Dean Ambrose defeated Sheamus
Dean Ambrose kicks off Smackdown with fighting words, prompting Kane to come out and make this match. Just as it should have been booked, with Sheamus getting much of the early offense in.
He is in control heading to a break and comes back slowing down the Lunatic Fringe. Ambrose hits a suicide dive on the floor and goes to the top. Sheamus cuts him off, then he tries to slam Ambrose on the ringpost, but Ambrose sends Sheamus into it and rolls him up for the win.
With both guys needing to look strong heading into Sunday, Ambrose needed the win much more. This was similar booking to Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler at Extreme Rules and was very smart. Dean Ambrose took the brunt of the damage, but rallied like he usually does. Sheamus needs to win Sunday, not on Smackdown. I was surprised that Dolph Ziggler did not cost him. It was nice not to see a predictable ending.
Seth Rollins defeated Ryback
Bray Wyatt attacks “The Big Guy” before the match and we hit a commercial break unsure if the match will happen. The match does take place and Ryback is hurting throughout. Rollins hits a DDT when Ryback gets back into the ring and then follows up with a neckbreaker. Ryback slams him in the corner and hits a powerslam. With some outside distractions, Seth Rollins knees him in the head, then he superkicks. He taunts Ryback and sets up another superkick for the victory.
I liked the dynamics of this match. Ryback has the massive size advantage, but Seth Rollins was so smart at targeting the weaker areas of his opponent. Bray Wyatt attacking before the match was great. My only issue with this feud is that Ryback and Wyatt are feuding because… Give me a reason! Give me some depth and some back story to their feud.
