WWE Friday Night Smackdown Thoughts: 3/2/2012

After last week's dismal episode, I did not go into this week's show with high expectations.  Were the boys in blue able to make up for it this week?  Find out after the jump!

The Great White may be even more dangerous with the WWE Universe at his side

The opening promo by Sheamus was his best since winning the 2012 Royal Rumble.  He reflects on his mistakes up until this point, realizing that winning the World Championship too soon, can be a bit overwhelming.  I loved the idea that for once, a babyface actually explained his change of heart.  It was a very good idea, that makes Sheamus a bit more appealing, given the fact that Daniel Bryan appears to be the underdog heading into their Wrestlemania match.  He did a great job with a few words, and the audience was eating out of his hands until--



EXCUSE ME!!

Even Dolph looks incredibly annoyed with Vickie at this point

Vickie Guerrero really seems to need Dolph more then he needs her at this point.  It's interesting to watch and I really feel as if she is holding him back a bit.  Last month, Dolph was fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship and now he's barely even a contender.  Whatever, as long as Dolph is going to wrestle tonight I'm not complaining.



Match 1: Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus


A very good back and forth match that did a great job of highlighting both men's strengths.  Dolph Ziggler is still as eager as he was in the beginning of the year to break out and become a main event star.  He has all the tools and if he keeps giving 110% the way he did this week, I still believe that he will get there.  That being said, Sheamus is on a great roll right now.  I'm beginning to worry for the World Champ, as there does not seem to be many chinks in the great white's armor.  A very good effort by both men and a great opener to the show.


Match Rating: 3.75/5



So Teddy Long and Johnny Ace will be swapping General Manager duties next week....interesting...I'm curious to see where this will go.



Match 2: Santino Marella vs. Heath Slater


A solid match for what it was.  Santino still has a bit of the momentum he gained with his Cinderella performance last month.  Heath Slater has the opposite.  That's pretty much the message sent here. I hope Slater has been saving his money because he may just find himself unemployed by the year's end.


Match Rating: 2.5/5



Eve and Natalya are set to have a match tonight.  Fine by me, but I'm a bit shocked that Nattie's farting gimmick hasn't stopped yet.  Then again, this is the most people have talked about her in a while, you have to take the good with the bad.  Speaking of bad, Eve has gotten 10 times hotter with her new attitude.  Hoeski or not, I'm on board.

"Crap, I've got leftover Cena on my face"

Match 3: Eve Torres vs. Natalya


A nice, stiff little contest that saw everyone's favorite slutbag pick up her first win since turning heel.  They could do so much more with this if they stick her with someone like Dolph Ziggler.  Zigs could benefit by having a hot piece of ass on his arm and Eve would be able to remain in the spotlight longer than they probably have planned for her.


Match Rating: 2.75/5



The Big Show embarrassment brigade has arrived!

If I spent 200plus days as IC Champ, I'd be smiling too

Rhodes is pure money on the microphone, holding the crowd in the palm of his hand and yet again, ripping apart Show's embarrassing Wrestlemania record.  Thus leading to the arrival of the world's largest athlete to practically undo everything Cody has just done. I'd prefer if they never let him talk and instead go on rampage after rampage until he is again the most feared competitor in the WWE.  But I digress.....hell...at least they've got something planned for Cody Rhodes at Wrestlemania...I was beginning to worry.



Match 4: Mark Henry vs. The Big Show


As usual, these two have some solid chemistry together.  They turn in their best performance since 2011 and I actually enjoyed Mark Henry again.  I've not been much of a fan of the guy lately, especially since he was the most dominant force in the company last year.  This week, he had a return to form, even though he picked up another loss here.  A very good, physical match from both men.


Match Rating: 3.25/5



Teddy Long's favorite wrestler Drew Mcintyre had his last chance match this week and immediately, I knew where this was going...

My pimp hand is as strong as ever playa

Match 5: Drew McIntyre vs. Justin Gabriel


I can't help but feel bad after Justin Gabriel hands McIntyre his walking papers here.   I mean...Justin Gabriel?!...No, not this way...you're supposed to be the one....

Ah well....have a cookie Drew...when you wake up...you'll feel right as rain

Match Rating: 2.75/5



Daniel Bryan is here ladies and gentlemen....it is now time to start the show....

"Everyone's saying I've changed...well...AJ doesn't seem to mind"

Bryan delivers another solid promo leading into our Main Event:



Match 6: World heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton


The crowd is split from the get go, and these two keep them on the edge of their seats for the entire contest.  Daniel Bryan dominates the early parts of the match, with Orton finally gaining some momentum after a huge dropkick that caught Bryan in mid-air!  The Viper then runs through his signature maneuvers.  Great match so far!  Things are not looking good for the champion and it appears as if--



FIRE AND BRIMSTONE



HERE COMES KANE!  Daniel Bryan flees the scene as Orton and Kane begin to brawl.  This has just not been Randy Orton's year.  He tries valiantly to battle back but The Big Red Machine was too much for him in the end, leveling him with a thunderous Chokeslam.  I really hope it's Randy Orton, who ends up embracing the hate, I miss the Viper of 09' and I'm intrigued, hopefully they don't drop the ball this time.

I'll see you at Wrestlemania pretty boy....

Match Rating: 3/5









Final thoughts: A pretty solid show that was pretty consistent the whole way through.  I think everyone in the arena went home happy that night....well....maybe everyone but Drew McIntyre.  Hey Drew, there's always a career waiting for you as Orlando Bloom's stunt double in the next Pirates film...

Broken Dreams indeed....Good Luck to ya'

Overall episode rating: 8.0


What to watch if you DVR'd the episode: The Sheamus/Ziggler match and The main event deliver the best action of the night.  Mark Henry vs. The Big Show was also a very solid big man match.  Promo wise, Cody Rhodes, Daniel Bryan and Eve Torres, all provide some good mic work.