The Official SmackDown Discussion Thread - January 2012

[Eduardo]

<acronym title="World Wrestling Entertainment" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); cursor: help; ">WWE</acronym> Smackdown - 6th January 2011



TWO TITLE MATCHES TO KICK OFF 2012

It has become almost tradition in the WWE to start the new year on a strong note, last year on Smackdown 2011 began with a 2 out of 3 falls match between bitter rivals Alberto Del Rio and Rey Mysterio, plus a World Heavyweight Championship, Last Man Standing match between Edge and Kane, 2010 kicked off with Bret Hart returning to the WWE, and who could forget K'Fed beating John Cena in early 2007. This year is no exception, as the events from Raw on Monday night will testify to, and the blue brand isn't failing in their part of the deal, with Teddy Long announcing two huge title matches this week on Smackdown. The bad blood between Cody Rhodes and Booker T hits new heights this week, as the Intercontinental title will be up for grabs in the rubber match between the two, and after last week's shocking attack by his brother, one imagines Dustin 'Goldust' Rhodes will take great interest in this title match-up. And in a massive World Heavyweight Championship match, Daniel Bryan makes his first ever defence against The Big Show; since Bryan cashed in his MITB briefcase against Show at TLC, tensions between the two buddies have flared up, Show is getting increasingly frustrated with shortest reign in WHC history and this Friday night could see their friendship explode as they do battle over the World title. This week's episode of Smackdown sounds like one you can't afford to miss!!!!!!!!! ( just for Jim )

CONFIRMED MATCHES

Intercontinental Championship:
Cody Rhodes vs Booker T

Ted Dibiase vs Hunico

Drew McIntyre vs Santino Marella

Non-Title
Air Boom vs Primo and Epico

Natayla vs Tamina

World Heavyweight Championship:
Daniel Bryan vs The Big Show

*****

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty pumped for this episode, the two title matches should be great viewing, the tag match should be good and the storyline with Drew has my interest.

[Eduardo]

Can't wait to see this when I get home from work tomorrow. People can mock all they want, but Smackdown is the highlight of my Friday Nights.

I wouldn't mock you, I'd agree 100%. I'm so shattered from a week of work that I don't want to go out on Friday's anymore, I just stay in, have a few beers watch some good quality wrestling. Great way to start the weekend.

I'd say I'm looking forward to Show/Bryan more than I was looking forward to Ziggler/Punk, we only saw that match like a month ago, this is the first proper meeting between Show and Bryan, and with both guys looking like they could turn on the other (I'm still saying Show at this stage), that tension just adds to the match. I fully expect a dud finish to set up a Royal Rumble rematch, rather like the situation on Raw, and I wouldn't have any complaints about that happening.

[Shock]

I've not actually read the spoilers, but I could definitely see a title change tomorrow, unfortunately. Hopefully neither title changes hands just now though. Epico and Primo vs Air Boom should be another good match from them too.

[Eduardo]

I read spoilers because it's the easiest way to find out which matches are down on the card, and hence create more discussion in this thread before the show airs. I know a couple of websites that give the matches out without spoilers, but they don't have them up by the time I'm writing the previews.

I do agree it's more exciting without spoilers, in an ideal world I'd prefer not to read the spoilers seeing as though I watch Smackdown every week and I'm getting pretty drawn into the storylines.

[Doot Lock]

I don't know which one will turn just yet, and to be fair, both Show and Bryan have been acting rather heel-like to an extent. Bryan's attitude towards Show and his excessive celebrating after matches makes me think he'll be the one to turn, but at this point, it's right down the middle.

And what the **** are they doing to Natalya? When was the last time she even won a match?

[Eduardo]

Could do, although the WWE doesn't always have the previews up early enough, typically when there's no picture in my previews, they haven't posted theirs yet

You're talking me around, might change my ways next week

......and it'll be the end of the world as I know it.