The Official SmackDown Discussion Thread

**Eduardo** · 03-01-2012, 04:01 PM

WWE Smackdown - 2nd March 2012

ORTON RETURNS TO TAKE ON BRYAN

6 days before the Elimination Chamber, The World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan interrupted a singles match between The Big Show and Randy Orton, making a statement to both superstars by hitting them in the head with the title belt. The shot to the head would have serious consequences for Orton as he was diagnosed with concussion, leaving Smackdown General Manager Teddy Long with no choice but to pull Randy Orton out of the chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship, ruining his chance of being in a title match at Wrestlemania. With Orton out of action, Bryan went on to sucessfully defend his championship in the chamber match, before discovering that his opponent at Wrestlemania would be The 2012 Royal Rumble winner Sheamus. As if dealing with a looming Wrestlemania match against 'The Great White' isn't enough, Bryan will have to go one on one this week against the man he put out of action 2 weeks ago, the returning Randy Orton.

CONFIRMED MATCHES

Dolph Ziggler vs Sheamus

The Big Show vs Mark Henry

Heath Slater vs Santino Marella

Eve vs Natalya

Drew McIntyre vs Justin Gabriel

Non-title
Daniel Bryan vs Randy Orton

*****

It doesn't seem five minutes since I wrote the preview where Orton returned from injury just before The Royal Rumble, but hey ho, nevermind. Bryan v Orton sounds like an awesome match up, and a contender for MOTW.

**AlbertoDelRio** · 03-01-2012, 04:19 PM

I'm just starting to realize Orton's not even booked at WrestleMania yet... this concerns me!! That said, I can't wait for Smackdown this week. The Road to WrestleMania is a glorious time of year and Smackdown has been very entertaining.

**Shock** · 03-01-2012, 04:27 PM

For anyone interested, here's the full set of matches on the show tomorrow:

Spoiler:

**AlbertoDelRio** · 03-01-2012, 05:01 PM

Ooh, Drew vs Justin... good chance for Justin to get a pin on someone and continue this "losing streak" angle of Drew's.

**Eduardo** · 03-01-2012, 08:57 PM

Thanks Shock, I added the matches to the preview. Ziggler v Sheamus sounds like it could be great.

**Eduardo** · 03-02-2012, 05:07 PM

My initial reaction after watching Smackdown:

Spoiler:

**Death Dealer** · 03-02-2012, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by Ed

My initial reaction after watching Smackdown:

Spoiler:

**Eduardo** · 03-02-2012, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by Death Dealer

Spoiler:

**Eduardo** · 03-03-2012, 08:30 AM

Random thoughts on Smackdown:

- Sheamus v Dolph Ziggler was pretty much the match of the week, both guys were top draw and this was a great way to start the show.

- Generic Santino match, looks like they've bumped him straight back down into the position he was at pre-chamber.

-

Natalya now has a catchphrase to go with her farting, why are they turning this into a gimmick

, looks like she's a face now so RIP Divas of Destruction

- Really loved the set up for Cody/Show, I was hoping for Rhodes v Rhodes at Wrestlemania, and it is weird to see Show look so excited for an Intercontinental Championship match after coveting the World title for the best part of 6 months, but I think this will be a fun little match at Wrestlemania. Both guys can hit a good promo so the build to their match should be enjoyable

- Henry's stock really has fallen, he even hits his finishing move and Show still kicks out, it's a shame to see Henry right back down the card again.

- Ugh on Drew getting fired, but I'm almost convinced Johnny will just give it him back next week, perhaps setting him up for Team Ace.

- Bryan's promo was great, he'd be so easy to hate if it wasn't for him being one of the best wrestlers in the world.

- Orton v Bryan was going along really well until the Kane interference, the only thing I really liked about this was when Bryan left the ring straight away and left AJ standing on her own against Kane

. I've said my piece on a potential Kane v Orton match, it'll probably end up being the worst match on the card, and someone who's had such a strong in ring year like Orton really is getting short changed here, looks to be the big loser heading into Wrestlemania. Shock said it best in the SD spoilers thread, they've pretty much got nothing for Orton to do, they've done the Rhodes feud, they've done the Barrett feud, they've done the Henry feud, they've done the Christian feud, I'd have loved a match against Bryan, but they can't do that what with Sheamus' Royal Rumble win. I expect Orton to be rewarded for this lackluster WM programme by being pushed right back into the World title scene in April/May.

For those saying there was little interaction between Bryan and Sheamus to build up their match, they did both hit a promo where they touched on the match, Sheamus more than Bryan, and there still is 4 weeks to build this one up. Have patience.

**epo** · 03-03-2012, 09:17 AM

My thoughts to Smackdown...

interested to see where the Drew thing goes. I have a sneaking suspicion that Johnny Ace will reinstate him next week when he's on Smackdown management duty

I actually love David Otunga's gimmick. It's just like a throwback to "dual job" superstars of the early 90's (Duke the Dumpster Droese, IRS, et al). A lawyer wrestler. Everyone hates a lawyer.

I'm comfortable with Henry being where he is. Also, I think Henry is too. He's wise enough to know that everyone has a part to play. I get the feeling that his involvement in WM will be in a GM team match. Although, I have to say, slightly disappointing, much like Randy Orton after his best ever year, he doesn't have his own feud heading into the grandaddy of them all.

In fact, the more I think about it, Dolph, Del Rio, Christian, Henry, Orton have all had great years, and seem to be lost heading into WM. Sad.

But Sheamus vs Dolph was a great match. Think Sheamus will continue to get clean wins over established uppermidcarders heading into WM.

Bryan is consistently delivering the good as a heel. Who'd have thunk it a year ago?

And I just don't understand Kane's desire to get involved wit Orton???

good show overall.