WWE Smackdown #629: Results, Review and Analysis

The 629th episode of the weekly show – WWE Smackdown, featured two interesting matches. Randy Orton faced off against his former Legacy protegee Cody Rhodes, and Sheamus battled with Wade Barrett. There were a few other matches as well, which helped to build on some of the feuds to Night of Champions which is just a week away. Here is a brief review of this week’s WWE Smackdown.

Smackdown Opener:

Ryder and Henry, in a conversation

Mark Henry entered the ring and spoke about his attack on Orton, last week. The assistant General Manager of WWE Smackdown, Zack Ryder, came out to the ring and announced that Mark Henry and Randy Orton would be involved in separate matches later on, in the night. Mark did not like the way Ryder interrupted him. So he attacked him and hit the world’s strongest slam on him.

I like this beginning to this weeks WWE Smackdown, and how Henry continues to beat up anyone and everyone. Henry has built a strong repetoire by doing so and needs to keep the ball rolling. Zack Ryder seems to work on camera better with superstars, when compared to Henry, but he still does not have the feel of power to him. He is always entertaining, and I enjoyed the way Henry kept taunting Ryder before brutalizing him.

Segment Rating: 4/5

Match 1: Mark Henry vs. Ezekiel Jackson

Singles Match

Mark Henry faced off against Ezekiel Jackson in a singles match. Mark Henry dominated Jackson in most parts of the match and eventually, he was the winner in quick time. This match should to have been more of a power struggle, instead of just a squash match. I wanted to see how much stamina and endurance Henry has, in a match against someone who is similar to him. It did not happen. Nothing special happened, except Mark Henry showing his dominance and strength. Henry continues to improve and makes everyone believe he has a shot to win against Orton at Night of Champions.

Winner: Mark Henry

Match Rating: 3/5

Match 2: Sin Cara vs. Tyson Kidd

Singles Match

Josh Mathews interviews Sin Cara

The newest heel in Smackdown Sin Cara took on the technically sound Tyson Kidd. Both men used the ropes to dodge from each others offense. But later on, Sin Cara got the momentum and finished off Tyson Kidd. During the match Michael Cole taunted Josh Mathews to interview Sin Cara regarding his actions of last week. Josh obliged to Cole and interviewed Cara after the match. Sin Cara said that he was an intense competitor, and said he felt like he was held back since coming to WWE. Now that he is there, he is unstoppable, and this is the “real” Sin Cara. Daniel Bryan came out and demanded a rematch at Night of Champions. Sin Cara attack Bryan with his own submission hold – the La-Belle lock.

This match was entertaining but nothing spectacular. I absolutely loved Cara talking. A long feud with Bryan is on the cards for Sin Cara. I really feel that both men need a feud, and both men need to be able to work with one another to learn more and more how to build a storyline. They are in the same spot, as in ring greatness but not much else to be desired as a character.

Winner: Sin Cara

Match Rating: 4/5

Match 3: Kelly Kelly vs. Natalya

Divas Singles Match

The WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly was in action against Natalya. With Beth Phoenix at ringside, Natalya dominated Kelly in most parts of the match. Kelly Kelly was the winner as she rolled over Natalya to get the three count. The exact way that she has to win, because nobody will believe she can over power Natalya or Beth Phoenix. Kelly Kelly did not get much offense in this match, but she overcame the power, which could foreshadow her match with Phoenix. I do feel Kelly Kelly as champion has run its course, as she continues to be looked at like an underdog champion because of her lack of in ring ability. Beth Phoenix will most likely win the Divas Championship at Night of Champions.

Winner: Kelly Kelly

Match Rating: 3/5

In-ring Segment 2: Christian wants one more match!

Christian came out to the ring before the Sheamus-Barrett match and demanded one more match for the World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton. Sheamus interrupted Christian and mocked about Christian present status. Sheamus and Christian had a mini-brawl but Christian promptly left the ring. It seems like a Christian-Sheamus match will take place at Night of champions. Both men are out of the title reckoning right now and hence, they are most likely to be involved in this feud for the foreseeable future.

Segment Rating: 4/5

Sheamus vs Wade Barrett

Match 4: Wade Barrett vs. Sheamus

Singles Match

An English Vs Irish match on Smackdown got me excited as both these men are from the same part of the world. Their match was well paced with good action until Christian interrupted and got Barrett disqualified. Sheamus countered the dual attack on him and was standing tall after the carnage was over. Sheamus is getting good reception from the crowd as a face. I feel that Christian-Sheamus feud is just to keep each men relevant, as Henry has his time in the main event spotlight. I do not expect to see this feud go any longer than a month or two, as Sheamus needs someone that is similar to himself to feud with.

Winner: Sheamus [by disqualification]

Match Rating: 3/5

Match 5: Air Boom vs. Jinder Mahal and The Great Khali

Tag-Team match

The Indian duo of Jinder Mahal and Khali took on Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne. A short match at the end of which Jinder got pinned by Kofi. There was a funny moment during the closing moments of this match. Evan Bourne, trying to attack Khali, ran across the ring only to be pushed down by Khali like nine pins. Air boom are on a roll and I’m excited looking at their future prospects. Air Boom is built on making Kofi carry the team offensively. Bourne, once again, was the weak link. Both guys are entertaining and great in ring performers.

Winners: Air Boom

Match Rating: 4/5

Match 6: Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton

Singles Match

Randy Orton Vs Cody Rhodes

A great one on one match between two champions on Smackdown. I love the intensity of Rhodes in the ring, as I feel his ground and pound mixed with his athleticism cannot be compared to anyone else currently. Orton continues to hit RKO’s out of nowhere, which makes his move that much more exciting. They gave it a lot of time to build, hit a climax, and then the end of the match fit perfectly to not make either man look weak. Mark Henry attacked Orton for the second straight week. It gets the viewers more questions as if Orton can overcome Henry’s strength. Well done to end the show on a note of curiosity.

Winner: Randy Orton

Match Rating: 4/5

The Bottom Line:

An exciting episode of Smackdown with almost four matches of main event quality. Feuds for Night of Champions were given prior importance. With Edge returning next week, Smackdown will most likely be much more exciting next week.

Smackdown Rating: 4/5

Best Match: Randy Orton Vs Cody Rhodes