David Otunga is backstage talking to Teddy Long about erasing his loss last week because he is not a Smackdown Superstar. Long books him in a match against Sheamus for tonight.
In Ring Segment:
Daniel Bryan is interviewed by Josh Matthews, who asks about his match last week with Mark Henry. Bryan said he came close and was put through hell, and was disappointed he did not accomplish his dream. Michael Cole gets on the microphone and begins to bash Bryan about not earning his way. Bryan fires back, defends himself, and says he made Cody Rhodes tap out two weeks ago. Rhodes, at ringside, ends up attacking Bryan who comes over to Cole at the announcer's table. Rhodes is escorted to the back.
What I Liked:
Bryan continues to improve on the microphone, really showing his personality. He seems like he can be a heel or face, because of all the aggression and attitude he displays.
What I Disliked:
I disliked having Cole intervene here, as the Bryan/Cole feud is long over with. Have Cole say what he wants on the microphone, but it is becoming a waste of time having segments built around him. The only thing I can see is wanting Bryan to get more over, so they use their "best" heel persona to do that. I would rather see Bryan on his own, carrying someone in a feud himself, and not the other way around.
Grade: C+
Zack Ryder vs. Heath Slater:
What I Liked:
Solid pace in the ring with two guys who are very similar. Ryder's Broski Boot looks painfully good, as Slater's sell was great. Slater is a great athlete with a lot to offer, and sells very well. We have a quick match just to have Ryder on the card, no build or anything.
What I Disliked:
Ziggler and Ryder both have matches on Smackdown, yet they do not interfere or further their match in a week. I do not understand why there was no face to face, no run in backstage, or a distraction in their matches. Give them the spotlight, because it has been months and months for this match to actually happen.
Grade: C
Ted DiBiase vs. Jinder Mahal
What I Liked:
We, at least, get to see some offense from Mahal. He has been buried for so long now, but finally some moves go his way. Ted wins with a rollup, which I did not like. The match was quick, nothing to write about to be honest.
What I Disliked:
The entire feud with these two. It seems so out of place and thrown together. I wonder why they are putting Ted with Jinder, since neither are benefitting from it. This is a classic Smackdown lower card feud with no meaning, less intrigue, and a time filler. I really wish DiBiase moves away from Mahal after this, but it is hard to see where he will go next. He is limited creatively right now.
Grade: D
