WWE Smackdown TV report - Big Show vs. Del Rio

By James Shannon: j_pats@hotmail.com

This is the final SmackDown of 2012. The opening focused of the chaos Sheamus and Show leave behind where ever they go, then looked at AJ and Dolph. It ended by recapping Miz being taken out by Big E on MizTV.

Sheamus came out to wish the crowd a merry Christmas. He said his new year's resolution was to become champion, but the new year was too far away so he called out Show then and there. Show came out and asked if he looked like Santa to him. Crowd chanted yes. Show said Sheamus always comes up short when it counts and he doesn't get to decide when he defends the title. Sheamus called him a coward. Sheamus said if he wasn't getting a shot at the championship he was at least getting a fight.

Booker's music stopped Sheamus. Show said Sheamus wasn't worthy of his title, and no one else in the locker room was either. Booker told Show he would be in action later. His opponent would be decided by a lucky dip. Long and Eve bickered over who would draw the lottery. Booker stepped up and picked out Santino. Show laughed. Santino celebrated until he got close to Show and the reality of the situation sunk in.

Match Number One: Primo w/ Epico & Rosa Vs. Brodus & Dancers.

Extended dance intro for Brodus. Brodus won a match that was shorter than his entrance with a splash.

Winner: Brodus Clay, Pinfall.

Rosa got in Brodus' face after the match. Brodus had his dancers take her out with a double kick, suplex and splitted leg drop.

Santino was in the back asking Sheamus for help. Sheamus said the Brogue kick seemed to be the only thing that could take Show down. Santino wanted to learn, but warned Sheamus that if Santino had the kick and Cobra, Sheamus may never be champion again. Santino pulled a hamstring trying the kick.

Match Number Two: Rhodes Scholars & Wade Barrett Vs. Team Hell No (C) & Kofi Kingston (c).

Really fun six man. Bryan was worked over by a good part of it, and a series between him and Barrett in the future looks like it would gel really well.

Barrett and Kofi were the main players as far as story. Kofi had been itching to get at Barrett during the match. When it broke down they were the only two left in the ring. Barrett set for his elbow, but Kofi got Barrett's back for a roll up. He didn't get three but did see Rhodes sneaking in and met him with Trouble in Paradise. This was enough room for Barrett to recollect himself and hit the elbow of Kofi for three.

Winners: Wade Barrett & Rhodes Scholars, Pinfall.

Show was in the back with Booker laughing that it was a shame that his match was off. Booker ruined his night again by saying they would redo the lottery. Booker wouldn't tell Show who's name he pulled out this time. After an ad Long returned with Ricardo, Show's new opponent. Show was happy again. Ricardo put his dukes up and Show put the title over his shoulder. Show wanted Ricardo to announce himself as the new champion. Ricardo was awesome, starting scared and building confidence. When he got to saying his name Show knocked him out and Booker told him this was ridiculous.

Match Number Three: Zack Ryder Vs. Antonio Cesaro (c), Non-Title Match.

Cesaro was dominant to start, hitting lots of heavy shots including a big suplex and running double stomp. Ryder came back for a brief moment, and while the crowd 'woo'd, they weren't particularly excited. He missed his woo kick and was finished immediately by the Neutralizer for the pinfall.

Winner: Antonio Cesaro, Pinfall.

Match Number Four: The Miz Vs. Dolph Ziggler w/ AJ & Big E.

Miz used his superior grappling to control the match early with a series of headlocks. In the best spot of the show, Miz sent Dolph over the top rope, and as he usually does, Dolph threw all of himself into it. He came done right on Big E, who caught Dolph in a hug. AJ was shocked and Dolph was shocked he was alright. Big E didn't move or show any expression.

After back and forth action Miz took out Dolph with a double axe handle from the top rope. He then blew AJ a kiss. AJ looked at Big E and he set for the steps to get to Miz. Miz saw it coming so Big E stopped, but Miz had his back to Dolph who hit the the ZigZag for the pinfall.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler, Pinfall.

Miz got a mic as he was still down and the other three were on the ramp. He said that no matter which superstar AJ was with on New Years, it would end in a bang. AJ sent Dolph down to the ring but he was double legged as Miz was playing possum. Miz sent Dolph to the floor but was taken out by Big E. AJ and Dolph made out over Miz.

Booker was checking on Ricardo in the back. The doctor said long term he'd be ok, but he would not be competing tonight. Brad Maddox came in with his personal cameraman. He asked Booker for one more chance and Booker cut him down saying it was the wrong time. He didn't let up though and so Booker said he was getting his last chance. Maddox was great. Del Rio came in and was furious with Show. He warned Booker that Show would be like a giant pinata when he sees him next. Booker offered Del Rio the spot in the championship match. Del Rio dedicated it to Ricardo.

Match Number Five: Brad Maddox Vs Sheamus.

Maddox cut a promo as he walked to the ring. He's never broken a resolution, and this year it was to become a fully fledged member of the roster.

They clarified that Vickie hadn't said it was his last chance, so Maddox wasn't concerned. Maddox tried to work the wrist, but kept getting thrown. He did get on top with some cat and mouse work, but he wasn't strong enough to whip Sheamus across the ring, so that ended quickly. Sheamus hit the White Noise and Brogue Kick for the pinfall. I love Maddox as a performer.

Winner: Sheamus, Pinfall.

Match Number Six: Prime Time Players Vs. The Usos.

There was some miscommunication between the Prime Time Players which let the Usos switch places and get a super slow small package. Not much of a match.

Winners: The Usos, Pinfall.

A Shield promo aired.

Striker interviewed an upset Big Show in the back. He was furious and said that if Del Rio wanted to come down to the ring he would knock him out too.

Match Number Seven: The Big Show (C) Vs. Alberto Del Rio, World Heavyweight Championship Match.

Del Rio was all business. No car, no long intro. He stormed to the ring throwing his towel down.

Del Rio started with quick kicks and strikes. Show tried to muscle him into the corner to deliver his chops but Alberto turned him for more. Show caught a kick and took him down with an overhand chop. Show sent Del Rio into the steel steps outside and slowed the match down.

Dek Rio came back with a series of boots to the head after Show missed a diving elbow. He started attacking Show's arm, but couldn't get Show down for the arm breaker, and was instead pushed to the floor. Show had had enough and walked up the ramp, the opposite side that Del Rio was on. Sheamus met Show on the ramp, hitting him from behind.

Winner: The Big Show, DQ.

Show dealt with Sheamus and continued walking. Every member of the locker room came out, since Show previously said everyone in the locker loom was a loser. They all got some shots in as they walked him to the ring. Inside, Del Rio hit a running enziguri to Show in the corner, which Sheamus followed with a Brogue Kick. Perfectly fine holiday SmackDown.