Archive of PWUpdate.net (2013-2014)

Venue: BMO Harris Bradley Center (Milwaukee, WI)

Commentators: Michael Cole & JBL

It’s 6-man tag team action in the main event of this week’s WWE Smackdown as Daniel Bryan teams with The Usos to take on Kane & the Tag Team Champs The New Age Outlaws. Also on the show Batista speaks (and wrestles), Triple H stops The Shield & The Wyatt Family from killing each other before the actual important TV show, and Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio face off for old-times’ sake. It’s 2012 again!

Match Results

1. The Real Americans [w/ Jack Swagger] defeated *WWE Intercontinental Champion* Big E Langston & Mark Henry when Cesaro pinned Henry with the NEUTRALIZER (5:32) [***].
   
2. Sheamus defeated Alberto Del Rio via DQ when Christian interfered (5:32 shown) [***].
3. Batista defeated Dolph Ziggler via pinfall with the BATISTA BOMB (6:28) [***].
4. AJ Lee (c) [w/ Tamina Snuka] defeated Cameron via submission with the BLACK WIDOW to retain the WWE Divas Championship (2:03) [N/A].
5. Daniel Bryan & The Usos defeated Kane & *WWE Tag Team Champions* The New Age Outlaws when Bryan pinned Billy Gunn with the BUSAIKU KNEE (8:02 shown) [***].

*****

GRAPHIC: In Memory of Nelson Frazier Jr., “Big Daddy V”

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-Smackdown Intro-

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We go live to the arena and pan the crowd as Michael Cole welcomes the home audience. He hypes the main event between Daniel Bryan & The Usos and Kane & The New Age Outlaws, plus AJ Lee will defend the Divas Title against Cameron.

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“The Animal” Speaks

Batista makes his way out to open the show, wearing a wifebeater, sunglasses, and a douche hat. He looks like one of those Italian Jersey Shore dudes. The crowd lets him have it and it’s not exactly positive. We cut to clips from RAW where he was cost the match by Randy Orton’s distraction. Also included are Orton’s comments about Batista being booed, and Batista responding with saying that’s called “being real and honest” or whatever. Nice spin on it.

We go back live, Batista with a mic in hand. Batista starts by stating that he loves this business and this company, and then says he did not come back to be liked. Batista goes on, saying he did not come back to please the fans, he came back to be WWE World Heavyweight Champion. He says the fans don’t have to support him but they’re gonna have to deal with it. Batista says it’s a fact he can destroy anyone they put in front of him, and he’s the best representative of the WWE, better than Hulk Hogan and especially The Rock. Batista asks what the hell has happened to the business, what happened to the real men and the attitude. Batista admonishes the crowd for chanting the names of 195 pound wannabes and says the fans chant “YES!” but the truth is “NO!” they’ll never be like him. Batista tells the crowd to deal with it. Batista asks the crowd if they honestly think their heroes are as good as he is then puts down the mic. He takes off his wifebeater, without taking off the hat and sunglasses for extra douche power, then picks it back up. Batista says everything about him screams WWE World Heavyweight Champion. A “NO!” chant starts in the crowd. Batista says he can sympathize with the fans, saying they look at their heroes because they look just like him. Batista tells them they live in a fantasy, then tells the fans to go back to their Hot Topic jobs and get out of his world because from this point on he will be systematically destroying every one of their heroes on his way to the main event of Wrestlemania XXX to become World Champ. Batista drops the mic and his theme kicks up.

His posedown is interrupted by Dolph Ziggler who makes his way out to the ring. A “Ziggler = Best 4 Business” sign is clearly shown between them. Ziggler tells Batista that he knows he’s been gone awhile but he doesn’t get to tell the fans who to cheer for. Ziggler calls Batista a “dinosaur” which gets some boos (come on!) and sooner or later dinosaurs become extinct. Ziggler tells Batista there’s one real man standing right in front of him, jack, then challenges him to a match tonight, Batista laughs and slaps his knee, then grabs the mic and accepts the challenge. Ziggler backs away then drops Batista with a dropkick before exiting the ring. Batista furiously jaws at Ziggler from the ring as Ziggler backs away to the exit, his theme playing.

• Jon’s Thoughts: I’ve been as down on Batista returning as everybody else has, but I know when to admit my faults; the heel promo Batista just cut here was tremendous. It wasn’t cartoonishly heel, it came off more like a man frustrated with not being beloved like he should, and his declarations of being better than Rock or Hogan were great crowd heat bait. His declaration of wanting to destroy the fans’ “heroes” was cool as well and a nice way to play off the resentment…and also leaves the option open for a Daniel Bryan feud. Ziggler coming out and responding to Batista’s statements was cool as well, giving him a brief spotlight and I loved his dropkick knocking the sunglasses and hat off of Batista’s stupid head. Batista still has the big negative of me having to actually watch his matches but this personality shift is a good way in at least getting me not to bemoan the fact he has returned. Things could get interesting from here on out. You guys were right about Heel Batista being awesome, so pat yourselves on the backs wrestling fans.
  

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-Commercial Break-

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We cut to the ring where Big E Langston and Mark Henry are making their way to the ring to Henry’s music. Their opponents, The Real Americans, are already in the ring with Zeb Colter dispensing advice on the apron. We go to a clip from Raw of Jack Swagger costing Cesaro his match against Big E, much to the Swiss Superman’s chagrin.

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Match #1: *WWE Intercontinental Champion* Big E Langston & Mark Henry Vs. The Real Americans (Jack Swagger & Cesaro) [w/ Zeb Colter]

Langston and Swagger lock up and spin around the ring jockeying for position. Swagger backs Langston into a corner and goes for a cheap shot kick but Langston catches it and hits a release overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Langston knocks Cesaro off the apron then hits the running corner midsection shoulderblock. Henry tags in and Langston splashes Swagger before exiting the ring. Henry whips Swagger face-first into the corner but Swagger gets a boot up during a splash attempt. Swagger charges and Henry plants him with a powerslam. Henry throws Swagger into the corner then tags Langston back in. They whip Swagger hard back-first into the corner. Langston picks Swagger up and connects with three backbreakers in a row before covering for a 1-count. Swagger gets a kneelift in and tags in Cesaro.

Cesaro sends Langston to the apron, catches him with a kick, then rams him head-first into the strut. Cesaro climbs to the middle rope and connects with a deadlift superplex. He goes for the cover but Swagger apparently blind-tagged in during the move. Cesaro is in disbelief. Swagger picks the bones, hitting Langston with the Swagger Bomb for a 1-count. Swagger peppers Langston with rights in the corner then tags Cesaro back in. Swagger throws Cesaro into Langston into the corner, then Cesaro hits Langston with a short-arm clothesline for the 1…2…kickout. Cesaro slaps on a sleeperhold. Langston fights out of the corner and hits Cesaro with a back bodydrop. Swagger tags in but so does Henry.

Henry drops Swagger with back to back clotheslines followed by a running powerslam. Henry sets up for the finish but Cesaro kicks Henry in the face. Langston bodyblocks Cesaro out to the floor and the two start brawling. Cesaro sends Langston into the post. Back in the ring Swagger clips the knee of Henry then slaps on the PATRIOT LOCK. Cesaro tags himself in as payback for earlier. Cesaro grabs Henry and connects with the NEUTRALIZER for the 1…2…3.

Winners [via Pinfall]: The Real Americans (5:32)

• Jon’s Thoughts: An enjoyable tag team match. Cesaro not so subtly proved he was the better man over Swagger by finishing the match after blind tagging in (Swagger tried the same thing but couldn’t). It looks like we’re headed for a Real Americans break-up and as much as I love this team the prospect of a Cesaro/Swagger hoss fight at Wrestlemania XXX is too much to bare. HOW AWESOME WOULD THAT MATCH BE? Also Big E had a great showing at Elimination Chamber, his win helping make the IC Title look like a worthwhile belt, and now…he’s losing in tag team matches again. So much for building off that momentum, but to be fair this is the B-show so maybe they save that for Raw.
  

Post-Match: Colter raises The Real Americans’ arms in victory as Cole says Swagger should be jealous of Cesaro. They overcome their differences and celebrate with a “WE! THE PEOPLE!” chant.

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Vickie Guerrero is texting in her offense when Alberto Del Rio walks in. Del Rio says Guerrero hasn’t congratulated him for beating Batista on RAW and she says she hasn’t congratulated Batista on beating him at Elimination Chamber. Guerrero says that makes them tied 1-1. Del Rio says he came to ask for the rubber match, but he’s already wrestling. Del Rio says since that’s the case he wants to take the night off, then complements her hair. Sheamus walks in and says he’s always up for a great fight, and asks if he can face “Berti” for old time’s sake. Sheamus says if she makes this match for him it’ll be like a night off, then jokingly complements his hair. He walks off and Guerrero tells Del Rio that match is next.

• Jon’s Thoughts: It’s been awhile since Sheamus/Del Rio were feuding and wrestling every month, so I’m okay with this happening again. Their match quality was never in question, it was just their neverending feud in 2012 that dragged it down.
  

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-Commercial Break-

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DID YOU KNOW?: The 2014 HOF ceremony will air live on the WWE Network.

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Sheamus makes his way out for the next match. We cut to clips from last Friday where Sheamus beat Christian, then Christian hit him with a cheap shot from behind. We go back live as Cole recaps the rest of the two’s issue over the past week. Sheamus’ opponent, Alberto Del Rio, makes his way out second to his old heel theme. I’m still happy they finally went back to it so I’m going to keep bringing it up.

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Match #2: Sheamus Vs. Alberto Del Rio

Sheamus backs Del Rio into the corner and goes to break clean, but Del Rio cheap shots him. Sheamus catches a kick and flips over the top and onto the floor. Sheamus goes to the apron and hits Del Rio with a flying shoulderblock, clutching his ribs which have tape on them. Sheamus throws Del Rio into the announce table then rolls him in. Sheamus drops an elbow and a series of knees. Sheamus with a European uppercut before sending him into the corner. Del Rio backdrops Sheamus to the apron but misses a shoulderblock and eats a kick to the face. Sheamus goes for the forearms of doom but Del Rio drops him throat-first on the top rope. Del Rio gets a full head of steam and dropkicks him out to the floor. Christian walks out to the ring to watch the match as we go to commercial.

-Commercial Break-

Del Rio works over Sheamus with right hands, followed by a jumping stomp. Christian is now on commentary and they talk about his elimination of Sheamus at Elimination Chamber. Del Rio climbs to the second rope and Sheamus clubs him with forearms and puts him on his shoulders. Del Rio tries to fight out but Sheamus successfully connects with an electric chair. Both men get to their feet and Sheamus hits Del Rio with back to back hammers followed by the corner midsection shoulderblock and running kneelift. Sheamus connects with a powerslam and covers for the 1…2…kickout. Del Rio ducks a short-arm clothesline and Brogue Kick, then hits a lung blower for the 1…2…kickout. Del Rio goes for the running kick but Sheamus dodges then sends Del Rio to the apron. Sheamus hits the 10 forearms of doom across the chest then picks him up in a fireman’s carry.

Del Rio escapes and sends Sheamus into the turnbuckles followed by a superkick to the ribs, dropping Sheamus to the knees. Del Rio connects with the superkick and covers for the 1…2…kickout. Del Rio is frustrated. Del Rio measures Sheamus and goes for the corner enziguri but misses. Sheamus grabs the legs and applies the IRISH CLOVERLEAF. Christian rushes into the ring and attacks Sheamus from behind, causing the DQ.

Winner [via DQ]: Sheamus (5:32 shown)

• Jon’s Thoughts: These two always work well together and this was no exception. Good match for what it was, but once Christian showed up I pretty much just sat there waiting for the interference to happen. Also good on JBL for crapping on Cole’s attempt to make Sheamus’ grand theft auto from 2012 funny.
  

Post-Match: Sheamus tosses Christian out of the ring but gets kicked full-force in the injured ribs by Del Rio. He goes for the Cross Armbreaker but Sheamus shoves him into the ropes and hits him with the BROGUE KICK. Christian runs back in and takes Sheamus out with the KILLSWITCH.

• Jon’s Thoughts: Saw a lot of people comparing Christian’s look tonight to that of Mortal Kombat’s Johnny Cage. They definitely weren’t wrong and as a big Johnny Cage guy I loved it.
  

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RAW CLIP: Daniel Bryan confronts The Authority, and he’s put in a match with Kane. We then cut to the end of the Bryan/Kane match where Bryan got the win, followed by Bryan challenging Triple H for Wrestlemania XXX.

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-Commercial Break-

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MONTAGE/CLIPS: A bunch of different media outlets covering Hulk Hogan’s return to WWE, plus Hogan’s actual return on Monday.

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VIDEO: Hulk Hogan on The Today Show.

• Jon’s Thoughts: Hulk Hogan has done one media appearance for WWE and he has already done more for them than he ever did for TNA. How interesting.
  

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Lana comes out to get the crowd’s attention. She tells the crowd to rise for the Bulgarian Brute, the Super Athlete, Alexander Rusev. Rusev walks out, stone-faced, and stands atop an Olympic-style three-step podium. Rusev now has the mic. Rusev speaks in Bulgarian then says his name. Pretty much the same thing he’s done in pre-taped promos but with a stage and in front of a crowd. They didn’t seem too receptive.

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RAW CLIP: Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins ask Dean Ambrose about where he disappeared off to at Elimination Chamber. Ambrose says he’s sick of explaining himself and if it’s not good enough for them then whatever. He walks off. We then cut to the Reigns/Bray Wyatt main event, which ends in chaos and Ambrose accidentally costing Reigns the match by being overzealous. Ambrose’s leather jacket is the best.

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We cut backstage where Roman Reigns chides Dean Ambrose and tells him to relax. Ambrose says he doesn’t know what he wants from him. Reigns says their recent losses have been because of Ambrose then Seth Rollins tells them to zip it. Rollins turns his attention to The Wyatt Family, saying they think they can move onto John Cena. Rollins says they need to show Bray Wyatt that it’s not easy to get rid of The Shield. Reigns tells them to strap in, it’s time to hunt some Wyatts. They conclude with their Shield pose.

• Jon’s Thoughts: Great segment. Reigns chiding Ambrose and Ambrose freaking out in a level-headed way (trust me it makes sense if you watch this) was great and Rollins was excellent as well getting them refocused and back on track.
  

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Back in the arena Dolph Ziggler makes his way out for the next match. He’s in action next!

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-Commercial Break-

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Batista makes his way out to the ring as we return from the break. He looks more serious, but he still does the arm cannons…AND HOLY SHIT HE HAS HIS SPOTLIGHT GIMMICK BACK. We then cut to footage from earlier in the show that set this match up.

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Match #3: Dolph Ziggler Vs. Batista

Ziggler charges right at Batista with rights until Batista bails out to the floor. He angrily kicks the ring steps and circles the ring, then climbs back in. Ziggler ducks a clothesline and hits a series of rights followed by a dropkick. Batista once again bails to the floor. Batista pulls Ziggler out and tosses him into the barricade. Batista picks Ziggler up and drives him back-first into the ring frame. Batista picks Ziggler up, but Ziggler slides out and sends him into the ring post. Batista attacks Ziggler’s knee then rolls him in. Batista pulls Ziggler halfway out and drives an elbow into the sternum, then rams the knee into the ring post. Ziggler slides back out to the floor, screaming in pain. Batista rolls Ziggler in and connects with a suplex, covering for the 1…2…kickout.

Batista hammerthrows Ziggler hard into the corner, then stomps at the injured knee. Batista wraps it around the bottom rope, pulling back to further hurt the knee. Batista drives the shoulder into the midsection but is met with a knee to the face the second time around. Batista charges and Ziggler dodges, sending him shoulder-first into the ring post. Ziggler charges at Batista but he gets shoved off. Ziggler charges again and hits a few right in the corner mount. Batista picks him up out of the corner but Ziggler escapes and works Batista’s knee over with rapid-fire stomps. Ziggler measures Batista and hits the Fameasser for the 1…2…kickout. Ziggler jumps on Batista’s back and locks in a sleeper.

Batista shakes Ziggler off then plants him with a spinebuster. Batista circles his prey then hits another spinebuster. The crowd boos and he gives them a scowl. Batista picks Ziggler up and hits a third spinebuster. Ziggler is lifeless at this point. Batista signals for the finish, giving the thumbs down. Batista picks Ziggler up and connects with the BATISTA BOMB for the 1…2…3!

Winner [via Pinfall]: Batista (6:28)

• Jon’s Thoughts: Easily Batista’s best match since returning. Ziggler showed great fire in his offense as usual and also made Batista look like a monster by acting like a ragdoll. Batista’s heel mannerisms were great and his “three spinebusters because fuck this guy” lead-up to the finish was awesome. HOWEVER this was still not even a 7 minute match and it was against an opponent known for helping guys look good in the ring; the prospect of a Batista/Orton WM XXX main event still instills a feeling of apathy from me. And now that it’s essentially heel Vs. heel I don’t know how well that’ll play in front of the New Orleans crowd. WWE still has time to spice things up a bit and I really hope they do.
  

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We cut to the announce table where Cole segues into some more RAW footage.

RAW CLIP: The Wyatt Family beat up John Cena, injuring his knee.

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-Commercial Break-

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The Wyatt Family Speaks on John Cena

After a Wyatt jump cut we cut to the “We’re Here” video, with Bray Wyatt namedropping the city. “Live in Fear” then kicks up and Wyatt, Luke Harper, & Erick Rowan make their way to the ring. We then cut to an ELIMINATION CHAMBER slideshow where they cost John Cena the EC match. 

Back live The Wyatt Family are in the ring. Wyatt says everything they think they know about their own lives is based upon lies. Wyatt says men wake up and go to work just so they can buy themselves those fancy suits and sportscars to impress women. Wyatt then says women wake up every morning and coat makeup all over their faces because they didn’t realize they are wearing the mask society demands them to wear. Wyatt says “they” plaster their hopes and dreams on the billboard, and the man on that billboard is the man who hides behind the plastic smile and plays hero better than everyone else. Wyatt says this is the same society that intends to villify a man like him, because he says everything they are afraid to say and does everything they are afraid to do. Wyatt promises up until his final breath he will slay this mighty dragon and will stand over its body and whisper into its ear “John Cena…it’s time to end this lie, FOLLOW THE BUZZ…”

The Shield interrupt and out come the trio through the crowd. They climb the apron and stare The Wyatt Family down. Triple H then all of a sudden makes his way out (BOO). Triple H says this is not gonna happen right now, as he has too much time and invested in all six of them to let this war happen again right now. Triple H says “this war” can take place on RAW this Monday and orders The Shield to stand down until then. Harper and Rowan exit and Wyatt stays on the apron. He says “come on boys, you heard your DADDY” and laughs. The Shield then enter the ring, Roman Reigns in front. Wyatt reenters the ring to stare Reigns down. Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose take out Harper and Rowan with stereo suicide dives and roll back in. Wyatt exits the ring and holds back his troops as Rollins and Ambrose scream for them to get back in the ring.

• Jon’s Thoughts: An absolutely brilliant segment. Wyatt cut a great promo on John Cena then it transitioned beautifully back to the beef with The Shield. Triple H coming out was a bit of a wet blanket, the fact he flat out admitted Smackdown wasn’t a big enough show for this match to happen didn’t help, but he did make one hell of a (I assume) main event for RAW. If I still had cable that would turn the show into must-see for me. Goddamn. Excellent stuff.
  

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-Commercial Break-

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WWE Divas Champ AJ Lee and Tamina Snuka are already in the ring for the next match. Lee’s opponent, Cameron, makes her way out second. We cut to a bunch of Total Divas clips that are meant to showcase Cameron’s personality but it just makes her look insufferable. They get the in-ring introduction treatment.

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Match #4: AJ Lee (c) [w/ Tamina Snuka] Vs. Cameron for the WWE Divas Championship

Lee immediately goes on the attack with a series of rights then sends her into the corner. Lee whips Cameron back into the corner then connects with a clothesline for a 1-count. Lee slaps on a chinlock (already?). Cameron escapes with a jawbreaker, then hits back to back clotheslines followed by a running bulldog for the 1…2…kickout. Cameron screams in anger then sends Lee into the corner. Snuka pushes Lee out of the corner so Cameron hits nothing but corner. The ref tosses Snuka out of the match. Cameron catches Lee with a pair of boots and hits a second-rope crossbody for the 1…2…kickout. Lee catches Cameron with a kick followed by a spinkick to the jaw. Lee slaps on the BLACK WIDOW, Cameron doing the splits on the ground, and she taps.

Winner and STILL Divas Champion [via Submission]: AJ Lee (2:03)

• Jon’s Thoughts: So that happened.
  

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-Commercial Break-

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RAW REBOUND: The Undertaker signs Brock Lesnar’s “Open Contract” for Wrestlemania XXX then chokeslams him through the table. “In Time” by Mark Collie is the song played during the video, and it was most famously used in the 2005 film The Punisher.

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RAW HYPE: Brock Lesnar responds to Undertaker accepting the challenge.

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We cut to the Smackdown All-Star Panel (for Pre-Show and Backstage Pass on WWE Network), hosted by Josh Matthews. He’s joined by panelists Booker T, Alex Riley, and The Big Show. They talk about Brock Lesnar and stuff.

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The Usos make their way out for the main event, Siva Tau entrance in tact. Their partner, Daniel Bryan, is out next and the crowd doesn’t care. JUST KIDDING HE GETS ALL OF THE “YES!” CHANTS. His shoulder is still taped up. Their opponents…will make their entrance next.

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-Commercial Break-

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Kane makes his way out first for the opposing team, followed by the Tag Team Champs The New Age Outlaws. No mic schtick.

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Main Event: Daniel Bryan & The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) Vs. Kane & *WWE Tag Team Champions* The New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg & Billy Gunn)

Bryan and Gunn lock up, the latter grabbing a side headlock. Gunn takes Bryan down with a shoulderblock, so Bryan responds with a knee to the gut. Bryan kicks Gunn rapid-fire in the corner then tags Jey in. Jey grabs a wristlock but gets backed into the heel corner and Kane tags in. Kane takes Jey down with a right hook then sends him hard into the corner. Kane with an uppercut and a tag to Dogg who has a head tattoo I’ve just now noticed. Dogg makes with the left jabs, followed by the dance. Jey fights back and hits Dogg with a leaping clothesline. Jimmy tags in and The Usos hit Dogg with a double elbowdrop. Jimmy covers for a 2-count. Dogg dodges a superkick and bails out to the floor. Gunn consoles his partner ringside as Jimmy leads an Uso chant. The heels have a pow wow as we go to break.

-Commercial Break-

Gunn sends Jimmy into the corner but misses a splash and runs into a hip toss followed by an armdrag takedown. Gunn reverses an Irish whip and Jimmy slides under Dogg’s legs, taking him off the apron. Jimmy runs back in…and right into a tilt-a-whirl slam. Gunn covers for 2, then tags Kane in. Kane hits a running kick then throws Jimmy into the corner, following up with back to back clotheslines. Kane throws Jimmy out of the corner and covers for 2. Kane puts Jimmy in the corner and hits an uppercut, then tags Dogg in. Dogg kicks Jimmy and covers for a 1-count. Kane tags back in and hits another uppercut. Kane sends Jimmy into the corner and connects with a sidewalk slam for the 1…2…kickout. Kane slaps on a chinlock.

Kane connects with a cheapshot on Bryan then tags out to Dogg. Dogg chokes Jimmy on the middle rope then hits the running butt splash. Dogg knocks Jimmy off the apron, then eats an enziguri in the face from Jey. Bryan revs up and climbs back to the apron. Gunn tags in but so does Bryan. Bryan knocks Kane off the apron with a dropkick then hits Gunn with a series of corner Yes! Kicks. Bryan backflips out of the corner, ducks a clothesline, and hits one of his own. Gunn gets to his knees conveniently so Bryan can pepper him with Yes! Kicks. He goes for the killing blow but Dogg runs in and gets sent to the floor. Bryan dropkicks Gunn out to the floor and goes for a splash but Kane clotheslines him before. The Usos run in and Kane goozles both. The Usos escape and drop Kane with a double superkick, Jimmy takes Dogg out with a splash, Jey takes Kane out with a splash. Gunn runs in and hits Bryan with the FAMEASSER for the 1…2…kickout. Gunn can’t believe it. Gunn goes for a back suplex but Bryan lands on his feet and gets his boots up during a corner splash. Bryan finishes Gunn off with the BUSAIKU KNEE for the 1…2…3!

Winners [via Pinfall]: Daniel Bryan & The Usos (8:02 shown)

• Jon’s Thoughts: A perfectly serviceable main event that capped off a (mostly) perfectly serviceable night of in-ring action. With Bryan and The Usos you know what you’re going to get and they hit those beats with precision.
  

Post-Match: Bryan & The Usos raise their hands in victory, then Bryan leads some “YES!” chants to end the episode.

*****

Overall Show Thoughts

With the exception of the Divas Championship match (which is sad because AJ Lee is awesome), this was an adequate Smackdown when it came to the in-ring action; none of the matches were dull or overly bad and I enjoyed them for what they were. However this episode excelled when it came to the segments, with Batista opening the show cutting a boss heel promo and the Wyatt Family/Shield/Triple H segment completely stealing the show. This won’t be an episode that’ll blow you away action-wise but it’s a good complement to RAW and that’s all it needs to be sometimes.

• Best Match: Batista Vs. Dolph Ziggler
  
• Worst Match: AJ Lee Vs. Cameron
• Best Segment: Wyatt Family/Shield/Triple H
• Worst Segment: Nothing bad.

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