial (they seem to be getting these out of the way).

It delights my soul to see Alberto del Rio back on Smackdown for a night. He enters in his own magnificent way, briefcase in tow. It is a little weird to see that briefcase without massive dents in it…anyway. Daniel Bryan is out next.

While we’re waiting for it to start, Josh Matthews is screeching about a rumor he heard the del Rio planned to cash in on this very night. The other two announcers mock him as we get underway.

Del Rio wastes little time, pouncing on Bryan. Bryan gets some shots in, but del Rio targets the left arm right off the bat. Bryan fights out, and is flying around the ring as he knocks del Rio down. He hits his signature kicks, before del Rio does the same. Del Rio goes for the Cross Arm Breaker which Bryan dodges before sending del Rio out of the ring. A suicide dive that looks…awkward. His shoulder seems hurt, but he dusts himself off and climbs to the top rope. Del Rio moves quickly, forcing Bryan to land on the same shoulder. He locks in the Breaker on the injured arm, making Bryan tap out immediately.

As del Rio leaves, Barrett swoops in like a vulture to hit the Wasteland on Bryan.

Christian is backstage, his head in his hands, stewing.

Commercial.

Intercontinental Championship time! Cody Rhodes is out first, followed by Big Zeke. I almost wish I didn’t already know the outcome of this match.

Cody seems unafraid as he lunges at Zeke, who easily throws him off. Quick like a cat, Cody manages to stay away from Zeke’s big hand, and rolls out of the ring to collect himself.

ANOTHER DAMN COMMERCIAL.

Back in the ring, Cody is stomping Zeke, grounding him down into the mat. He targets the left arm of Zeke in a graceful submission hold, keeping the giant as low to the ground as he can. But, as always, Zeke rises up, trying to shake off Cody. Cody goes for a bulldog, but Zeke just swats him away. Big body slam, big body slam, big body slam…picks Cody up for the Torture Wrack but Cody gets to the rope. He distracts the ref so Teddy can strike, stunning Zeke. Beautiful Disaster, into Cross Rhodes and we have a new champion!

They place the bag on his head, and while Teddy is insulting the fans, Big Zeke stands up and attacks him, as Cody watches. To finish it, Zeke lifts Teddy high over his head, and sends him flying, landing at Cody’s feet.

Okay, the WWE is releasing a DVD I actually might look into. The Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century…hmmm…

Commercial.

Huge Punk/Cena recap for the second time tonight before we head backstage, where Randy is being interviewed by Striker. He says he needs to find a way to let out his anger, and that Khali is the best way to do it. Still not interested.

Mark Henry enters.

ANOTHER. COMMERCIAL. I’m getting angry.

Curtis is out next. Not a fan of his song, but I think I already like this kid. I, of course, did not watch the season of NXT he’s from. But oh well.

Not intimidated by Henry (at first), Curtis pounces. He doesn’t get discouraged by each strike from Henry. He tries, and tries, but a very abrupt World’s Strongest Slam gives him his first loss on Smackdown. Boring.

Oh wait, he’s being dragged to the corner, and Henry looks for a chair. But out comes Sheamus, seemingly protecting Curtis. He grabs a mic and mocks him for running away every time Sheamus appears. He then challenges him to a match right then and there…Mark Henry approaches the ring, but leaves, but not before slamming Curtis on the hard floor.

Commercial.

Orton slithers out, Khali follows with Jinder.

And this is our main event…

Bell rings and Khali is standing there with a blank expression. Randy tries to get his hits in early, but Khali halts him with a big right hand. Khali uses his foot to crush Randy, allowing Jinder to strike when the ref separates them. The fight moves outside the ring, as Randy is thrown into the steel steps multiple times. Back in, Khali nearly knocks Randy out, and is furious when he doesn’t get the pinfall. Randy builds up, delivering a dropkick tall enough to strike Khali in the chest, twisting him up in the ropes as he does his worst. As the ref splits them up, Randy takes out Jinder. Big DDT to Khali who staggers to his feet. Randy charges but is caught in the vice grip. Khali signals for a big chop, but Randy fights back before finally getting the RKO to win it.

We barely get to the verse of Randy’s music when Christian enters. Apparently, he knows something now that will “change everything.” But Randy will have to wait for Sunday…and so will we.

Credits roll.

Kelly has been with Inside Pulse since 6/2010, beginning with just her 10 Thoughts on WWE Superstars column. Now she brings you her 10 Thoughts on Smackdown weekly, and constructs the Rasslin' Roundtables for PPV's. In her spare time, she works with indy fed, Future Stars of Wrestling - AZ, wrangles children for her day job, and is generally and exceptionally awesome.