SmackDown this week came to us from the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. As we continue toward WrestleMania, each feud has continued to take the next step in shaping this year’s card. Compared to last year’s build, this year feels like WWE simply doesn’t have motivation to make us care about almost anything going into WrestleMania. Yes, Raw is the company’s flagship show, but SmackDown has been the better show as of late. That’s not exactly how things should be going into their biggest event of the year.
The Intercontinental Title was the main story coming out of SmackDown Thursday night, as the “hot potato” angle going into WrestleMania with the title took center stage. Dolph Ziggler lamented not getting a rematch after losing the title to Bad News Barrett in January as he opened the program – Intercontinental Championship belt around his waist – before other superstars got involved. Bad News Barrett, who is the current Intercontinental Champion, and Luke Harper, a former Intercontinental Champion, arrived to attack Ziggler before Dean Ambrose made the save. R-Truth also showed up and snatched up the title, but eventually surrendered it – again – to Daniel Bryan at the end of the program. Then, a new superstar made his intentions known for WrestleMania, as Stardust attacked Bryan and posed with the title on the ladder to end SmackDown. I guess we won’t be getting that Stardust/Goldust rematch at WrestleMania.
So far, the following superstars have been confirmed for the Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match at WrestleMania: Bad News Barrett, R-Truth, Dean Ambrose, Luke Harper and Dolph Ziggler.
Daniel Bryan keeps teasing his involvement in the match, but has not been confirmed as a participant.
The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal was also one of the main stories coming out of SmackDown, as we have nine superstars confirmed so far for the match: Ryback, The Miz, Curtis Axel, Zack Ryder, Titus O’Neil, Darren Young, Adam Rose, Fandango and Jack Swagger. I’m assuming we’ll see Big Show and Kane added to the battle royal in the next few weeks, unless the current plan is to have them square off in a singles match at the biggest event of the year. I sincerely hope not.
The divas were given a chance to shine as the Divas Champion, Nikki Bella, was given some mic time, along with her sister, Brie. Nikki said it was “Give Divas a Chance,” not “Give A.J. a chance.” For as little time as WWE gives the Divas on television, A.J. and Brie had a good almost eight minute match. This storyline actually makes sense and is easy to follow, and it’s all about the Divas Championship. I’m still waiting to hear Brie’s explanation on randomly re-joining her sister’s side after Nikki turned on her. I’m asking for too much, aren’t I?
Bray Wyatt said he will unleash the spirit of the urn this Monday night on Raw, and wants an answer from The Undertaker about his challenge for WrestleMania. Thus far, the Dead Man has been quiet. Will he show up Monday night?
The Miz and Damien Mizdow continued their tension during their match against The New Day. I said it Tuesday morning and I’ll say it now; the payoff has to be soon. Mizdow has to turn on The Miz before WrestleMania and the two should have a singles match instead of being involved in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. If they wait until WrestleMania, it just might lose its luster.
And Curtis Axel channeled his inner Hulk Hogan and challenged United States Champion, Rusev, to a match on Raw this coming Monday. #Axelmania is in full force.
Match rundown
Non-Title Match: WWE Tag Team Champions, Tyson Kidd and Cesaro d. Los Matadores with a double team combination of Cesaro’s big swing and Kidd’s kick to the head.
Ryback d. Kane [with Big Show] with the Meat Hook clothesline. Kane then announced Ryback has another match – against Big Show.
Big Show [with Kane] d. Ryback after Kane interfered, letting Big Show knock out Ryback for the pin.
A.J. Lee [with Paige] d. Brie Bella [with Nikki Bella] with the Black Widow submission hold.
The New Day [Kofi Kingston and Big E] d. The Miz and Damien Mizdow with a double team combination to The Miz of the Big Ending and a flying DDT off the middle rope.
Non-Title Match: United States Champion Rusev d. Jack Swagger with The Accolade submission hold. After the match, Curtis Axel appeared on the video screen and cut a promo about coming after Rusev’s United States Championship.
Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose d. Bad News Barrett and Luke Harper after Ziggler pinned Harper with the Zig Zag.