Smackdown Spoilers for Friday

[Andrew]

Triple H came out and set up Ezekiel Jackson vs. Cody Rhodes for the Intercontinental Title, Alberto Del Rio vs. Daniel Bryan, and Great Khali vs. Randy Orton. Christian came out to speak to Hunter.

Christian threatened that Hunter needed to change his SummerSlam match against Randy Orton or he would sue. Hunter told him he has no respect as the World Hvt. Champion, so the match is still on.

Sheamus beat Christian by countout. Christian wanted no part of Sheamus, so he got himself intentionally counted out while standing on the top of the entrance ramp.

Beth Phoenix and Natalya defeated Kaitlyn and A.J. Beth Phoenix pinned A.J. to get the win for her team.

There was a backstage segment with Teddy Long, Zack Ryder, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, and Aksana.

There was also a segment with Mark Henry and Johnny Curtis backstage. They will meet later in the show.

Sin Cara defeated Tyson Kidd. Mike said it didn't seem like anyone knew the difference between this Sin Cara and the real Sin Cara, assuming they used someone else under the mask because the real Sin Cara is suspended.

Alberto Del Rio defeated Daniel Bryan, Bryan missed a top rope move. Del Rio got the win via submission.

Cody Rhodes defeated Ezekiel Jackson to win the Intercontinental Title. It appeared Dylan Drake of AllProWrestling.com was passing out the paper bags at ringside. Cody got the win with CrossRhodes to become the new champion. I smell a rematch at SummerSlam.

Backstage, Randy Orton said he will unleash his anger at SummerSlam. He then discussed his match against Great Khali.

Mark Henry beat Johnny Curtis. Sheamus came out to stop "Henry" and wanted him to take him on tonight instead of at SummerSlam.

Randy Orton beat The Great Khali. Orton hit the RKO on Khali for the pin. Christian came out afterward and said he's the best thing going.​

 

[Andrew]

So by the look of things, nothing is announced for Summerslam. I do see Ezekiel vs. Rhodes rematch happening somehow.

Looks like a solid Smackdown with RAW stars appearing (Del Rio).

Curtis is going to go nowhere in Smackdown and I can't wait to see how Khali sold that RKO.

 

[The New F'n Show]

Doesn't look that good. Rhodes winning the IC title is nice but they seem to be coasting to the PPV. I mean Christian gets Counted out and Orton vs Khali. Really riveting TV right there.

 

[Andrew]

Why is Khali all of a sudden being pushed to face main eventers? What happened to Jinder Mahal?

Christian being counted out is fucking stupid, yeah he is heel but walking out on matches...

Ugh, I can't believe I'm wasting a whole $5 on Summerslam.

I know it's not much but the card sucks.

 

[Troy]

On RAW Christian said he had a big announcement yet all we get is Christian saying he wants the match changed and Triple H shuts him down. Bit of a let down.

Looking forward to seeing Beth and Natalya team up, would be an unstoppable team.

Really looking forward to seeing Hunico wrestle as Sin Cara

Rhodes winning the IC title doesn't surprise me but why the hell wouldn't you have this match at SummerSlam so fans can pay to see the title switch?

Curtis being buried doesn't surprise me either, his promos didn't go over well at all his gimmick is horrible.

Mainevent will suck.

Looks like a bad show. Put Gabriel vs. Kidd on this show.

 

[Andrew]

Major let down I reckon, I will still do a review but I'm kind of dreading to watch Smackdown this week for two damn hours.

I believe Rhodes vs. Zeke will happen at Summerslam, four matches for a PPV is a huge huge letdown.

 

[Troy]

It will happen at SummerSlam as well but everyone will know that Rhodes will retain so there isn't much point in doing it.

The bits I want to see from Smackdown this week is Hunico as Sin Cara, Beth Phoenix & Natalya as a team and Rhodes winning the title.

 

[Andrew]

Just going over the results.

4 matches for a big PPV. No Rey, No ADR, Morrison, Truth, Miz and those five are considered as Main Eventers. Also, no Tag Title matches? No Ziggler?

It's really disappointing on WWE's behalf and I hope I'm surprised with 2 or 3 more matches.

 

[Troy]

They will add more matches but I dislike how late they left it. This is what WWE used to do a couple of years ago and it bombed on them. They need to announce PPV matches early.

From this card I assume that Rhodes vs. Ezekiel for the title is a lock but nothing else is. Give RAW a couple more matches since they have a group of big stars that aren't on the show.

I like that Kidd is being used more regularly now. I hope he can start getting a push in the near future. A feud versus Gabriel would be the perfect fit for the Smackdown undercard.

 

[Andrew]

Kidd vs. Gabriel would work really well, it'd work much better if Vickie Guerrero became his manager or even Natalya now she's heel. It'd help utilize Kidd because he's under-rated as fuck and I've always liked Kidd. Just that he sucks on the microphone is a little disappointing.

Rhodes/Zeke is probably going to happen but I'd prefer Barrett/Bryan happening. Four matches, I do see a few more matches added. Way too many people are left out on the card.

Makes me wonder with Night of Champion just around the corner, could we be seeing two triple-threats?

 

[Troy]

Giving him a manager would be a good idea. If Dolph and Vickie split for real this time then it would be a good move to pair her with Kidd. I wouldn't mind Natalya either. Those two would be able to put on top matches and would be a good way for more exposure for the two of them.

I forgot about Barrett/Bryan. If Barrett was on commentary for the match then I see it happening, they have been hinting at it for a few weeks. Would be a good addition to SummerSlam.

 

[Andrew]

I don't think Barrett was on commentary but Barrett could cut a promo and call Bryan out for a match or something. It could work because we're not exactly expecting it.

Rhodes/Zeke we'd already know Rhodes retain. Miz/Truth vs. Rey/Morrison or Kofi/Morrison could work as well. Poor Del Rio...

I'll go with Nattie managing Kidd. They could hold great matches and it'd boost the Divas' division a bit with the tag matches.

 

[Troy]

It is always difficult with Smackdown since we don't know everything that happens on the show until it airs and they can also add in a backstage promo like you said.

I am still expecting them to announce a match in the next day or two from RAW on wwe.com. Del Rio, Miz, Morrison, Truth, Mysterio, Ziggler, Riley, Kingston are all guys that I would expect to be on the card. Maybe a six man tag?

It would be good to have them pair up again. It does seem odd that they are on the same brand but they are being kept apart especially now that Natalya is a heel again.

 

[Andrew]

8 man tag could work there.

I do see Kidd going up to Natalya and doing some backstage promo which enables her to align with Kidd once again. I could think of many good matches there.

Kidd/Natalya vs. Gabriel/AJ or Kaitlyn (They could use some of the divas on RAW for Smackdown)... Just noticed there are fuck all divas on the WWE roster now.

 

[Troy]

Gabriel/AJ would be a good pairing to face Natalya/Kidd if they went down that road. WWE still have around a dozen divas on the roster so they have more than enough even after firing two.

I wonder when they will do something useful with Jinder Mahal. Seems like Khali has taken over again as the main guy with Mahal in the background.