WWE SmackDown Review: May 27, 2011

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This being the first SmackDown after Over The Limit, I was most curious to see how the World Heavyweight Championship would be handled, and how Christian’s career would progress in this episode. I didn’t have to wait long.

The world heavyweight champion Randy Orton kicked off the show to huge cheers from the fans in attendance. He reminded everyone that he was the world heavyweight champion (as if they didn’t know already) provoking “Randy” chants to resonate throughout the arena.

Christian interrupted Randy to thank him and congratulate him. I seriously wish Christian would grow a pair. I mean, if someone had beaten me twice for my dream, I would not be a happy man. Sheamus stopped this sickening display before it went any further, saying it was painful to watch as he walked down to the ring.

Sheamus said what we were all thinking. He then made a case for being the No. 1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship.

Mark Henry made a predictable interruption and suddenly we were in the same position as we were three weeks ago. Teddy Long showed up to sort out the mess and asked the audience if they wanted to see Christian compete once again. They responded well, so a triple threat match was set up to determine who would be the No. 1 contender to Randy’s belt.

It is so painful to hear Teddy Long say Christian. I don’t understand what he finds so difficult about it. It was funny at first, now it’s just irritating. The sooner Christian gets drafted to Raw the better.

How bare does the area around the commentary table look now that the Colemine has gone? I’ve become so used to it just being there it felt like something was missing. It’s weird not seeing it there in the corner.

Sin Cara and Chavo had a rematch from their Over The Limit encounter and the weird lighting was on yet again, securing an obvious victory for Sin Cara. The match was not as good as the one at last week’s pay-per-view, but there were a few highlights, such as the Asai moonsault Sin Cara executed perfectly.

“Chavo sucks” chants were heard in the arena and the big twirly face-buster thing got Sin Cara the victory. This feud seems like it was over before it even had a chance to begin. After two losses, in weird lighting, I’m not sure Chavo can look like a credible threat to the Mexican sensation anymore.

Cody Rhodes unfortunately arrived with his assistants. He delivered his promo perfectly once again; it’s just a shame the content sucks. Cody is an excellent performer, there is no doubt. He proved this in his match with Daniel Bryan.

Cody used his mask as a weapon several times but eventually succumbed to the LeBell lock—although he seemed to tap out before it was even locked in. I just assumed this was so he wouldn’t be injured. An assault followed, ending with a Cross Rhodes in the centre of the ring. A paper bag was placed symbolically over Daniel Bryan’s head.

Watching Cody Rhodes just makes me think how weird wrestlers look when they don’t wear knee pads. It doesn’t look right at all.

Heath Slater and Ezekiel Jackson competed next and Ezekiel was dominant throughout. He threw Heath Slater around like a rag doll. He did his slamming routine then locked in the Torture Rack, but before Slater could tap, The Corre interfered.

We’ve seen that finish way too many times. However, this time, Ezekiel stood tall after forcing them to retreat. This should have happened weeks ago, if you ask me.

Matt Striker was backstage interviewing Christian. All I learned from that promo is that Christian didn’t start puberty until after everyone else, and I officially have no idea what kickball is.

Khali vs. Kane was next up. I look forward to seeing The Great Khali now because of Jinder Mahal. The Great Khali arrived with his brother Rahjin Singh and ended up losing to Kane from his signature flying clothesline.

Jinder Mahal came out looking uber-pissed and slapped Khali right in the face again. Then, Khali locked the Vice Grip onto his brother’s head, aligning him with Jinder Mahal, and turning him heel in the process.

I like where this storyline is going because using his brother as an excuse for his embarrassing Punjabi Playboy routine is a perfect way to legitimise him once again as the Punjabi Nightmare.

A pointless segment followed where Booker T embarrassed Michael Cole in the ring. I hope this doesn’t turn out to be another feud—I’ve had enough of Cole for an entire lifetime. Which reminds me, I thought he’d be less annoying on commentary since he was humbled, but he’s exactly the same!

The Divas match was boring now that Kharma has stopped showing up. Alicia Fox picked up the win for her team (she was with Tamina) against AJ and Kaitlyn. There’s not much more to tell.

Matt Striker interviewed Henry about his title match, but it just consisted of Henry trying his best to scare Striker.

I also seem to recall he interviewed Sheamus at some point but it seems I didn’t write it down in my notes. Nevertheless, Sheamus said he only needs one chance to capture the title, unlike Christian.

A fitting Macho Man tribute video preceded the main event.

It was then time for the triple-threat main event.

Sheamus and Mark Henry teamed up first to take out Christian, but it was Mark Henry who ended up being out of commission for a while. Sheamus attempted a sneaky roll up on Christian but couldn’t get the win.

Christian then hit his finisher on Sheamus, but Mark Henry managed to save the match. Orton’s music played, and he arrived to watch at ringside.

Sheamus was thrown out of the ring extremely viciously, so much so that I think he may have legitimately injured his back on the ring apron. Nevertheless, Henry seemed in firm control of the whole match at this point until Christian got him off his feet with a dropkick from the turnbuckle—it took two attempts though.

Mark Henry shoved The Viper after rolling outside and received an RKO in the ring. Sheamus took advantage of Christian’s complaining and Brogue Kicked him into next week. Sheamus picked up the victory.

The result of this match could not have been better in my opinion. Sheamus has finally worked his way back up to the main event and will be competing for the World Heavyweight Championship next week. I sincerely hope he wins it.

SmackDown delivered once again this week. I can’t really complain about the way things went, I don’t think they could have done much better, given the circumstances.

I’m glad they have started having title matches on normal programming as well, as it doesn’t guarantee the current champion will go to the next pay-per-view

Do you agree? Did SmackDown live up to your expectations? Please leave a comment below. I always reply to all comments sooner or later.

Thanks for reading!