Welcome and season greetings to all wrestling fans, this is my last Smackdown review of the year but fear not I will be back in 2014 to keep you all up to date with all of the weekly grappling action. Not only have I been watching Smackdown but I have also just finished listening to this week’s TWM’s Raw Review Podcast presented by my fellow staffers Dean Puckering and Michael Owen. The joyful festive sounds are still ringing in my ears as I type, great recap of the year with some not so predictable award winners. Make sure you check it out if you haven’t already done so. So without further ado let’s get stuck into this week’s review.
The Uso’s vs The Wyatt’s Luke Harper and Erik RowanÂ
This was a very quick squash match, with the Wyatt’s coming out on top. After the match Bray Wyatt finishes things off by delivering Sister Abigail’s Kiss to Jimmy. The Watts assertion to the top continues.
John Cena makes his way to the ring and cuts a pretty decent promo. He invites Randy Orton to join him in the ring and give him a rematch for the WWE World Heavy Weight Title. Instead of Orton The Shield make their way to the ring and attack Cena. Mark Henry runs down to help Cena but finds himself ambushed by the Shield. Big E. Langston runs down to the ring to huge pops from the crowd. Langston takes out a couple members of The Shield and The Shield quickly retreat.
Kane makes his way to the top of the ramp. He tells The Shield that tonight they will all have to fight in singles matches. Dean Ambrose vs Big E. Langston, Roman Reigns vs Mark Henry and Seth Rollins vs John Cena. Kane continues his work as Director of Operations by breaking up a feud between Randy Orton and Dolph Ziggler backstage. He tells the two of them they can settle their differences tonight in the middle of the ring.
Cody Rhodes vs Antonio Cesaro Â
There were no real big surprises in this match, The Rhodes continue their losing streak despite being the champs. The match finishes with Cody being distracted by Goldust and Jack Swagger on the outside and Cesaro rolls him up for the pin. This could be the beginning of the inevitable split between the Rhodes, its only hinted at by JBL but I am sure we will start to see a disturbance between the tag champs leading up to Wrestlemania.
Primetime Players vs Ryback and Curtis AxelÂ
I thought this was a good mid-card tag match. Even Curtis Axel looked good in this match. No real massive spots in the match but entertaining nevertheless. Darren Young picks up the win with a roll up on Ryback.
Dolph Ziggler vs Randy OrtonÂ
When this match first started I thought there might be something wrong with my TV after a few seconds I realised there was nothing wrong with my TV and Dolph Zigglers hair was really half Pink. I guess the self proclaimed show off is doing anything right now to be noticed. I am a massive fan of Ziggler I think sometimes he takes too many hard bumps but he sells so well and never fails to wake up a quiet crowd.
This match with Randy is a good example of what you get with Ziggler. Lots of energy, great wrestling and one too many bumps it’s such a shame to see him in recent months so low down on the card. Ziggler gets a couple of near falls on Orton and the crowd react positively proving Ziggler is still very much a fan favourite. Unfortunately for Ziggler on this occasion he finds himself up against a man who is literally at the top of his game, Randy eventually wins with an RKO. After the match Randy inflicts more damage to Ziggler on the outside of the ring.
Six man tag match between all of the Divas including Vickie Guerrero w AJ Lee on Commentary. Â
Stupid stupid match, Natalya gets the win with a Sharpshooter on somebody it doesn’t really matter who it was it was still rubbish. AJ said a couple of witty things on commentary but even that wasn’t enough to save this abomination.
Damien Sandow vs Daniel BryanÂ
Although there is no story line for this match it is still refreshing to see Bryan wrestling against a different opponent this week. Sandow manages to land The Elbow of Distain and a couple of two counts but after that its business as usual for Bryan. After the match we get another video promo from the Wyatt’s.
Dean Ambrose vs Big E. LangstonÂ
Dean Ambrose does his best to get in some offence but ends up being no match for the new and improved Big E. Langston. Langston wins cleanly after delivering the Big Ending. Big E. is getting a massive push at the moment.
Roman Reigns vs Mark HenryÂ
This is another opportunity for Reigns to show off his power and strength against somebody who is known for their power and strength. Reigns takes the opportunity well and looks good doing it. There is no stopping Reigns at the moment and he continues to look better and better every week. He has also added an impressive superman punch to his repertoire. The finish is as you would expect, Reigns hits Henry with the Spear for the win.
Seth Rollins vs John Cena
On paper you wouldn’t have thought that this would have been a good match, I mean yes the outcome was inevitable and yes Rollins is the less likely member of The Shield to get a win over Super Cena, but I think you would be pushed to find anybody that didn’t agree with me when I say that Rollins put on a great match tonight. What Rollins may lack on the mike he more than makes up for in the ring. This match was a great exhibition match and I think Rollins grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Many people have questioned if Rollins will remain popular if The Shield split up but I think this match would squash any doubts in his ability to perform and put on a good singles match. Like I said the outcome was predictable but Rollins did not make it easy for Cena who sold well at times. I thought this was the best match of the night.
Final Thought.Â
An enjoyable end of year show with not as many silly moments as last week’s episode. Some decent matches from the beginning to end. Match of the night was Cena vs Rollins followed by Ziggler and Orton. Royal Rumble is on the horizon and the build up has already begun. To the dismay of Dean Puckering we will see the return of Dave Batista who I am sure is going to make an huge impact in the WWE universe. This year has been filled with highs and lows with moments of excellence and a dash of brilliance I look forward to seeing what the new year will bring.
– By Sebastian Bowen