Title This: WWE Smackdown Reaction 4/26/13

The Storylines

Jack Swagger defeated Alberto Del Rio to start off Smackdown with a No Disqualification match. The match used many pieces to it, including a ladder. Ladder Match needs to be the stipulation for Extreme Rules. Why? Because all three men are Money in the Bank winners and have climbed the ladder of success in different times over the past three years. It is a perfect fit. Anyways, the actrion was great and I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two men. I love how Del Rio can work you over slowly and precisely, while Swagger has a similar attack but can hit more explosive moves out of nowhere. The biggest difference is that Del Rio is a striker from his feet and legs, while Swagger uses his upper body strength to ground his opponent. We knew outside interference would be apart of it. Zeb gave Swagger a Kendo Stick to strike Del Rio with. After a few strikes, Swagger hit a Gutwrench Powerbomb for the victory. This was an excellent match to showcase the two contenders for Dolph's championship. I wish Ziggler at least had a pre-recorded promo to show him to the crowd. He is the champion, right?

Grade: B+

Randy Orton and Sheamus lost in their singles matches against Mark Henry and The Big Show. The matches were used to further the two storylines. With Mark Henry, he is targeting Sheamus, which I am a fan of. Sheamus and Henry put on great matches in 2011 and was shockingly athletic. With Orton and Show, I am not sure what to think of. On one hand, they are two established names who are not currently in the World Heavyweight Championship picture. On the other, I would much rather see Orton to face off against ZIggler. Ziggler, as a new champion, could really use a veteran and over face like Orton. Love him or hate him, fans still pop for Orton and cheer him on. He has that appeal to all of the masses. Instead, Ziggler and Orton are going to somewhat take a backseat in what they could potentially have a great few months.

Grade: B-