Smackdown spoilers for 1/7/15

[Emperor Smeat]

Supposedly all the hype for Smackdown's new home and changes just ended up being a new announcer getting added. Everything else (ex. theme, graphics, stage, etc) is the same as before.
Dark Match:
* Owen White defeated Chris Jericho by DQ to retain the Smackdown Dark Match Championship. Good back and forth match to a mostly empty arena with the finish being Jericho trying to apply an arm bar before getting hit with a low blow. White started a Bo Dallas-inspired victory celebration before Vince interrupted and fired White on the spot for goofing off again. Vince once again mistook White for a ring crew member.

Exclusive footage of White's departure from Smackdown:
http://i.imgur.com/uBcctmG.gif


Smackdown:
* Mauro Ranallo and Byron Saxton make their way down to join Jerry Lawler on commentary

* John Cena kicks off SmackDown and comes out to a big pop. Cena cuts a promo and wants his rematch against WWE United States Champion Alberto Del Rio because of how their recent RAW match ended. Del Rio refuses Cena's request and taunts him

* Kalisto defeated Alberto Del Rio in a great non-title match

- The Miz is out for Miz TV but is interrupted by WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day. They talk about Chris Jericho but are interrupted by Dolph Ziggler, then Goldust. R-Truth and Neville also come out. This leads to a match

* Dolph Ziggler, Goldust, R-Truth and Neville defeated The New Day and The Miz. Ziggler was the last man standing after the match

* Becky Lynch vs. WWE Divas Champion Charlotte with Ric Flair is next. Charlotte retains after an assist from Flair

* Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose for the WWE Intercontinental Title ends in a double count out as they brawl around ringside and to the back

[Dark One]

This isn't the show I would have put on to "relaunch" Smackdown. Meh.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>SmackDown on USA: Just as unimportant as SmackDown on SciFi</font>

[Simple Fan]

Owen White needs to take a page out of Romans book and beat that old man til he recognizes him for who he is.

[DAMN iNATOR]

<font color=goldenrod>SmackDown on USA: Just as unimportant as SmackDown on SciFi</font>

Dunno what this "SciFi" is that you speak of, Was on SyFy. :shifty:

P.S. -- Shisen, if you're out there reading this, definitely tape this week. You can show your grandchildren the USA(#1) network premiere of SD! (in full low-res VHS, no less!) when you accidentally mention the show during an Old Man Shisen story and they give you blank looks because the show doesn't exist anymore.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

They don't bother having the first one be live? lolsd.

[Clerk]

Dam is an asshole dont disrespect smack down or shinsens family wtf is wrong with you and hey POSTING SMACK DOWN SPOILERS IS SLIKS JOB I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE TO SAY IT. I UNDERSTAND YOUR TRYING TO FIT IN BUT DON'T TAKE OTHER PEOPLE'S STUFF TO MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE KING SHIT

[Big Vic]

Lol Cena couldn't be bothered to wrestle tonight for the premier.

[Emperor Smeat]

Some more details spoilers from last night. Seems like Ziggler might be turning heel or the WWE completely forgot what they wrote earlier in the show based on the post-show match.

During the Miz TV segment, R-Truth came out mistakenly accepting the U.S. title open challenge.

Dolph Ziggler appeared to turn heel or tease a heel turn during his eight man tag team match where he teamed with Goldust, R-Truth and Neville to defeat The New Day and The Miz. After Ziggler got the pin for his team, the faces celebrated (Neville was out on the ramp near the ring) and R-Truth raised Ziggler's hand. Ziggler superkicked R-Truth and eyed Neville down on the ramp as he made his way to the back.

As noted, they had a steel cage set up above the ring, which was not used during the show and only for the dark match. The steel cage was covered during the show and the tarps were only removed after it was positioned on the ring during the dark match, apparently so the people watching at home wouldn't be asking if there was going to be a cage match.

The advertised dark match was John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio, which didn't happen. Instead, the Wyatts faced Dean Ambrose, Ryback, Dolph Ziggler and The Big Show, which was odd since Ziggler appeared to turn heel earlier in the show. It began with the Wyatts heading to the ring and taking Ambrose along with the show ending brawl with Kevin Owens. Bray asked for the cage to be lowered. The Wyatts attacked Ambrose and Ziggler came out to help, followed by Ryback and then the Big Show. They all cleared the ring of the Wyatts with Ambrose getting the pinfall.

[drave]

Ziggles showing his RUTHLESS AGGRESSION so he isn't forgotten.

[XL]

Isn't Big Show a heel?

[XL]

Also, new network, same old no contest endings.

[Corkscrewed]

#WWEADD?

[Dark One]

Some more details spoilers from last night. Seems like Ziggler might be turning heel or the WWE completely forgot what they wrote earlier in the show based on the post-show match.

Which do you think is more likely?

[McLegend]

Mauro Ranallo... I wouldn't have seen that coming.

On the surface that sounds like a good idea, but he can talk a lot. I don't know if this going to work in the long run.

[Dark One]

Mauro Ranallo... I wouldn't have seen that coming.

On the surface that sounds like a good idea, but he can talk a lot. I don't know if this going to work in the long run.

Most of the reception I've seen from people who saw Smackdown early have had very positive things to say. Guess most of the rest of us will find out tomorrow.

[drave]

Isn't Big Show a heel?


This isn't a real question, is it?

[slik]

Kind of curious about the new announcer - is he pretty good?

[owenbrown]

.

[Simple Fan]

Like Ranallo. Really liked his work with NJPW on AXIS to. Just sounds like an announcer and actually calls the match.

[Kris P Lettus]

When did mauro ranallo start commentating for WWE?

I think he is one of the best play by play guys in combat sports. Is he still with Showtime?

[Kris P Lettus]

Kind of curious about the new announcer - is he pretty good?

He is amazing.

Huge score for WWE

[Simple Fan]

Started tonight on Smackdown. Really wish he was on Raw. Think he still gets to do the Showtime gig to with his deal.

[Kris P Lettus]

I kinda thought he would replace Rogan on UFC in August if Rogan actually retires, but assumed Zuffa couldn't match the Showtime money. Good for him on getting a solid second gig. I hope he replace Cole on RAW and PPV. He is a million times better IMO.

[Droford]

Funny thing is hes still going to be doing the NJPW show on AxS since he dud the VO work for a whole bunch of upcoming episodes

[Droford]

Lol the Lunatic Lariat

[Dark One]

Mauro is the best JR.

[VSG]

Wow I hadn't really heard about Mauro before but he did a great job, and I actually want to see more Smackdown now.

[hb2k]

From what I've heard from him on the WWE App, he seems to do really well. Wonder how much Vince would mess with him if he was on Raw though. Smackdown is kind of under the cover of darkness, even still.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Going to have to watch this. Be nice to have a WWE show with good commentary.

Some more details spoilers from last night. Seems like Ziggler might be turning heel or the WWE completely forgot what they wrote earlier in the show based on the post-show match.

Eh, it was a panic dark match with no Cena as advertised. I wouldn't read too much into it.

[The CyNick]

Didn't get to see the show on Wednesday due to other commitments, but want to hear Mauro on commentary. Happy he's getting a shot at a dream job.

Interesting reading the spoilers. The online bloggers were saying no major stars would be on Smackdown, but Cena was there. But hey, I'm trying to leave 2015 debates in 2015. Jericho going to be on the show going forward is cool.

[Shadrick]

I heard Lawler turned heel on Smackdown.

[Dark One]

I heard Lawler turned heel on Smackdown.

He was definitely more along his attitude era, early 2000s persona, standing up for Charlotte/Flair, shitting on Becky's indie career, generally justifying/rationalizing things.

I wouldn't say he was full on heel Lawler again, but he had an edge and some personality again.

[Locke]

Who is Mauro Ranallo

Is he funny at all

[Ultra Mantis]

John Locke, Locke Cole or Locke Jaw?

[Locke]

Locked Up my homie

[Ultra Mantis]

They wont let you out?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Mauro Ranallo and heel Jerry Lawler could be a great team together.