Fantasy WWE: Friday Night SmackDown (5/25-6/22)

Will OwenJun 25, 2012

Hey Bleacher Report! Now that WWE Raw is completely caught up, it's SmackDown's turn to catch up. Rather than taking up all of the WWE Preview/Predictions section of Bleacher Report, I instead put all five missing episodes in one simple slideshow here.

And as usual, please leave a comment with a rating from 1-10 (1 being awful and 10 being amazing) and your thoughts. Please leave an individual rating for each of the five weeks this time for our ratings war.

Some of the best episodes of SmackDown will be found in this slideshow, titles will switch hands, pay-per-view matches will be decided on.

Interested? Then start reading!

Week 1: Part 1 (Promo, Match 1, Promo)

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Welcome to Friday Night SmackDown. No Mercy saw a brutal No Holds Barred match between Chris Jericho and John Cena, a physical battle over the Light Heavyweight Championship and one of the best tag team matches in recent WWE history. Bryan Danielson also proved that he is truly the best in the world by overcoming CM Punk in a ladder match for the WWE Title.

With the next PPV, Money in the Bank, just four weeks away, how will SmackDown shape up heading into the summer? There’s only one way to find out as we head to the arena, where the show is going to start with SmackDown GM, Michael Cole!

In-ring segment with GM Michael Cole

Michael Cole’s music hits and he’s greeted with a mixed reaction from the live crowd.

Matthews: “Welcome everyone to another edition of Friday Night SmackDown, where we’ll go over the fall-out from No Mercy and look towards WWE’s annual Money in the Bank PPV!”

Striker: “I can’t wait Josh. In just four weeks, one WWE superstar will climb a ladder and take home a guaranteed world title shot!”

The camera pans to the ring, as Cole has picked up a microphone.

Cole: “May I have everyone’s attention please?”

The crowd boo’s after Cole says that, but there are a few "Yes" chants!

Cole: “I’ve got a few issues to address whilst I’m out here, starting with last week’s PPV. Sunday night’s No Mercy PPV was such a huge success thanks to all the fans who turned out at the arena and watched at home. You’re the ones who make SmackDown the No.1 brand in the WWE, so thank you for choosing us over Raw!

Next, we need to address the divas situation. As you all know there’s only one championship for the Divas, so Vince McMahon and I have signed a deal allowing the Divas to appear on both brands. That means that our Divas, the best in the WWE, can now compete for the Divas Championship!”

Striker: “That deal for the Divas will give a huge boost to the girls on SmackDown, who will be looking to show that they’re the best in the company. One way to do that is to become Divas Champion!”

Cole: “The main issue on hand is WWE’s next pay-per-view, Money in the Bank, which is in five weeks. Now, I like to innovate things, to get ahead of the competition in order to make SmackDown the No.1 brand in sports entertainment. How many times have you fans seen qualifying matches week after week until the pay-per-view? Every single time! Well, not this time.

In five weeks, we’ve got the go-home show for Money in the Bank. That night, we’re going to have ourselves a little Money-Making 3 Hour edition of Friday Night SmackDown in which all the participants will be chosen and championships will be on the line! It’s going to be the most exciting episode of Friday Night SmackDown ever!

This has never been done before, but we’re making a statement to prove once and for all that SmackDown is the leader in sports entertainment and the best brand in the WWE. How do you like that one Vince? You’ve got NO CHANCE IN HELL of keeping your job!”

Cole drops the microphone and walks to out to cheers.

Matthews: “What a wonderful way to start off SmackDown. I can’t wait to for that 3 hour show. We’ll find out our Money in the Bank qualifiers and every title on SmackDown will be on the line.”

The Miz vs. Brodus Clay

Brodus comes out first to a little heat from the crowd, as he yells and points towards the MitB sign.

Striker: “Hopefully Brodus can get back to being the destructive force that he used to be on NXT.”

The Miz’ music hits now and he is out to some real heat as he storms down the ring now.

Matthews: “Miz doesn’t look happy after his loss at No Mercy to Ziggler.”

Both men are now in the ring as the Miz laughs and points at Brodus, who snaps as the referee signals for the bell, and Clay charges straight at Miz. Miz uses his agility to avoid contact. Brodus isn’t so lucky though, and he gets stunned after hitting the turnbuckle. Miz quickly goes for a roll up but can’t seem to pull Brodus down as he holds on to the ropes. Clay grabs Miz by the throat and lifts him up to his feet, delivering a blow to his stomach before thrusting him face-first into the turnbuckle.

Clay grabs Miz, spins him round and nails a head-butt to Miz’s abdomen. The force is so strong that Miz falls into the corner. Clay Irish whips Miz to the other corner and hits a big splash on him. Miz falls to the mat. Clay quickly covers Miz...1…2...KICK OUT!!

Striker: “I wouldn’t want to be the one who has to face Brodus when he can use a ladder as a weapon.”

Clay hits Miz with another head-butt and throws him into the ropes. Miz bounces straight back out into a huge clothesline. Clay smiles to the crowd. He’s enjoying this! Clay gives Miz a nice elbow drop to keep him on the canvas. Brodus bounces off the ropes and goes to hit a splash, but Miz gets his knees up just in time to counter

With both men down, the ref starts a 10 count. 1...2...3...4…5…6 Miz starts to stir, but Clay isn’t far behind him as both men get back to their feet. They both charge at one another and Clay goes for a clothesline, but Miz ducks and nails Brodus in the face with a flying elbow. He quickly covers him. 1...2...KICK OUT!!

Miz stands up and connects with a boot to the head. He goes for another, but it’s countered. Clay catches Miz with an elbow to the top of his head. With Miz stunned, Brodus looks like he’s setting up for an Oklahoma power-slam. Instead, he walks around the ring with Miz high above his head, showing his brute strength.

Matthews "It’s so easy for Brodus. It looks like he's not even breaking a sweat."

Clay starts to run forward but Miz wriggles his way out of Clays' hold. He slips behind him and pushes Clay into the ropes. Clay stumbles backwards, and the Miz catches him into a skull crushing finale and hits it. Miz quickly pulls the leg up and covers Brodus - 1…2...3!

Winner: The Miz (Match Time – 4:51)

Matthews: “That was a very important win for The Miz. He needed to get back on track after his loss to Dolph Ziggler.”

Striker: “Ladies and gentlemen, coming up next, we’re going to hear from the WWE Champion, Bryan Danielson!”

In-ring promo with Bryan Danielson

We come back from commercial as the reigning WWE Champion, Bryan Danielson, makes his way out to the ring, holding the title high and smirking at the crowd! With a mic in his hand, Danielson addresses the audience, who are all over him!

Danielson: “Last Sunday at No Mercy, I proved once again why there’s nobody who’s better than me in this world.

Punk stacked the odds against me, but class rises to the top and I retained my championship! Punk couldn’t get the job done. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve beaten him consistently, so it’s about time that the walking, bearded tattoo parlor got his ass to the back of the line and I got a new challenger.

Michael Cole, I won’t be wrestling tonight after going through that ladder match on Sunday, but you need to sort out who’s going to be the next contender for my WWE title!”

Cole appears on the Titantron.

Cole: “Danielson, I’m glad you mentioned that. You see, there’s a few people in line for your title. Dolph Ziggler, Chris Jericho, John Cena and even CM Punk could ALL be in line for a title shot. I like to innovate when it comes to SmackDown, so here’s another first for you. In four weeks time, at Money in the Bank, you’ll defend your WWE Championship in a match that we’ve rarely seen here in the WWE?”

Danielson: “Oh yeah Cole, what’s that? A wrestling match?”

Cole: “Funnily enough Danielson, yes! Your next title defense will be in a fatal-4-way elimination match! Your opponents will be……. John Cena (mixed reaction), Chris Jericho (solid boo’s) and a man you know very well… CM PUNK!!!”

The crowd explodes with news of Cole’s announcement.

Danielson: “You know what Cole, that doesn’t even bother me. Cena, Jericho and Punk are all good at running their mouths. I’ll just keep doing what I do best and that’s being the best wrestler in the world. It doesn’t matter who you put against me, the fact is that there’s no one man in this company that can beat me for this title!”

With that Danielson leaves the ring as the camera pans to ringside.

Matthews: “Wow, GM Michael Cole is on fire tonight, making announcements and decisions with serious consequences for all of our superstars!”

Striker: “That’s why he’s in charge Josh. I’m glad I don’t have that responsibility.”

Matthews: “Ladies and gentlemen, you might have heard Michael Cole mention John Cena and Chris Jericho there. Both of those men went through a hellacious No Holds Barred match last Sunday and the WWE doctors have refused to clear John Cena to wrestle here tonight. John Cena’s injuries are so bad that he hasn’t even made it to the arena. We understand that we’ll be hearing from the winner of that contest, Chris Jericho, a little later this evening.”

Week 1: Part 2 (Match 2, Promo, Match 3)

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Tag-Team Match (Air Boom vs Jack Swagger & Ezekiel Jackson)

We kick off this match with the Tag Team Champions, Air Boom, making their way to the ring. Kofi and Evan look pumped up for this after their successful title defense at No Mercy! Their opponents, Jack Swagger & Ezekiel Jackson, come out next.

Matthews: “We understand that this team of Jackson & Swagger has been put together as a test for the current tag-team champions, while their opponents from No Mercy get the night off!”

Striker: “That’s the disadvantage of being champions sometimes Josh, especially when you’ve got a General Manager like ours!”

As they get into the ring, they start arguing about who’s going to start this match with Evan Bourne. Eventually, they decide that Big Zeke will start off with Evan Bourne. Both men lock up in the middle of the ring, and DiBiase uses his strength to shove Bourne away. As Bourne gets back up, he runs at Zeke and tries to go for a clothesline, but it doesn’t have any affect.

Bourne tries again, but this time big Zeke meets him and knocks him inside out with a monstrous clothesline of his own.

Matthews: “I don’t think it was a wise choice for Evan to start this match Matt!”

Bourne staggers to his feet, but Zeke picks him up and bodyslams him hard down to the mat. Evan looks out of it already. Kofi tries to get his tag partner back in it, but Zeke drags him over towards Swagger and tags him in.

Swagger immediately goes to work on Evan’s back and cinches in a backbreaker. He picks Bourne up and press-slams him to the outside before turning to Kofi and making a gesture as if to say he’s going to snap him in half. Kofi tries to get in the ring, but the referee tries to get between the two.

With the ref distracted, Big Zeke picks Bourne up on the outside and slams him back first into the ringpost, before rolling him back in the ring. Swagger immediately goes on the attack and stretches Evan, burying his knee deep in his back. The ref asks Evan if he wants to quit, but he says no.

Swagger toys with Evan, prodding at him with his feet as Bourne sells the damage to his back. He picks Evan up and whips him off the ropes. He goes for a backdrop, but Evan kicks him in the chest! Bourne runs off the ropes, but Swagger catches him with a big boot! Bourne’s down on the mat again.

Swagger signals for the Swagger Bomb and sets Evan up, but as Jack lifts Bourne up, somehow Evan manages to counter it into a hurricanrana! With both men down, Kofi gets the crowd hyped and they help Evan to make the tag.

Kofi springboards into the ring and connects with a flying clothesline. He runs over to Swagger’s corner and dropkicks Jackson off the apron! Back in the ring, Kofi chops Swagger down three times and gets the crowd ready for the Boom Drop!!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! As Kofi’s going to do the leg-drop, Big Zeke sneaks in behind him and lifts him into the Torture Rack! The ref stars his five count. 1…2… As Evan tries to come in to stop it, Swagger catches him and takes him out with a shoulder-breaker before locking in the Ankle Lock! With the tag champs both in different submission holds, the ref has no choice but to ring the bell for a DQ.

Winners by DQ: Air Boom (Match Time - 8:43)

After the referee rings the bell, Swagger & Jackson keep the holds applied until WWE officials come out and eventually, they break their submission holds and look down at the fallen champions, laughing at them.

As the referees and officials check on the champs, Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks make their way to the top of the stage. With Swagger & Jackson walking towards them, it looks like both teams could brawl. Instead, they get face-to-face and start smiling. Swagger & Jackson then turn around at the top of the ramp and raise the hands of Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks!

Matthews: “I don’t believe this. Swagger & Jackson have done a job on the tag-team champions here for Hawkins & Reks!!”

Striker: “It pays to have friends like Swagger & Jackson. Two big, strong, powerful guys that have move sets littered with submission holds. Air Boom might have the titles now, but I don’t think they’ll have them for much longer!”

In-ring promo with Richie Steamboat

Richie Steamboat walks out, with the Light Heavyweight Championship round his waist, to a HUGE pop. He’s all smiles and soaks in the adulation of the crowd as he makes his way down the ramp and into the ring. He picks up a mic and laughs.

Richie: “Now that I'm the NEW Light Heavyweight Champion, the celebration begins and it begins now!”

The fans chant Richie's name.

Richie: “I want to thank each and every one of you who believed in me and who thought that I could become champion. There’s a bright future for this division and this belt. My next title defense at a PPV will be against Zack Ryder at Money in the Bank!”

Now chants of Ryder ring out from the crowd

Richie: “I’m going to be the best Light Heavyweight Champion that I can be, and you saw a preview of that last Sunday at No Mercy! Christian says he gives 100 percent, and he’s been the best LHC champ ever. It wasn’t enough to beat me on Sunday, and when it came down to it, I walked out as champion! But somebody had to come out and spoil the party. Yeah, I’m talking about you Yoshi Tatsu!”

The crowd instantly jeers his name.

Richie: “He came out and sent me crashing down on his return when I should’ve been celebrating. He came out and made a statement at my expense. Well Yoshi, you just earned yourself a whole lot of pain my friend! Get your ass out here and face me man-to-man!”

He motions for him to come to the ring. No one comes. Richie picks up the mic again.

Richie: “If you won’t come out here, then I guess I’ll just have to come and find you!”

He throws the mic to the floor and just as he leaves the ring, Christian’s music hits!

Matthews: “It’s Christian! What's he doing here?”

Striker: “The champ called for Tatsu but instead, he got Christian!”

Christian walks to the ring, selling his injuries from No Mercy, and he’s followed by Heath Slater. The two draw a lot of heat from the crowd as they both stare down Richie and get into the ring.

Christian: “You think you can just move on to Ryder? I got news for ya, champ! I’ve got an automatic rematch clause in my contract, so don’t think you’re done with me yet! Sunday was a fluke and you know it!”

Christian turns round to Slater and hands him the mic.

Slater: “I should be your No. 1 contender Steamboat, but instead [I stand] here with nothing. No belt, no future title shot, nothing. Last Sunday at No Mercy, the Long Island Cheese, Zack Ryder, cheated to beat me! I had the match won, but no! Ryder’s buddy Michael Cole had to come out and cheat me out of my title shot. I’m not putting up with this crap any more. In fact, I…”

Slater is cut off mid-sentence, as Zack Ryder storms to the ring.

Ryder: “I cheated? Me?! When you 'won', you used brass knucks to cheat! Cole made the right decision to restart the match, and I deserved to beat you. You’re just a sore loser and a jobbing lackey to a mid-card nobody!”

Zack drops the mic and squares up to Heath. Heath shoves Ryder but before anything else happens, Michael Cole appears at the top of the ramp.

Cole: “Gentlemen, I can see you are STILL at odds over the belt and No. 1 contender-ship, despite the results at No Mercy, so tonight, we’ll have another tag team match, but with a BIG twist, where the winners take all. If Heath and Christian win, then whoever gets the pinfall for his team becomes champion and his partner becomes No. 1 contender.

However, if Heath and Christian lose, neither of them will get a Light Heavyweight Championship shot for as long as Richie is champion!”

With that, Cole goes backstage, leaving all four men staring at each other in the ring.

Cody Rhodes v Jeff Hardy

First in to a negative reaction is former Intercontinental Champion, Cody Rhodes. He laughs and turns round on the spot before striding down to the ring, taunting the fans. Out next is Jeff Hardy. Hardy calmly steps out onto the ramp and looks around at all the fans.

He throws both hands in the air as two pyros go off, and he heads to the ring, eyes fixed on Rhodes.

Jeff Hardy starts by taking down Rhodes with a spear! He follows up with punch after punch to the head of Cody. The ref eventually pulls Hardy off Rhodes. Cody climbs to his feet in the corner, and Hardy runs at him landing a dropkick, but Rhodes is straight back up to his feet, only to receive several kicks to the gut from Hardy.

He then hits a huge DDT and points to the fans. The crowd goes nuts for Hardy. He drags Rhodes to his feet and starts to hit his mid-section with lefts and rights. Cody tries to fight back, only to end up being sent flying into the turnbuckle.

Matthews: “Jeff Hardy has been in complete control so far.”

Striker: “Rhodes has looked out of it, but you never know how things will go. Cody’s very talented and this match could still go either way!”

Hardy leaps straight onto the top rope. Rhodes sees him and runs at Hardy trying to send him off, but Hardy leaps and connects with a crossbody! Hardy climbs back to the top rope with Rhodes down and lands a flying legdrop and goes for the cover! 1...2...KICK OUT!

Hardy goes to the top rope and taunts Rhodes. He sets up for the Swanton bomb, but Cody gets to his feet and the two of them exchange blows on the top rope! Hardy gets the upper hand and sends Rhodes crashing to the mat. Hardy leaps off the top rope going for the Swanton Bomb, but Rhodes rolls out the way!

With both men down, the ref begins a count of 10. At the count of 4, Hardy and Rhodes both get to their feet. Cody runs at Jeff, but he’s run into an arm-drag by the Charismatic Enigma!

Matthews: “It looks like Cody’s got no answer to the rainbow-haired warrior tonight!”

Rhodes gets back up to his feet, only to be sent down by a clothesline from Hardy. Jeff starts taunting Cody and looks to springboard off the ropes, but Cody counters into the Beautiful Disaster! Both men are down, but Rhodes gets to his feet at a count of six.

He taunts Hardy calling for him to get to his feet! Hardy does and Rhodes tries for Cross-Rhodes, but Jeff reverses into a Twist of Fate!

Both men are down again only for Hardy to jump straight to his feet. Climbing the top rope, he readies himself for the Swanton, but Rhodes lifts up his knees again, meaning Jeff has crashed and burned for the second time in the match!

Hardy staggers to his feet as Cody uses the ropes to stand up. He grabs Hardy and connects with Cross-Rhodes! Rhodes follows up with a cover - 1...2...3!

Winner: Cody Rhodes (Match Time - 7:31)

Rhodes rolls out the ring clutching his head. He is all smiles though as he walks up the ramp celebrating. Hardy looks frustrated as he watches Cody celebrating his victory.

Week 1: Part 3 (Promo, Match 4, Promo)

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Chris Jericho promo

We get a video package of Chris Jericho’s assault on John Cena at No Mercy when we hear “Break the Walls Down” blasting out of the PA system. Jericho appears on stage and smirks at the fans as he makes his way to the ring with a mic in hand.

Jericho: “Did you see that? All of Cena’s talk, all of his crap, it wasn’t enough to stop me from handing him the biggest ass-kicking of his life at No Mercy. He couldn’t touch me. That’s why I’m the best in the world at everything I do. Let me make one thing perfectly clear to all you sycophants and wannabes in this arena. I DON’T NEED YOU. YOU NEED ME. Without me, John Cena would be running this show.

Well guess what, I came back to make a statement, and I think I’ve made it pretty clear. I told Cena that a revolution was coming, and now you all know that. There’s a brand new revolution coming your way and you’ve got no idea what’s about to hit the WWE.

This revolution will dominate the entire landscape of this brand and this company, and it’s started with me.

And tonight, there’s one more unfortunate wrestler who’s going to feel what Cena felt, and his name is Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler might be a show-off, but without me, this show is nothing. Once again, in tonight’s main-event, I’ll show why I’m untouchable, inside the ring and out of it.

The revolution continues tonight and Dolph Ziggler will be the next casualty!”

With that, Jericho drops the mic and leaves the ring.

Matthews: “Matt, what the hell is Jericho talking about? He’s talking in riddles. A revolution? What revolution?”

Striker: “Josh, if I knew the answer to that, I’d tell you. Jericho has always been an innovator. While we don’t know what he’s talking about right now, I’ve got a funny feeling that it won’t be long until we find out!”

Matthews: “Ladies and gentlemen, coming next, we’re going to have that HUGE tag-team match where it’s winner takes all in the Light Heavyweight Division. Who’ll come out on top? We’ll find out, NEXT!”

Richie Steamboat & Zack Ryder vs Christian & Heath Slater (Winner takes all match)

The team of Richie and Zack are in first to a decent pop. They slap the hands of all the fans on both sides before diving into the ring. In next are Christian and Heath Slater who are both instantly boo'ed as they taunt the fans and warm up on the way down to the ring.

Zack and Christian start off the match. Christian immediately sends Ryder into the turnbuckle and runs at him. Ryder lifts up a leg and connects with Christian’s face. He staggers back and tags in Slater, who runs straight at Ryder, spearing him to the floor.

Christian unleashes shots to the Ryder’s head as he’s on the mat before the referee pulls them apart. Heath pushes the ref out of the way and continues the onslaught until he’s pulled off again. Slater bounces off the ropes and connects with a legdrop. He grabs Ryder and drags him towards his corner.

Slater then tags in Christian and the two of them lift up Ryder and set him up on the ropes. They shake the ropes with Ryder on them! After the ref reaches a four-count, Christian pulls Ryder off the ropes.

Matthews: “This match has been ALL Slater and Christian so far. We could see a new champ crowned again tonight if Richie can’t get into the ring!”

Christian tags Heath back in and they double team Ryder, whipping him off the ropes and flap-jacking him onto the top rope. They both taunt the crowd as Richie looks on from the side. The two lift up Ryder again and send him face down into the mat. Heath tags Christian back in.

Striker: “Well they’re working well together as a team so far. Richie could lose his belt here without doing a thing!”

Matthews: “That's true Matt.”

The crowd starts booing as they see Yoshi Tatsu making his way to ringside to the announce desk. Tatsu puts on a headset and takes a seat.

Striker: “Yoshi, how do you explain your actions at No Mercy?”

Tatsu: “Matt, all the time I’ve been away from SmackDown, I’ve been practicing, planning and thinking. I wanted to pick my spot when I came back and wait until I could make a statement. It’s just a shame for Steamboat that I’ve chosen to make my return right now!”

In the ring, Slater is taunting Richie. He throws his arms out and yells at Richie. He turns his attention back to Ryder and locks in a rear chin lock in the center of the ring!

Ryder is struggling but can't find the ropes.

Richie has had enough though. He climbs into the ring and kicks Slater’s head so that he releases the hold and gets back out of the ring. Slater gets to his feet and tags in Christian. Christian kicks Ryder in the gut a few times and then stands in the corner.

Striker: “He's looking to wrap up the LHC belt now. Its Kill-Switch time!”

Tatsu: “But is Christian brave enough and clever enough to pull this off?”

Christian waits as Ryder gets to his feet. Christian turns Ryder around, but Zack breaks free and hits a neckbreaker! Both men are down!

Matthews: “Ryder needs to make a tag for his team to have any chance of winning. He’s taken a LOT of punishment from Slater and Christian though!”

Christian is slowly getting to his feet while Ryder is still down. The crowd is chanting a mixture of “Let’s Go Ryder” and “We Want Richie!” Ryder crawls over to his corner as Christian struggles to his feet and he manages to tag in Richie! Richie jumps straight into the ring only to be sent crashing down by a huge dropkick from Christian.

Richie is down and Christian is clutching his leg. Richie uses the ropes to get to his feet, and Christian staggers back up. Richie lands an enziguiri on Christian and heads to the top rope. Slater tries to pull Richie off only to be sent crashing from the apron!

As Christian gets back to his feet, Richie jumps from the top and connects with a crossbody! Richie follows up with a pin! 1…2…KICK OUT! Somehow, the former champ kicks out!

Striker: “Richie nearly had the match won there! That was close!”

Tatsu: “Yes, but he didn't and that's all that matters. If that was me, I would have ended this contest there and then!”

Richie looks towards Tatsu at the announce table and they glare at each other. With Richie distracted, Christian stumbles to his feet. As Richie turns round, Christian tries for a Kill-Switch, but Steamboat breaks free!

Christian sends Richie into the turnbuckle and runs at him, but Steamboat moves out of the way. Richie tries a monkey flip, only to be kicked in the head by Christian.

With Richie down in the middle of the ring, Christian once more heads to the corner looking for the Kill-Switch, but Slater pats Christian on the back and tags himself in! Christian looks on in utter-shock and then fury. He kicks Slater between the legs and as he’s bent over, Christian hits a Kill-Switch on his protege.

Christian leaves the ring and walks up the ramp, out of the arena!

Striker: “What have we just witnessed? It seems as if not only is Christians two month reign with the belt over, but so is his partnership with Heath Slater!”

Tatsu: “Fools. They’ve wasted their chance, so now it’s up to me to take mine!”

In the ring, Richie gets to his feet and notices the downed Slater. Picking him up, Richie lands the flying dragon and gets the 1...2...3!

Winners: Richie Steamboat & Zack Ryder (Match Time - 14:21)

Richie celebrates as his title is handed to him. He climbs to the top rope and celebrates, holding the belt up high before climbing down and shaking hands with Zack Ryder. Ryder leaves as Tatsu puts down his headset.

Richie turns to Tatsu and grins before going to the top rope again.

Matthews: “Well it was an interesting match, but in the end Richie and Zack wanted it more!”

Striker: “That's true! Christian wouldn't have walked out if he wanted that belt! Oh My God! What is Tatsu doing?!”

Tatsu slides into the ring behind Richie. Steamboat turns round into the neckbreaker to shoulder move! Tatsu once more picks up the belt. This time he puts it on his shoulder.

He picks up a mic and crouches down next to Richie.

Tatsu: “You see Richie, you don’t call me out. I pick my spots and do what I want, when I want. The move I’ve just done to you Steamboat, it’s called the Flashing Lights, because after you’ve taken it, all you’ll be seeing, are Flashing Lights!!!”

With that, Tatsu drops the mic and places the belt on Richie before leaving the ring and the arena.

In-ring promo with Alberto del Rio

Ricardo now walks onto the stage to some good heat.

Ricardo: “It is my honour to introduce to you here tonight… the greatest Intercontinental Champion in history…. ALBERRRRRTO DEEEEEEELL RIIIIIIIIIIIIIOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!”

Alberto’s music hits now as he walks out with the title strapped firmly around his waist and the crowd boos him out of the building!

Striker: “Ah, Alberto is still the champion and all is right within the WWE. He won a terrific match at No Mercy to retain his title against not one but two challengers!”

Matthews: “Are you kidding me? He picked up the scraps from Santino. Not only did Santino win the match, but he should be the new Intercontinental Champion!”

Alberto: “Ah, and it is morning in America again (he chuckles to himself). I, Alberto Del Rio, successfully defended MY Intercontinental Championship at No Mercy in a triple threat match against the joke, Santino Marella, and Cody Rhodes. I am on my way to becoming the best wrestler in the WWE of all time.

I have already become the greatest Intercontinental Champion ever because it was my destiny! There is nobody in the WWE that can even come close to me. My in-ring skills and my charisma make me the best champion ever.

I’m the longest reigning champion on SmackDown, and that proves that the brand should be built around me, because I know how to get the job done. I now look forward to facing new challenges here on SmackDown and never having to see that joke San…”

Santino Marella’s music hits now as the crowd pops massive for him, he walks down the ramp with a microphone in hand.

Santino: “Alberto, I’m sick and tired of playing these games with you. If you actually followed the rules, you would have never become champion in the first place. Every single championship match I’m involved in, it ends up with me being screwed out of the title. I’m sick to death of it.

You want a new challenge? How about you fight me in a No Disqualification match for the title, right here tonight!”

Alberto: “I don’t think so Santino. You’ve had your chance at the title. It’s time to move along and get out of my ring now, but if you want to fight, I'm sure Ricardo over here wouldn’t mind getting a piece of you!”

Alberto looks at Ricardo, who looks shocked that he was mentioned and looks straight at Santino. The Titantron comes on and Michael Cole appears.

Cole: “Alberto, while you may be the longest-reigning champion on SmackDown, Santino has a point. I’m sick of the foul play and shenanigans going on around the prestigious Intercontinental Title.

At Money in the Bank, Santino will get another shot at your title, however, we’re going to have a little 'Beat the Clock' challenge. Whoever beats their opponent in the quickest time will choose the stipulation for the match. So, next week, we’re going to see Santino taking on Ricardo, and the week after, we will see Alberto taking on…. any ideas Santino?”

Santino: “It’s funny you should ask me that Michael. I’ve got someone perfect in mind. I just talked to him tonight, and he said if I ever needed something to call him, so in two weeks, Alberto Del Rio is going to be facing off against my personal friend, Mrs. Foley’s baby boy, Mick Foley!”

Matthews: “Whoa Matt, can you believe it? Mick Foley is going to be here in two weeks!”

Week 1: Main Event: Dolph Ziggler vs. Chris Jericho

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Chris Jericho vs Dolph Ziggler

We go to the ring and out comes one of the challengers for the WWE Title, Chris Jericho. He’s getting boo’ed out of the ring by the crowd. His opponent, Dolph Ziggler, is out next, and he gets a nice reaction from the crowd as he makes his way to the ring.

As the referee rings the bell, Jericho charges at Dolph, looking for the Code-Breaker early, but Ziggler wriggles out of it and gets out of the ring. Ziggler comes back in and goes behind on a lock up.

They tangle until Jericho drops him with an elbow to the head. Jericho with a headlock takedown now. Jericho drops Ziggler with a shoulder and with another big takedown. He takes control until Ziggler connects with a dropkick.

Jericho sends Ziggler back to the mat with another shoulder. Ziggler comes back and goes for the sleeper hold but can’t get it locked tight. He ends up on the top rope.

Jericho backs off and gets slapped. Jericho comes right back and knocks Ziggler off the top and out to the floor. He slams Ziggler into the apron before bringing it back in the ring, and then works on Ziggler’s arm.

Ziggler fights out and wails away on Jericho in the corner, and they tangle on the apron again. Dolph goes up top and leaps off, but Jericho catches him in mid-air. Ziggler counters that but gets dropped by a big back elbow.

Jericho connects with a neckbreaker and goes for a cover. 1…2… KICK OUT!!

Matthews: “This match has been back and forth so far. Ziggler looks impressive yet again.”

Striker: “Of course he does Josh. He knows the spotlight’s on him and that it’s time for the ‘Show-Off’ to shine!”

Ziggler ends back up on the apron and Jericho fights him, but Jericho gets pulled into the turnbuckle and down he goes on the floor. Ziggler brings it back in the ring and hits a big DDT! He goes for a cover. 1..2…KICK OUT!!

Ziggler continues the assault until Jericho fights back with knees and punches. Ziggler stops him with a knee to the gut and gets a quick one count. Ziggler, with a headlock, now does some showing off with Jericho on the mat.

Jericho fights to his feet and out of the hold. He puts Dolph on his shoulders, but Dolph counters and brings him down with another huge DDT. Ziggler goes for a cover. 1…2…KICK OUT!!

Instead of arguing with the referee, Ziggler goes straight back on the offense. Jericho fights back, but Dolph dropkicks him for another quick one count. Ziggler applies a body scissors now, but Jericho fights out again. Ziggler counters and rolls Jericho up! 1…2…KICK OUT!!

Dolph thought that was a three and starts arguing with the ref, but then Jericho rolls him up! 1…2…KICK OUT!! Ziggler gets right back up and connects with a swinging neckbreaker. He pins Jericho again! 1…2…KICK OUT!! Ziggler goes back to the mat with a submission on Jericho.

Ziggler scores a big kick to the face, but Jericho runs, bounces off the ropes and connects with a couple of clotheslines. Jericho goes for a high-knee, but he misjudges it and Ziggler jumps on his back with the sleeper. Jericho dumps Ziggler to the apron to break the hold.

Ziggler climbs up top and comes down with a crossbody but Jericho barely catches him. They tangle and Jericho goes for a Death Valley Driver, but it’s blocked. Jericho misses a spear in the corner and Ziggler hits Zig Zag! He covers Jericho. 1…2… BUT JERICHO KICKS OUT AGAIN!!

Matthews: “Matt, this has been one hell of a match. It’s hard to see which way this is going to go. Ziggler’s been very impressive here tonight!”

The crowd chants loudly for Ziggler now. Jericho gets attacked in the corner but fights back. Jericho goes up top, but Ziggler runs up and grabs him. Ziggler drops Jericho face first on the mat and covers him. 1…2…KICK OUT!!

Ziggler grabs his knee in pain; it looks like he hurt it quite badly as he took that bump from the top rope. Jericho, like a shark smelling blood, spots it straight away and starts kicking away at Ziggler’s knee. He drags Ziggler over to the turnbuckle and Jericho slides out of the ring.

He grabs hold of Dolph’s knee and wraps it round the ringpost! You can hear the smack of Ziggler’s knee off the steel as Jericho continues his relentless assault.

Jericho gets back in the ring before the referee reaches a 10 count. Jericho knows that he can effectively pick his spot, so he shouts to the crowd: “A REVOLUTION IS COMING!” Ziggler looks done for, despite his impressive showing.

Jericho drags him to the center of the ring, and Dolph can’t stand up. Jericho turns Dolph over on to his stomach and locks in the Walls of Jericho in the middle of the ring!

The crowd chants his name to help him, shouting “Let’s go Ziggler!” Dolph tries to crawl and reach the ropes, but he’s in too much pain and eventually, he has to tap out to Jericho.

Winner: Chris Jericho (Match Time – 16:42)

After the match, Ziggler is writhing in pain as the crowd cheers for him, despite losing. Jericho makes his way up the ramp as the medical team run down to check on Dolph. As the doctors get Dolph to his feet, Jericho runs back down the ramp, slides back into the ring and nails a picture-perfect Code-Breaker on Ziggler, which sends him rolling out of the ring!

WWE officials come down to the ring and stop Jericho from doing any further damage.

Jericho looks in to the ringside camera and mouths the word “REVOLUTION” as we go off the air.

Week 2: Part 1 (Promo, Match 1, Match 2)

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What a busy week it was last week on SmackDown. We dealt with the fall-out from the No Mercy PPV, and GM Michael Cole found himself at the center of attention again. We discovered that the WWE Title match at Money in the Bank would be a fatal-4-way elimination match!

This week’s show includes the first Beat the Clock challenge match that pits Santino Marella against Ricardo Rodriguez. Depending on the time he posts, Marella might be able to choose the stipulation for his Intercontinental Title rematch at Money in the Bank.

What will happen this week? There’s only one way to find out. Let’s head to the arena for this week’s Friday Night SmackDown!!

In-ring promo with John Cena

The show starts with pyros and we cut to ringside.

Matthews: “Ladies and gentlemen, tonight is a huge night for a lot of superstars on the SmackDown brand, but first up, we’re going to hear from a battered and bruised John Cena.”

As soon as Matthews stops talking, Cena’s music hits and he comes out to a typical reaction. He's sporting a bandage covering stitches in his head. His elbows and fists are taped up too as he sells the injuries from the beating he took from Jericho at No Mercy. Cena gingerly makes his way to the ring and grabs a mic from Tony Chimel.

Cena: “At No Mercy, Chris Jericho gave me one of the biggest ass-kickings I’ve ever had in my life. I underestimated him. I thought he had lost a step. I thought he was more of a dancer and a rock-star than a wrestler. He proved that he’s still one of the best in the world, and he kicked my ass.”

His statement gets a mixed reaction.

“Without a doubt, Jericho proved he can still hang, but there’s one thing that he shoulda done above all else. He shoulda finished the job. Instead, he’s made the worst mistake of his life. Make no mistake about it Jericho, I’m coming for you. What you did to me was nothing. The next time we tear it up, I’m gonna tear you apart! I’ll make sure that…”

Before Cena can finish, he’s interrupted by SmackDown GM Michael Cole, who comes out on stage.

Cole: “John, I’m glad that the doctors have cleared you to appear here tonight, and I know that you want to get revenge on Jericho, but that’s not gonna happen.

You see, until Money in the Bank, I plan to keep you and Jericho as far away from each other as I can because I need to protect my main event. Your rivalry might be important to you, but my only objective is to make sure that SmackDown’s main-event outshines Raw’s.

Therefore, you will be in action tonight… but it won’t be against Chris Jericho.”

The crowd boos Cole.

“However, you’ll face a man that you’ve got history with: a man who also feels hard done by and who wants revenge for what happened to him at No Mercy. Tonight John Cena, you’ll go one on one, with CM Punk!”

The crowd explodes.

Cena: “Cole, I promise you this. If Jericho comes anywhere near me before Money in the Bank, your fatal-4-way match will become a triple-threat. Jericho talks about a revolution coming, but he’s got no idea about what he’s got coming to him!”

With that, Cena’s music blares out of the PA system as he drops the mic and leaves the ring.

Matthews: “Matt, we’ve got a PPV caliber main-event here tonight on SmackDown. John Cena against CM Punk, right here on SmackDown! Can you believe that?!”

Striker: “It’s decisions like that which make SmackDown the most must-see brand in WWE.”

Matthews: “The action doesn’t stop there. Up next, the first of our Beat the Clock challenge matches sees Santino Marella take on Ricardo Rodriguez. Will Santino get revenge for what happened two weeks ago? We’ll find out when we come back.”

Beat the Clock Challenge—Santino Marella v Ricardo Rodriguez

Ricardo now comes out to some small heat, he walks out in wrestling trunks and an Alberto Del Rio t-shirt.

Matthews: “Wow, Ricardo almost looks like a real wrestler here!”

Santino’s music hits now as he comes out to a big pop. He tells the crowd that the Intercontinental Championship is coming home to him as he makes his way to the ring.

Striker: “I still can’t believe that Cole gave Santino another chance at the belt. It doesn’t seem fair to me. There’s heaps of other guys waiting who should have been given a chance.”

Both men are in the ring now, and Ricardo’s shaking his head at Santino, who just shrugs his shoulders as the bell is rung. He hits Ricardo with a massive clothesline and quickly makes the cover—1...KICK OUT!

Santino looks surprised now as he picks up Ricardo and nails him with lefts and rights. Ricardo’s leaning on the ropes in order to stay up. Santino Irish whips him off the ropes and lands another massive clothesline and covers him—1...2…KICK OUT!

Santino drags Ricardo up again, but Ricardo lands a thumb to his eye, and Santino stumbles backwards. Ricardo hits a left hand, then a right and bounces off the ropes before hitting a spear! He covers Santino—1...KICK OUT!

Santino sits up stunned and Ricardo lands a boot to the head knocking Santino down again. Ricardo goes for another cover—1…KICK OUT! Santino throws Ricardo off of him and tries to get to his feet. Santino lands a boot to the mid-section of Ricardo and sets him up for a suplex and connects. Santino goes for the cover—1…2...KICK OUT!

Matthews: “Ricardo’s doing much better than I thought he would in this match!”

Santino shakes his head and goes to the top rope. He sits perched, waiting for Ricardo to get to his feet as he’s amping up the crowd. Ricardo slowly gets to his feet, and Santino jumps going for the cross body.

Ricardo ducks out of the way, and Santino connects with the referee!

Striker: “Oh no, the referee is down now!”

Santino gets to his knees, realizes what’s happened and goes over to check on the referee. Ricardo slinks out of the ring and slides back in. Santino turns around to find Ricardo swinging a chair at him! Santino blocks it and hits Ricardo with the chair instead. He disposes of the evidence before the referee comes around.

Matthews: “Some might say Ricardo got what he deserved for trying to cheat in the first place!”

Santino now covers Ricardo, but the referee doesn’t move. Santino goes over and checks on him again.

Suddenly, the crowd reacts as Alberto Del Rio runs down the entrance ramp with the title. Santino sees him as he slides into the ring, but he can’t stop Alberto from nailing him with the belt! He pulls Ricardo on top of Santino and throws the referee close to them. Alberto hot tails it out of the ring and back up the ramp now.

Striker: “The champ was here to protect his ring announcer and his title interests here tonight. Santino deserved that for cheating with the chair.”

The referee groggily crawls towards the two men as he begins to count. 1…2...3!

Winner: Ricardo Rodriguez (Time not registered due to Santino’s loss)

Matthews: “Alberto screwed Santino again, hopefully Mick Foley gives Alberto what he’s got coming to him next week on SmackDown!”

Kofi Kingston vs Ezekiel Jackson

We get a recap of what happened during last week’s tag match between Air Boom and the hastily thrown together team of Swagger & Jackson, where they decimated the tag champions. Kofi has asked for this match here on SmackDown tonight.

Jackson comes out first to a chorus of boos. The crowd is all over the big powerhouse, but he laughs it off as he makes his way to the ring. Kofi Kingston’s music hits, and he stands at the top of the ramp to acknowledge the fans.

He doesn’t look like he’s here to party though, and he makes his way to the ring looking focused.

As the ref rings the bell, they lock up and Zeke pushes Kofi away then he poses. Kofi then connects with a series of kicks and forearms as he backs Zeke into the corner. Kofi leaps into the corner, but Zeke pushes Kofi away. Zeke then connects with a forearm to Kofi’s back, followed by a hard bodyslam. Zeke Irish whips Kofi into the turnbuckle, but Kofi bounces straight out and connects with a huge flying clothesline.

He covers Zeke. 1…2…KICK OUT!!

Kofi follows-up his pinfall attempt with a forearm, then a drop-kick that sends Zeke over the top rope to the outside. As Zeke gets back to his feet, Kofi connects with a baseball slide that knocks Jackson into the announce table. Kofi then tries to slingshot over the top rope into a cross-body, but Jackson catches him and slams him into the ringpost!

Matthews: “You can hear Kofi’s spine smashing off the steel! That’s not supposed to happen!”

In a tremendous show of strength, Jackson doesn’t roll Kingston back in to the ring. Instead, he carries him up the ring-steps and starts pressing him up and down above his head before launching Kofi over the top rope like a lawn dart!

Striker: “Josh, I hate to see anyone give up, but Kofi might be best to just stop this thing and live to fight another day. Big Zeke looks frightening when he’s in this mood!”

With both men back in the ring, Jackson licks his lips and starts stalking Kofi. He pokes at him with his feet, but Kofi’s limp and can’t get up. Big Zeke picks Kingston up and sets him up for a sit-down powerbomb. With Kofi on his shoulders, Zeke doesn’t slam him to the mat.

He walks towards the ropes and launches Kofi into the turnbuckle instead, turning him inside out!

The crowd reaction says it all as they chant: “Holy Sh*t! Holy Sh*t! Holy Sh*t!”

Jackson turns to the crowd and starts laughing as the ref checks on Kofi. He’s starting to come around and says he wants to continue. Jackson slowly moves towards Kingston and picks him up. He sets up Kofi for a Jackhammer and connects.

He nonchalantly puts his foot on Kofi’s chest for the cover as the referee counts 1…2…3!

Winner: Ezekiel Jackson (Match Time – 5:12)

After the match, Jackson demands a mic.

Jackson: “You see that? (He points to the destroyed Kofi Kingston). That’s just a taste of what I can do. It’s about time you people realized that I’m a monster that can’t be stopped.

I’m the personification of domination. I’ve got muscles in places most people don’t have places, and I’ve got NO weaknesses.

Simply put, I love beating people up and I’ll do what I want, when I wanna do it for however long I wanna do it. I’m putting the WWE Universe, and the SmackDown locker-room, on notice that Big Zeke always gets what he wants!”

With that, Big Zeke’s music hits and he leaves the ring as the referee and medics check on Kofi.