WWE SmackDown: Del Rio Becomes New No. 1 Contender

The Friday, Aug. 24 edition of WWE SmackDown opens with Randy Orton being introduced to the ring. Orton begins to talk about Alberto Del Rio and how he should mind his own business. Orton calls out anyone from the backstage area to the ring to confront his comments on why he should face Sheamus for the WWE Heavyweight Title.

Sheamus comes out and heads straight for the ring. He grabs a microphone and says Orton should indeed face him for his title. SmackDown General Manager Booker T interrupts and heads to the ring. Quickly, an angry Alberto Del Rio comes out. Del Rio begins to point out about Sheamus cheating for his victory and Orton being just a crazy wrestler.

Booker T announces that Del Rio was the next person in line for a title shot but changes his mind. Booker T goes ahead the announces Del Rio against Orton later on the show, with the winner becoming the new number one contender.

Ryback vs. Jinder Mahal in a singles match

Your winner via pinfall: Ryback. Mahal was able to slow down Ryback in the beginning of the match but that quickly evaporated. Ryback continues to remind me of Goldberg, as his similarities are striking to the former wrestler.

Match Rating: 3/5

Alicia Fox vs. Layla in a singles match

Your winner via pinfall: Layla. That was a decent Divas match up with some impressive in-ring work by both Fox and Layla. After the match, Eve Torres comes out and raises both Kristen and Layla's arms.

Match Rating: 3/5

Sin Cara vs. Heath Slater in a singles match

Your winner via pinfall: Heath Slater. Cody Rhodes had something to do with this match, as he attempted to pull off Sin Cara's mask. Slater was able to pick up the victory due to Rhode's interference. At least for Slater, he was able to finally win a match.

Match Rating: 2.5/5

Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler in a singles match

Your winner via disqualification: Sheamus. Ziggler used his Money in the Bank briefcase to attack Sheamus. He attempted to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase but once Sheamus began to recover, Ziggler immediately left the ring. An impressive, well paced match by Sheamus and Ziggler.

Match Rating: 3.5/5

Santino Marella arrives to the ring and talks about losing the United States Championship belt. Santino pulls out his cobra sleeve and begins talking to it. Antonio Cesaro interrupts Marella and the two begin to brawl on the entrance way. Cesaro gains the advantage and stands over Marella with the United States belt.

Kofi Kingston and R-Truth vs. Primo and Epico

Your winner via pinfall: Kofi Kingston and R-Truth. A decent, short tag team match.

Match Rating: 3/5

Backstage, a brawl breaks out between the WWE tag team division.

Randy Orton vs. Alberto Del Rio in a singles match

Your winner via submission: Alberto Del Rio. Once again, viewers will see another Del Rio and Sheamus match for the Heavyweight title. After the match, Del Rio attacked Sheamus in the ring. Ziggler rushed to the ring to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase but was hit with a RKO by Orton to finish out SmackDown.

Match Rating: 3.5/5

Overall SmackDown Show Rating: 3/5

My quick take on SmackDown:

Wrestling fans are set to endure yet another rematch with Del Rio and Sheamus for the WWE Heavyweight Title. It appears Del Rio will do nothing but continue to demand title shots against the champion Sheamus. Although I enjoy Del Rio's work in the WWE, I am beginning to grow tired of these rematches against Sheamus.

Otherwise, SmackDown was a decent show to watch. For the most part, the wrestling was pretty good, especially Sheamus and Ziggler. The main event, which featured Orton against Del Rio, was also a solid match to watch as well. 

The opening promo was done nicely to set up the rest of the show. So far, I think Booker T is doing a pretty decent job as the General Manager of Smackdown. The Marella and Cesaro segment, which hyped up a potential rematch for the United States belt, was passable.

This was a decent SmackDown with good wrestling action and some decent in-ring promos.